How Do US Citizens Obtain a Criminal Background Check for Teaching English Abroad?

As an English teacher overseas, there is about a 50/50 chance you will need to obtain some kind of US criminal record check before or during the hiring process. For instance, a US criminal background check is required to qualify for a visa in countries such as South Korea. It is also very likely that the individual school that hires you request a background check.

For Americans teaching English abroad, the most common type of background check required is an FBI criminal background check, also known as an Identity History Summary Check.

What is an FBI background Check?

An FBI background check is a comprehensive review of an individual's criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. It verifies criminal history and is often required for employment, immigration, or licensing purposes.

Watch the video to learn more about what a US criminal record check is:

For some countries or English language schools abroad, a local or state criminal background check will suffice. However, an FBI criminal background check is recommended or required in most instances, especially for those interested in teaching English in Asia. It's also possible that you will need to obtain some kind of criminal record check locally in the country where you decide to teach once you arrive. In those cases, the school that hires you will likely direct you on where to obtain the check; most of the time at a local police station or government office.

How to Apply for an FBI Criminal Background Check

How to Get an FBI Background Check

You can apply for an FBI criminal background check by visiting the official FBI website and following the application instructions.

How Long Does an FBI Background Check Take?

The processing time can vary depending on which route you choose. Current processing times for: 

• Online request: can be completed within 48 days of visiting an approved location for electronic fingerprint, or if you opt to mail your fingerprints, your report will be ready 15 days after the FBI receives them.
• Mail Request: can take up to 20 days or more

However, it's always best to give yourself ample time to request your FBI background check and allow extra time for mail delivery of your FBI report. In addition, it's important to consider that, in some circumstances, it is required for the background check to be no more than 6 months old; therefore, plan accordingly, depending on your timeline.

For quicker results and streamlined processes, you can obtain your FBI criminal background check through an FBI-approved channelers that can expedite the process for an additional fee.

Can I Get an FBI Background Check from Abroad?

You can apply for your FBI background check from abroad by submitting your fingerprints through an approved channeler or getting them taken at the local police station abroad. We recommend checking the US embassy and consulate website of your specific destination. Oftentimes, they provide you with locations of the local police stations that offer these services. The process may vary and typically involves particular procedures for applicants living outside the United States. 

Applications for an FBI Criminal History Check must include a set of your fingerprints on the Standard Fingerprint Form (FD-1164). It can be downloaded from the FBI's website. 

Electronic submissions for a US criminal record check from abroad are now permitted too.

PLEASE NOTE: Many times, criminal background checks for teaching English abroad are required to have an apostille, a certification used to authenticate a document for international use further. If an apostille is required when applying for the FBI criminal background check, check to see if the processing agency can help you. If not, you will need to obtain the apostille once you receive the background check.

Be sure to talk with your International TEFL Academy Admissions Advisor if you have any questions about whether or not you need a background check before you head abroad. 

Go Further:

• Teaching abroad with a criminal record
• Top job markets to teach English abroad
• Where to make the most money teaching English overseas
• How much money you can earn teaching English abroad