An international background check is likely to take longer than a domestic check. Expect five days to three weeks for an international background check. Background investigations in some countries might come through sooner, and a few could take longer.

Every employer who orders background checks on job candidates or current employees should have a written background check policy.

A written background check policy must be:

• Based on legal requirements.

• Thorough.

• Fair.

• Applied uniformly

Complying with federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws and regulations is as important as anything an employer does while hiring and in ordering a background check on a job candidate.