“Tomorrow to fresh woods, and pastures new.” John Milton

The human spirit has always ventured yonder, in search of new pastures and new opportunities. Compared to the early humans, today’s new pastures come with a truckload of legalities that need to be intact to quench the thirst of the wandering human spirit. From time immemorial, humans have tended to discover new pastures in their desire to look for better lifestyle opportunities or cross borders to reunite with their loved ones, which stays true to date. Nonetheless, this dream cannot become a reality without a thorough immigration process. An immigration process helps other countries to align with your purpose of travelling and evaluate if you would be a good asset to their country.

Background Check or background verification during an immigration process is one of the most crucial steps. In this blog, we will learn the essentials of the background check for immigration in 2024 by finding out what is checked when you are moving to the USA or Australia, how visa offices perform this check, and the steps to get a police clearance certificate in Pakistan which is an essential component if you intend to migrate.

Index What Is a Background Check for Immigration? Information Checked for Immigration: USA Background Check for Australia: Police Clearance Certificate in Pakistan Conclusion FAQs

What Is a Background Check for Immigration?

During your immigration background check, the authorities will conduct security checks on your past and determine if you have met the country’s legal and ethical standards. For instance, the visa officers will look into your criminal records to ascertain if you have a clean slate by examining your employment history to verify your work experiences. and screen your educational background as well. Additionally, they will also verify your identity through official identification documents such as your passport. Background checks for immigration are crucial and unavoidable in your journey to greener pastures.

 

Information Checked for Immigration: USA

“Nearly 2.6 million people, equivalent to the population of Chicago, legally immigrated to the US in 2022. The numbers keep on increasing every year, emphasizing the human need to explore new opportunities.”
With these statistics the trend of migration becomes evident, stressing the dire need for migrants to be equipped with the knowledge of specific checks conducted by visa offices to show their eligibility.

• Background Investigation:
  USCIS - United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, conducts an investigation of the applicant upon their filing for naturalization- the act of investing an alien with the status of a national in a given state. The investigation consists of certain criminal background and security checks which include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). In addition, USCIS conducts other inter-agency criminal background and security checks on all applicants for naturalization. The background and security checks apply to most applicants and must be conducted and completed before the applicants are scheduled for their naturalization interview.

• Fingerprints:
  The first step in the application process is fingerprints which USCIS collects regardless of applicants' age. Initially, applicants receive an appointment with a local Application Support Centre (ASC) for the collection of fingerprints, photographs, and signatures. After filling out the naturalization form, USCIS notifies the applicants in written form. The fingerprints obtained are valid for 15 days only, moreover, if an applicant fails to appear for their biometric appointment without a good cause, their application is abandoned.
  

Once an ASC collects an applicant’s biometrics, USCIS submits the records to the FBI for a full criminal background check. The response from the FBI that a full criminal background check has been completed includes confirmation that:

• The applicant does not have an administrative or criminal record
• The applicant has an administrative or criminal record
• The applicant’s submitted fingerprint records have been determined unclassifiable to conduct a criminal background check and have been rejected.

A fingerprint waiver can be granted because of a medical condition, including birth defects, physical deformities, skin conditions, and psychiatric conditions. Only certain USCIS officers are authorized to grant a fingerprint waiver.

• FBI Name Checks:
  The FBI’s National Name Check Program (NNCP) includes a search against the FBI’s Universal Index (UNI), which contains personnel, administrative, applicant, and criminal files compiled for law enforcement purposes. After the biometrics, a “name check” is conducted by the FBI on all applicants, forwarding the information contained to USCIS.
  The FBI name check must be completed and cleared before an applicant for naturalization is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview. A definitive FBI name check response of “NR” (No Record) or “PR” (Positive Response) is valid for the duration of the application for which they were conducted. Definitive responses used to support other applications are valid for 15 months from the FBI process date. A new name check is required in cases where the final adjudication and naturalization have not occurred within that timeframe or the name check was processed incorrectly.
  Unfortunately, sometimes there are errors in background checks, such as offences that were supposed to be expunged. Ensure to take steps to remove inaccurate information in your background check before filing immigration paperwork with USCIS.
  This three-part immigration background check procedure is for United States immigration applicants. Several other countries — such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom — have similar procedures in place with their respective immigration agencies.
  

Background Check for Australia:

If you're planning to immigrate to Australia, the process involves similar checks:

• Criminal History: Australian visa officers will verify your legal background to ensure there are no significant offences that could affect your application.
• Employment and Education Verification: Your work and academic history will be checked to confirm the accuracy of your application.
• ID Verification: Your identity will be confirmed through various forms of official documentation.
  
  

Police Clearance Certificate in Pakistan

A Police Clearance Certificate serves as an official document that records any criminal activities (arrests, convictions, legal proceedings) of the applicant during their time residing in the country. Purposes of obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate:

• For Immigration
• For residency visa
• For higher education or admissions
• For employment
• For marriage abroad

In Pakistan, each certificate is issued to be used in a specific country. If clearance is needed for multiple countries, separate applications must be submitted. Moreover, the validity of the certificate varies as it may be mentioned on the certificate itself or determined by the requirements of the countries where it will be used. For example, Pakistan’s police clearance certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, as stated in the certificate.  The time required to issue a clearance certificate depends upon the ground verification by respective Police Departments.

 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, immigration is incomplete without background checks. These checks ensure that only individuals who meet a country's safety and ethical standards are granted entry. Understanding the nitty-gritty of immigration background checks can enhance your understanding of what to expect and help you prepare to bypass this stage of your journey smoothly.
Take the time to gather all necessary documents, such as employment and education records, and make sure your information is accurate and up-to-date. If you're working with a professional background screening service, they can assist you in compiling the necessary information and verifying your history efficiently. 

With the right preparation, you can make your immigration journey smoother and look forward to your new life abroad. Check Xperts is a background screening company that specializes in immigration screening services. Partner with Check Xperts for all your background screening needs and come a step closer to realizing your dreams.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a Character certificate and a Police certificate?
    A police clearance certificate confirms whether or not an individual has a criminal record whereas a character certificate attests to an individual's character and behaviour.
   
   
2. Can my Visa get rejected based on background checks?
   Yes, it may, however, the process is negotiable with the help of immigration attorneys.
   
   
3. How long does it take to get background checks for going abroad?
   Most international screening can take place in less than two weeks, compared to the 45-90 days for data turnaround just a few years ago. While there are exceptions, you can expect results within 8-16 days.