How long does international background check take?

[Kiwi1 4]

I'm wondering if anyone else has any experience with generally how long an international back ground check takes for a job? I am currently undergoing an international background check for the job position I have been offered. The back ground check has been out sourced to a back ground checking company and has been just over a month now. When I call my employer they say my back ground is still being checked...is this a normal waiting time or am I being taken for a ride? Any experience would be much appreciated!

[Flaxen 2]

Hi fellow kiwi

I work within the Dept of Human services here in Oregon and had to go through two state back ground checks. My work is connected to young children and child protective services so pretty thorough. The first background check done by the state of Oregon usually takes a couple of weeks. The DHS background check has taken a couple of months for other staff though mine took from memory around a month. My background check for DHS involved fingerprinting for the upteenth time an FBI check.

If the job offer comes in writing and/or from a reputable organization I'd just be patient. Things work strangely here compared to what I was familiar with in NZ!

Good luck.

[Kiwi1 4]

Thanks Flaxen for your feedback! My line of work is as a technician in the Automotive field so I can't imagine my back ground check would be as strict as your check being involved in Childcare but I guess I don't know to what degree they are doing the back ground check to so like you said, I just need to be patient! Seems like all I do in this process is 'be patient' ?

[mrszorak44 7]

I just got my EAD and my employer told me that they're still waiting for the international background check. I told them I have my local police clearance which I acquired when me and my then-Fiancé (now husband) were applying for a K-1 visa. They accepted it and let me start working. I guess it's different from every company, depends if they are not strict or not?