FBI background checks and you

So this is very step is the literal bottleneck of everything having to do with teaching language overseas.  The FBI check ensure that your potential employer overseas knows you are not dangerous or have legal baggage attached to you.  It isn't a judgmental thing, it is just business.  So here is what you need to get things done.

At one time all you needed were state background checks to work overseas.  However, much like everything else pedophiles ruined it by jumping one state over and getting their checks done in a state where there name wasn't plastered all over familywatchdog.us.

First you need to fill out the FBI check form which you can find here.  
You also need to write out on the application form that you are planning to get your check apostilled and that you need the seal and signature of a division official of the FBI so that it can be apostilled.  Make sure to write on your background check form
By the way the way you pronounce apostilled is ah - poss - steal - ed, the more you know!

Next you need to get your finger prints done.  This step actually caused Manda and I a lot of grief when we attempted to get our finger prints done at a local police station.  The woman seemed suspicious of why we wanted to get them done, and wouldn't cooperate when we asked to get more information about where we could actually do them.  Luckily there was a prison near by so all we had to do was commit a felony and we were on our way to getting our prints done!
In actuality we visited the Sheriffs office which was connect to the prison which let us do our finger prints for free (where as you can get charged by some places).  We also printed out our cards using card stock, however I think it would be best to call ahead and see if your local Sheriff's office or perhaps state police office has any cards on hand.

Now for each background check you have to get they will each cost you $18.00 which and this is important you cannot pay using cash or personal checks  the FBI will simply call you up, and force you to send in a money order or travelers check.  This will delay you even more so don't do it, because if you're anything like us waiting on the FBI check is torturous enough as it is.  Oh and about the waiting...


Send those documents out as soon as you can, the documents take two to three months to come back, and that is if you did everything correctly.  If you don't want to wait quite as long you can send your documents out via the UPS store (or any other mail sending agency).  If you send it express it will get there with the quickness, and you must pay for the return trip or it will take even longer.  Expect to shell out some pretty penny for to get all of this sent out.


Now it is simply the waiting game of getting your checks back.  Let me tell you though it drags like you wouldn't believe.