Thinking about coming to China to teach? Follow these steps to obtain a criminal background check, one of the requirements get a China work visa.
Obtaining a criminal check is just one of the many steps required before you can apply for a China work visa. This all-important document goes by many names around the world. It can be referred to as a:
- Criminal background check
- Police clearance certificate
- Criminal history check
- No criminal record check and even
- Certificate of lack of criminal record
They are all basically the same thing: an official document issued by your home country or country of residence stating that you have no prior criminal records. A criminal background check is required when applying for a work visa in China to ensure that individuals with criminal records do not enter and work there.
The procedure for obtaining a criminal record check differs depending on your country of origin. However, before proceeding with the step-by-step guides, it is essential to note that some general requirements must be met.
When applying for your visa, ensure that your criminal record check meets the following criteria:
- It should not be older than 6 months from the date it was issued until you apply for your visa.
- It should be from your current country of residence and any other country or countries where you have resided for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
- It should be authenticated by the issuing authority.
As of November 2023, when China Joined The Hague Convention, you no longer need to have the document legalised by a Chinese Embassy or Visa Centre.
It is important to note that in the past, minor or outdated violations found on a criminal background check did not necessarily lead to the automatic rejection of a work visa application. Each case was evaluated on an individual basis. However, the situation has changed. Recently, China has strengthened its regulations, and now, a potential teacher’s criminal background check must be completely clean for them to be eligible for a visa.
Table of Contents
🇮🇪 How Can I Get a Criminal Background Check from Ireland?
The luck of the Irish is at it again. Ireland has one of the easiest procedures to obtain a criminal record check for your Chinese Visa!
In Ireland, a criminal background check is officially called a Police Certificate. If you’ve lived in Ireland for at least six months within the last five years, you’ll need to obtain this certificate, usually by requesting it from your local Garda Station.
Before you proceed, make sure your Police Certificate is no more than six months old when you submit your visa application. While Garda certificates are considered valid for one year in Ireland, China requires them to be issued within six months of the application date.
The entire process, including authentication (apostille), can take up to a month. However, if you have a good relationship with your local Garda station staff, you might receive the certificate much sooner, possibly within a few days.
Police Certificates in Ireland are issued free of charge.
How to Apply from Ireland
To get a Police Certificate in Ireland, issued by the Garda (Ireland’s National Police and Security Service), follow these steps:
- Apply in Person: Visit your nearest Garda Station to submit your application (download the PDF here). If you can’t go in person, you can authorize someone else to apply on your behalf. When you make the application, request that the document be handed to you already notarized to avoid making a second trip.
- Submit Your Application: Address your application to the Superintendent of your local district. If you have lived in multiple locations, you may need to contact each relevant district. Be sure to mention the purpose of your request (e.g., for your China work visa).
- Provide the Required Documents: Make sure you include the following with your application:
- A certified copy of your passport.
- Proof of your current or past residential addresses.
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope so the Garda can mail the certificate to you.
- Wait for the Certificate to Be Issued: The Garda typically processes Police Certificates quickly, often within a few days, but it can take up to three weeks. When you receive your document, check for a blue stamp at the bottom left-hand side of the page, indicating that it has been notarized.
- Legalize (Apostille) Your Police Certificate: After obtaining your notarized Police Certificate, you’ll need to have it legalized (apostilled) by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- In-Person: Visit the Legalization Office in Cork or Dublin during specific hours for quick service, usually taking about 30 minutes.
- Drop-Off Service: If you’re near the office but can’t visit during service hours, drop off your documents and follow the instructions for later pickup or return by mail.The apostille stamp costs €40, and the process typically takes about one week. If you prefer a hassle-free option, you can use a document legalization agency like Apostille to handle this step for you.
- Courier Mail: Send your document, cover letter, and payment via courier service.
- Keep Your Receipts: If your teaching job package includes reimbursement for visa application fees, make sure to keep all your receipts.
How to Apply from Abroad
If you’re currently living abroad but have resided in Ireland for more than six months within the past five years, follow these steps:
- Contact the Garda Superintendent: Contact the superintendent of the district where you previously lived in Ireland. Request a Police Certificate specifically for your China Work Visa, as this is usually the only reason they will release a criminal background check on a former resident abroad.
- Get Assistance If Needed: If you encounter difficulties or if you’re applying from Northern Ireland, visit the official Garda website for support. The Garda are known to assist those facing challenges in obtaining their background checks.
- Legalize Your Certificate: Once you have the Police Certificate, consider using a legalization service like Apostille.ie. They can handle the authentication of your document by the Department of Foreign Affairs and arrange for it to be couriered to you, wherever you are. This service is also useful if you’re still in Ireland but want to avoid traveling back to your former district.
🇬🇧 How Can I Get a Criminal Background Check from the UK?
When applying for teaching positions in China, you may be required to provide a criminal background check.
There are two main types of criminal background checks in the UK:
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check (Basic Disclosure): This is the most basic criminal background check in the UK.
- ACRO Police Certificate: This certificate is more comprehensive and is specifically for UK nationals seeking work or residency abroad.
Why Choose an ACRO Police Certificate Over a DBS Check?
Historically, Chinese employers accepted the DBS check. However, more recently, Chinese employers are increasingly requesting an ACRO Police Certificate because it provides a more comprehensive record, including criminal activities carried out abroad but reported to the UK Criminal Records Office. Since the time frame for obtaining both certificates is similar, it’s often better to apply directly for an ACRO Police Certificate to avoid rejection.
Applying for a DBS (Basic Disclosure) Check
A DBS check costs £23 and is available to residents of England and Wales.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility: Applicants must be over 16 years old. This aligns with China’s teaching age requirements: 18 to 55 years for women and 18 to 60 years for men.
- Requirements:
- The background check must be no more than six months old.
- It should be issued by the relevant authority.
- You need one from any country where you’ve lived for six months or more in the last five years.
Documents Needed for a DBS Application:
- Address details (with dates) for all places lived in England or Wales in the past five years.
- National Insurance number.
- Driving license or passport for ID verification.
- Proof of address (utility bill or driving license).
- Payment fee (online payments accepted).
Methods of Applying for a DBS Check:
- Online (Recommended) – Link here
- Fastest and easiest method.
- If your identity cannot be verified online, you might need a brief video call.
- By Mail
- Slowest and least reliable option.
- Send all required documents and the completed application form to the following address: DBS applications, PO Box 3961, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 4HF
- Through a Responsible Organization
- Accredited agencies can handle the process on your behalf for a fee of £65 to £75.
- Useful if you are abroad and need third-party verification.
Applying for an ACRO Police Certificate
An ACRO Police Certificate is recommended if you plan to work or reside abroad for an extended period. It is more comprehensive than a DBS check. Here’s how to apply:
Documents Needed for an ACRO Police Certificate Application:
- Proof of current address (even if outside the UK).
- Recent passport-type color photo.
- Color copy of your passport.
- Address history for the past ten years.
- National Insurance or Driver’s License number (if available).
Application Process:
- Online: Ensure all documents are ready before starting, as you have only 60 minutes to complete the process.
- By Mail: Download and print the application form from the official website.
- Cost: £65 for a standard application or £95 for expedited service.
Final Steps: Legalizing Your Criminal Background Check
Once you’ve received your criminal background check, you need to go through the following steps before it’s accepted in China:
- Legalization: Get it legalized by the Chinese government to ensure its validity for use in China.
- Notarization: Have your document notarized by a solicitor or public notary in the UK.
- Authentication: Authenticate the certificate at the UK Government’s Legalisation Office.
🇺🇸 How Can I Get a Criminal History Check from the US?
The USA has the most complicated and time-consuming criminal record check and authentication procedure.
Unsurprisingly, many US residents and citizens opt for the services of a ‘channeler’ instead of dealing directly with the relevant authorities. This is because the process can be very long and complicated.
Just bear with us as we quickly guide you through this!
US Criminal History Check – An Overview
- The US issues criminal background checks on three levels: local (from the Sheriff’s Office), State (from the State Police Office) and Federal (from the FBI).
- Ask your new school which level they would require from you (if you are applying for a job and have not yet started getting your criminal background check). If you’re lucky, a local or State-level check will suffice – these are the easiest/fastest certificates to get.
- In most cases, schools and teaching institutions in China will accept an FBI criminal background check, while some will accept a local and State-level check.
- If you want to get the ball rolling early, start your FBI procedure asap, and you can be sure you’ll have the correct document by the time you find the right job.
- Once you have the certificate, you’ll need to have it authenticated and/or notarised – again, ask your employer if they require both procedures done. Sometimes, a school may only require a criminal background check from the USA to be notarised, and not authenticated, which saves you some time.
- The procedure for getting a criminal background check is consistent throughout the country, yet authentication requirements differ by State.
- All criminal background checks at the Federal level (i.e. issued by the FBI) MUST be authenticated by the US Department of State in Washington, DC. If you live in another State, you must do this by mail.
- If you have an FBI-issued document, it must be authenticated by the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC. The embassy does not accept mail, so if you don’t live nearby, you will have to use a dedicated agency that can do this for you (yes, they exist!)
- For local and State-level criminal checks, you can authenticate it at your nearest Chinese Consulate (i.e., it doesn’t have to be the embassy in Washington).
When applying for a teaching position in China, you may need to provide a criminal background check. There are two main types of criminal background checks available in the USA:
- Local/State Criminal Background Check
- FBI Identity History Summary Check (Federal-level background check)
Local/State Criminal Background Check
A state-level criminal background check, also known as a Certificate of Good Conduct or Lack of Criminal Record Certificate, is issued by your local or state police office. Here’s how to apply:
Steps to Apply for a Local/State Criminal Background Check:
- Visit Your Local or State Police Office
- Obtain the necessary forms for a state-level criminal background check.
- Inform the police that you need this certificate specifically for a China working visa so they can word it appropriately.
- Request the document to be notarized at the time of issue to save an additional step later.
- Processing Time
- Most states issue the certificate within 2-3 days.
- Additional Verification (If Required)
- In some states, such as Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, and New York, you may need to send the documents to the County Clerk for verification.
- Certification at the Office of the Secretary of State
- Visit your local Office of the Secretary of State to get the document certified. This is often the only certification needed on the U.S. side.
- Use the Document for Your China Work Visa Application
- Ensure that you use the criminal background check within six months of its issue date. The Chinese visa process can be slow, so avoid waiting until the certificate is close to expiring.
FBI Identity History Summary Check (Federal-Level Background Check)
For a more comprehensive criminal background check, you may need the FBI’s Identity History Summary Check, also known as a “Rap Sheet.” This is the highest-level background check and is often recommended for those applying for work visas abroad.
Steps to Apply for an FBI Criminal Background Check:
- Get Your Fingerprints Taken
- Make an appointment at your local police station for fingerprinting.
- Inform them that the fingerprints are for a Federal-level criminal background check.
- If possible, request two hard copies of the live scan print.
- Expect to pay around $90 for fingerprinting services.
- Apply Directly Through the FBI
- You can apply for the Identity History Summary Check online, via mail, or through an authorized agent.
- Complete the application form, including your fingerprints and payment slip (the fee is $18).
- Follow the instructions on the official FBI website for submission.
- Authentication by the U.S. Department of State
- Once you receive the FBI document, send it to the Office of Authentication in Washington, DC, for certification.
- This process can take about eight weeks.
- Estimated Time Frame
- The entire process of obtaining and authenticating a federal criminal background check can take up to two months.
Recommendations
- For FBI Checks: Best if you want a comprehensive background check with a higher likelihood of acceptance for a China work visa.
- For Local/State Checks: Ideal if you need a quicker solution and the requirements in your state are straightforward.
🇨🇦 How Can I Get a Criminal Record Check from Canada?
If you have resided in Canada for an extended period in recent years, you must obtain your criminal background record to apply for a China work visa. If you have resided in Canada for an extended period in recent years, you must obtain your criminal background record from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The document must be:
- Not more than six months old from issuing date
- Notarized in Canada
- Authenticated by the Canadian Government
Procedure for obtaining a criminal background check while in Canada
- Visit and apply at a local police station: The police station in your area can assist you with initiating the process. After supplying your personal information, they will determine if that is enough to verify your identity. If not (for example, if someone else has the same name and birthdate as you), fingerprinting will be necessary. Not all stations provide this service, but they can inform you where to go if they cannot.
- IF you need your fingerprints taken: In this case, you will receive what’s known as a Certified Criminal Record Check. Do note that any fingerprints handed over are used solely to confirm your identity and are not entered/stored in the police database. If you must get a certified record check, you must also specify that you need it for a China working visa application. This is essential because the amount of personal info the certificate releases depends on its intended use.
- IF you don’t have a criminal record: You can expect to receive your document within just a couple of days if your ID is accepted AND you have no record. If you need prints taken, but don’t have a record then you can still expect it to take 2-3 days from the completed application date.
- IF you do have a criminal record: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) states that if you have a criminal record, your application will take three months to be processed. You will not be granted a visa to teach in China if you have a criminal record. In the past, applications from people with a criminal record were considered on a case-by-case basis, and minor convictions were not necessarily grounds for rejection. However, this is no longer the case; regardless of severity, any criminal record will result in a visa denial. We suggest you cut your losses at this stage and stop your China work visa application process.
- Have the certificate notarized: You can do this through a solicitor, notary public, or a Commissioner of Oaths – all easy to find locally with a quick Google search. Bring the original and a photocopy to your appointment.
- Have the certificate authenticated by the Canadian Government: Finally, you must have the document authenticated by the Authentication Office of Global Affairs. The department offers authentication free of charge but has been suffering chronic delays in the last couple of years. Instead of getting the document back in a couple of days, you should factor in a two-week waiting period as a minimum. The office requests you do not write to ask for a status update until at least 25 days have passed. So it’s not uncommon for it to take a month!
Getting a criminal background check from Canada, if abroad
If you’re applying for a China visa and you’re currently outside of Canada, but you’re either a Canadian citizen or have lived in Canada for at least six months within the past five years, you can still obtain a criminal background check.
Follow these steps to get your Canadian criminal record check from abroad:
- Find a Fingerprint Service: Start by locating an accredited fingerprinting service near you. This could be a local police station or an international service like the Fingerprint Room.
- Get Your Fingerprints Taken: Make sure that the fingerprint card includes:
- Prints of all ten fingers, using black ink.
- The name and address of the agency you visited.
- The name and signature of the official who took your prints.
- Send Fingerprints to Canada: Once you have your fingerprints, contact an accredited fingerprinting company in Canada to convert your paper prints into digital format for processing. Here’s a handy list of Canadian agencies that can help.
- Check with Canadian Consulates: Some Canadian consulates abroad offer full-service criminal background checks. It’s a good idea to confirm this option first. If they don’t offer this service, proceed with the accredited agency route.
- Processing Time: Expect your Canadian criminal background check to take at least three months when applying from abroad.
🇦🇺 How Can I Get a National Police Check from Australia?
Obtaining a National Police Check in Australia is a straightforward process, but keep in mind that applications are no longer accepted at police stations.
Steps to Apply for a National Police Check (NPC)
- Choose Your Application Method
- Application Options and Costs
- Apply through the Australian Federal Police website.
- The cost for a National Police Check is:
- AU$47 if fingerprints are not required.
- AU$104 if fingerprints are required.
- Digital vs. Hard Copy Certificate
- National Police Checks are typically delivered via email as a secure PDF file.
- If you require notarization, select the hard copy option during the application process, as digital certificates cannot be notarized.
- Notarization
- Have the hard copy of your National Police Check notarized by a local notary public.
- Apostille Certification
- After notarization, have the document authenticated (apostilled) by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) office in your nearest capital city.
- The current fee for an apostille is AUD 98 per document.
🇳🇿 How Can I Get a Criminal Background Check from New Zealand?
In New Zealand, applying for a criminal background check is a straightforward process, and the best part is that it’s free!
Steps to Apply for a Criminal Conviction History
- Complete the Application Form
- Fill in the Criminal Conviction History form online through the Ministry of Justice website.
- Ensure that you have all the required documents ready before starting the online application.
- Applying by Mail
- If you prefer to submit your application by mail, follow the directions provided on the Ministry of Justice website.
- Send your completed application to the following postal address:
- Criminal Record Applications EX 11064 Auckland
- Processing Time
- It typically takes a maximum of three weeks to receive your criminal background check.
- Apostille Certification
- Once you receive your document, have it apostilled by the Department of Internal Affairs Apostille (Authentication Unit) to ensure its validity for international use.
🇿🇦 How Can I Get a Criminal Background Check from South Africa?
The South Africa Police Department can issue your criminal background check, called a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). The fee is 170 Rand.
Follow these steps to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in South Africa:
- Complete the Application Form
- Print and fill out the PCC application form.
- Under “REASON FOR APPLICATION,” specify that you’re applying for a China work visa to ensure the document meets foreign visa requirements.
- For “METHOD FOR RETURN OF CERTIFICATE,” select ‘keep for collection by applicant (or nominated person)’ for the fastest results.
- Obtain Fingerprints
- Visit your nearest police station to request a SAPS 91(a) fingerprint inquiry form and have your fingerprints taken.
- If you’re outside South Africa, contact your nearest South African embassy for guidance.
- Get a Certified Copy of Your Passport
- Have a copy of your South African passport certified at a police station (free of charge).
- Bring your passport copy to the fingerprint appointment to complete both steps at once.
- Submit Your Application
- In Person in Pretoria: The fastest way to get your PCC is to submit your application directly at the SAPS head office in Pretoria:
- South African Police Service
- Bothongo Plaza West
- CRC Client Service Centre
- 1st Floor, Room 14
- 271 Francis Baard Street
- Pretoria
- Courier Option: If you cannot visit Pretoria, use a courier service to submit your application and have the certificate returned to you. Include your local mobile number to receive SMS updates on your application status.
- The Head: Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)
- South African Police Service
- Private Bag X308
- Pretoria
- South Africa
- 0001
- Submit at Your Nearest Police Station
- The slowest method is to apply at your local police station, where they will forward your application to Pretoria. Once the certificate is ready, they’ll notify you to collect it.
- In Person in Pretoria: The fastest way to get your PCC is to submit your application directly at the SAPS head office in Pretoria:
- Have your document apostilled by the DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa). Their services are free of charge.
Currently, the SAPS website states a 15-day turnaround for PCC applications, but in practice, it often takes up to four weeks.
🇨🇳 How Can I Get a Criminal Background Check from China?
Although you might not want to think about the logistics of leaving China before you’ve even arrived, it’s important to be prepared. If you plan to switch schools while in China, a potential employer may require a local criminal record check, especially if you’ve been in the country for more than six months and your previous records from your home country are no longer valid.
Key Points about the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in China
- The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is also known as a No Criminal Record (NCR) or 无犯罪记录证明书.
- PCCs in China are issued for the time you lived in a specific city, not for a province or the entire country (with the exception of Guangdong province, which provides state-wide clearances).
- If you’ve lived in multiple cities, you may need to apply for separate PCCs for each location, depending on the duration of your stay.
Understanding the Requirements
- Requirements for obtaining a PCC vary significantly by city and province.
- Each city may have its own rules and procedures for issuing criminal background checks, and these rules are often not published publicly.
- To find out the specific requirements, you must directly inquire at the Public Security Bureau (PBS) office in each city where you’ve lived.
Steps to Obtain a Chinese Criminal Background Check
- Visit the Public Security Bureau (PBS) Office
- Go to the nearest PBS office and request a Police Clearance Certificate.
- They will provide information on the required documents and the steps to follow.
- Notarization and Translation
- Once you have your PCC, take it to a notary public to get the document notarized.
- Have the notarized PCC translated into English or any other language you require.
Tips for a Smooth Process
- City-Specific Requirements: You cannot obtain a PCC until you know the specific city where you will be teaching, as the requirements and procedures vary by location.
- Start Early: Obtaining a criminal background check in China can be a time-consuming and bureaucratic process. It’s best to start as soon as you have secured a job offer.
- Plan Ahead: Avoid rushing through this process, as trying to complete it in a few weeks can be stressful, costly, and may lead to mistakes.