Even though I did not apply to EPIK, which requires an apostilled background check (now formally known as a Criminal Record Check or Criminal History Report, both of which just sound pretentious in my opinion), I am planning on getting a background check as a just in case for my other TEFL applications. It seems that several countries' visa requirements--especially Asia--include a background check of some sort. Background checks are valid for six months (from the start date of your contract), so if you are wanting to start a TEFL job in August, you can get one now.
(Alas, I just cancelled my dental insurance only to find out that I have cavities that need to be filled. As such, I will be waiting until next month to do my CRC. Darn.)
But, in my research so far regarding getting your background check, it is easiest to go through an FBI-approved channeler. It will be a bit more expensive (ranging from $50-100) but it will come a lot faster than trusting that to the FBI office alone. Now, in terms of getting the fingerprinting for your background check there are several options. You can do biometric fingerprints which then are automatically sent to the FBI or a a background check service. You can do electronic fingerprinting and have the copies either emailed (as a PDF) or mailed to you. And finally, you can be old school. Get the ink on your fingers and do an actual card. This can be done at a local police station. There are even business (such as mailing facilities) that specialize in fingerprinting for a cheaper price.
Of all of these options, I am leaning toward the old school fingerprinting. It is the cheapest. I'll be on the safe side and do two cards worth of prints, just in case one is not readable. I emailed a biometrics company about doing them there (which was in Denver, so that wasn't exactly a selling point) and they are extremely particular on the reason why you need one done. Alas, not worth the effort or gas money. So, do your research! Find out what works best for you and your budget. There will be a lot of options to choose from.
(Alas, I just cancelled my dental insurance only to find out that I have cavities that need to be filled. As such, I will be waiting until next month to do my CRC. Darn.)
But, in my research so far regarding getting your background check, it is easiest to go through an FBI-approved channeler. It will be a bit more expensive (ranging from $50-100) but it will come a lot faster than trusting that to the FBI office alone. Now, in terms of getting the fingerprinting for your background check there are several options. You can do biometric fingerprints which then are automatically sent to the FBI or a a background check service. You can do electronic fingerprinting and have the copies either emailed (as a PDF) or mailed to you. And finally, you can be old school. Get the ink on your fingers and do an actual card. This can be done at a local police station. There are even business (such as mailing facilities) that specialize in fingerprinting for a cheaper price.
Of all of these options, I am leaning toward the old school fingerprinting. It is the cheapest. I'll be on the safe side and do two cards worth of prints, just in case one is not readable. I emailed a biometrics company about doing them there (which was in Denver, so that wasn't exactly a selling point) and they are extremely particular on the reason why you need one done. Alas, not worth the effort or gas money. So, do your research! Find out what works best for you and your budget. There will be a lot of options to choose from.
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