Document Preparation

You can obtain a background check from a local, state or national(FBI) organization. Generally, the local police station is the fastest, while the state police may take a couple weeks. If you are overseas or your employer requires it, you can get an FBI background check. Here is the link to more info about FBI Background Check. If you reside overseas or need to expedite your FBI background check, we suggest to use a Channeler.

To apply for a background check through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, go to www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/steps-obtain-certified-criminal-record-or-vulnerable-sector-vs-check. You do not need the national level check for teaching in China. Make sure that your criminal record check is dated within 6 months from the time you apply for your work visa. You can also apply whether you are residing in Canada or overseas.

You can apply for criminal background check at a local police station or apply for the Basic Disclosure here https://www.mygov.scot/basic-disclosure/apply-for-basic-disclosure/. If you are overseas, it may be easier to apply for the Criminal Record Check by ACRO at https://acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

You can obtain a background check through your local police station or through the Australian National Police at www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks

You can obtain a background check through your local police station. To apply for a national police background check, go to https://www.justice.govt.nz/criminal-records/get-your-own/

Irish people must submit a Police Certificate from the Garda. CRCs must have an issue date that is within 6 months of the applicant’s visa application date. Police Certificates usually take 30 days to process, so it is very important to order their checks when your recruiter tells you to. You can get information on obtaining a Police Certificate at www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx@Page=2742&Lang=1

You can obtain a background check through the South African police department at https://saps.gov.za/services/applying_clearance_certificate.php

1. Have your documents notarized by a local notary. They do not need to notarize the original. It is acceptable to get a notarized copy of the document. However, you will need to show the original to the notary.
2. Get your documents certified by the Secretary of State’s office. All documents must be certified by the Secretary of State’s office in the state where the document was issued. They will verify the notarization received in step 1 and put a seal on the notarized document. If your documents are issued in the following states, Washington DC, Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming; you will need to get your documents authenticated by US Department of State.
3. . Get your documents authenticated by Chinese Embassy/Consulate after completing step 2. For this step, if you do not live near the Capitol City and/or near a Chinese consulate, it will be more affordable to use a visa agent. For Teach Recruiting recommends www.mychinavisa.com

1. Have your documents notarized by a local notary public, lawyer or Commissioner of Oaths of Canada.
2. The notarized documents need to be authenticated by the Authentication and Service of Documents Section of Global Affairs Canada, if the applicant would like to authenticate the document at the Embassy. The notarized document shall be authenticated by the authentication office of the corresponding territory.
3. The document shall be authenticated by the Chinese Embassy if it has been authenticated by the authentication of the Global Affairs Canada. If the document has been authenticated by one of the local authentication office, then it should be authenticated by the Chinese Consulates in accordance with its consular jurisdiction.

If you do not live near a consulate, we advise using www.mychinavisa.ca to complete the third step for you.

1. You need to get your documents notarized by a solicitor or public notary in the UK.
2. . After the documents have been notarized, you must take them to get authenticated by the Foreign Commonwealth Office. The FCO will attach an apostille to your documents after verification.
3. Once your documents are apostilled(authenticated) by the Foreign Commonwealth Office, take your documents to the Chinese Embassy to receive the Chinese authentication.

If you need assistance in authenticating your documents, or reside overseas, you can go to www.visaforchina.org/LON_EN