You found the perfect person for the job. You are ready to hire them. But first, you need to do a background check. This often leads to a big question for everyone involved. So, how long can a background check take? This guide will explain the process and the timelines you can expect.
What a Background Check Includes
A background check confirms a person’s identity and history. It helps keep workplaces and communities safe. A good background check often includes a few different searches:
- Identity Check: This confirms that a person’s name and Social Insurance Number (SIN) are real.
- Criminal Record Check: This looks for criminal records at the local, provincial, or federal level.
- Past Job Check: This confirms where a person has worked before.
- Education Check: This makes sure a person has the degrees they claim to have.
- Credit Report: This looks at a person’s credit history, which is important for jobs that handle money.
The Type of Check Matters
The type of check you choose is the biggest factor in how long it takes. Some are fast, while others need more time.
Quick Checks (Minutes to Hours)
Some checks are very fast because they use digital databases. A SIN trace or a national criminal record check can give you results almost instantly.
Standard Checks (2-5 Business Days)
Searches like a provincial criminal record check or calling a past employer fall into this group. They take longer because they often need a person to help. Someone may need to contact a courthouse or a past job to get the right information.
Detailed Checks (Up to Several Weeks)
Sometimes, a check can take a week or more. This happens with international searches or if you need to check a long and detailed job history. Federal-level checks can also take more time.
Key Factors That Cause Delays
Even with a standard check, a few things can cause delays.
Delays at Courthouses
Not every courthouse is digital. Some courts require a clerk to search through paper files by hand. This can add days to the process and create hiring delays.
Mistakes on the Form
Simple mistakes cause big delays. If a candidate enters the wrong birth date or misspells a name, we must pause the check. We have to find the correct information before the check can continue.
Waiting for Others
The process often depends on other people. A background check company needs records from old schools or past jobs. If those places are slow to reply, the check will take longer. This is a very common reason for a delay.
Following the Rules
We must follow rules, like Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). For example, you must get a candidate’s permission before you can start a check.
How to Speed Up the Background Check Process
Here are a few tips to help you get results faster.
- Tell Your Candidate: Let the person know you will run a check. Ask them to look for an email and to fill out the forms as soon as they can.
- Check All Information: Make sure the application form is filled out completely. A complete and correct form is the key to a fast start.
- Work With a Good Screening Company: The right partner makes all the difference. A service like Fastkey uses smart technology to get information quickly. This reduces manual work and cuts down the time you have to wait.
Final Thoughts
So, how long can a background check take? It usually takes a few business days. The exact time depends on the type of search you need and other factors. While you may want to rush, accuracy and following the law are most important.