How long does it take to run a background check?

[rkhan1990]

Hi Everyone,

I had my interview at UT Health San Antonio on March 28th over Skype (very short notice and I am currently not in the USA), and the committee told me that- after the interview, if I am accepted, they would want to run a criminal. Shortly after the interview the department coordinator sent me a form which I had to fill out and send back to run said background check (which, according to the interview means I was accepted, as per their words). It has been two weeks and I am kind of anxious that they did not send me an official acceptance letter yet. Should I be worried? and more importantly does anyone know how long this process takes? I am getting a little paranoid since I have my heart set on this program.

Any information would be much appreciated,

Thanks

[TakeruK]

It really depends on the jurisdiction doing the background check. Usually not too long. For my postdoc, I needed one from the FBI and that took 3 months---usually local or state level checks are much shorter.

But it can also take awhile to get the official letter from the University, so 2 weeks isn't a length of time to be worried.

[rkhan1990]

Thank you. I am a little worried since I would need time to re-apply for a visa to get back into the states. I don't think they run a FBI level check but regardless that was soothing to hear.

[TakeruK]

8 hours ago, rkhan1990 said:

Thank you. I am a little worried since I would need time to re-apply for a visa to get back into the states. I don't think they run a FBI level check but regardless that was soothing to hear.

Yeah, the FBI background check application specifically says that the FBI will not run background checks for employment purposes, that's for state and local authorities. For me, it was actually Canada that required me to show them my FBI background check because I lived in the US for awhile before my postdoc (i.e. for grad school).

[RunnerGrad]

Background checks can vary enormously in time.  I obtained my most recent one in 15 minutes!  Previous ones, for a higher level of security clearance (when I was applying for jobs with the RCMP in Canada) took months.

[Nat828]

I just had to get one in NY and VA, and it took them between 2-3 weeks each. I wouldn’t worry about it. Maybe contact them in a week if you haven’t heard back anything. Good luck with everything!

[Bennyjia]

On 4/14/2018 at 10:31 PM, rkhan1990 said:

Hi Everyone,

I had my interview at UT Health San Antonio on March 28th over Skype (very short notice and I am currently not in the USA), and the committee told me that- after the interview, if I am accepted, they would want to run a criminal. Shortly after the interview the department coordinator sent me a form which I had to fill out and send back to run said background check (which, according to the interview means I was accepted, as per their words). It has been two weeks and I am kind of anxious that they did not send me an official acceptance letter yet. Should I be worried? and more importantly does anyone know how long this process takes? I am getting a little paranoid since I have my heart set on this program.

Any information would be much appreciated,

Thanks

Hi! I also received a criminal background check letter after interview of UTHSC San Antonio for 2020fall. May I know if you was admitted to this program finally? I'm very anxious now. Thanks for your help!