Background Check
A background check is a review of an immigration applicant’s history to determine the individual’s admissibility to the United States.
The check is usually focused on criminal records, national security risks, immigration violations, and sometimes financial and employment history. And authorities use FBI criminal records, Interpol records, Immigration history databases (e.g., SEVIS, CBP records), and terrorist watchlists (e.g., TSA, DHS).
All foreign nationals seeking entry to the U.S., including Mexicans and Canadians applying for a TN visa, are subject to a background check. The check is done to ensure that people with questionable character who are likely to pose a risk to national security and public safety are not allowed into the U.S.
Common background check issues that can delay or jeopardize TN visa approvals include:
- Criminal history (like arrests, charges, or convictions)
- Prior immigration violations (like visa overstays or working without authorization)
- Misrepresentation or fraud (like misrepresenting employment history)
- Security concerns (such as suspected terrorism, espionage, or organized crime).
Author Jacob Sapochnick serves as the Managing Partner/CEO of a prominent law firm that focuses on immigration law. Boasting an extensive legal background spanning over a decade, he adeptly merges his enthusiasm for law with cutting-edge technology to aid clients worldwide in their journey to immigrate to the United States.
