Fee Schedule for ESR International Screening Services:
August, 2002 (Because of the unique nature of International searches, this fee schedule is subject to change without notice.  Pricing for services in a particular country will be confirmed at the time an order is placed.)

ESR conducts international screenings for American employers who hire also hire individuals from abroad, or for employers who specialize in international recruiting.   However, ESR does not operate as an international investigative agency or provide one-time international searches. For one-time searches or due diligence investigations, ESR recommends the services of private investigators or security firms who   specialize in international due diligence searches. 

1.  Employment and education verification:  $45.00 per each verification (plus any long distance phone charges and international translation services as applicable).  If part of an ESR package, the surcharge is $35.00 per each verification

    This service requires that an applicant provide sufficient information to allow ESR to contact the employer or school.  ESR requires that an applicant supply the name of a contact person and contact phone number.  If ESR is required to conduct  independent research to locate the contact information for the employer or school, there is an additional  fee per employer or school searched. ESR also needs the applicant's phone number in the event additional information is needed.

2.  Criminal record search:

    Please note the following:
        a.  FEES:  The fees below are PER COURT in a  country and NOT for the  entire country.  Unless otherwise noted, foreign searches are conducted in each court where an applicant has  lived or worked. Very few countries have "national" criminal searches available to private employers.    If the search exceeds three courts,  ESR will first  notify the employer.
        b.  IDENTIFIERS: In order to identify the person, ESR requires full name and date of birth.  If a country has a national ID number, that may also be necessary.  For many countries, the mother's maiden name is also required.  Other countries may have other requirements, and ER will advise when necessary.
        c.  SOURCES:  ESR makes efforts to work with the best available sources of records in any country.   However, often times records are not "official" government records. Records may not be available from the government, and  sources may obtain records directly from  courts, police agencies or other government agencies depending upon the location involved. Outside of the United States, there is less  access to public records and the types of information needed for background screening. Each country has its own laws, customs and procedures for background screenings. If there is a question about the source of a record in a particular country, please contract ESR.   It is important to keep in mind that for the fees charged,  these searches are intended for employment screening only as part of a hiring program.  In  sensitive situations, where the need for a criminal record search is important for a due diligence investigation, ESR would recommend contacting an investigator in the relevant country.    
        d.  JURISDICTIONS TO SEARCH:   ESR requires sufficient information  to determine the courts to search, which typically includes past  addressees and employers.  For example, if an applicant merely indicated London, England," ESR will search the main criminal court in London. However, the main court covers very little of the actual jurisdiction of the London area  and records can be missed.  If ESR receives multiple addresses that are covered by the same court, ESR will charge just for the one search that covers the multiple addresses. Even though international criminal searches have limitations, the fact that an employer has notified an applicant a search is being conducted assists the employer in exercising due diligence.  An applicant with something to hide may either be discouraged from  applying if they believe an international check is being conducted, or it may encourage greater  honesty in the hiring process.
        e.  Turnaround time is normally 48-98 hours. In some countries there are some courts that may take longer for a variety of reasons.
        f. Fees include translation of  court documents.
        g. For most counties, the search is for felony level offenses. However, some courts do allow researchers  to obtain misdemeanors.  
        h.  If a search is needed in a country not listed, please contact ESR.  We are constantly developing  new resources all over the world.

Prices are per court searched.  Screenings may require searches in multiple courts.  PRICES AND AVAILABILITY SUBJECT TO  CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE:

Notes on Canadian criminal records.  Employers should exercise caution in working with information providers who advertise Canadian criminal searches.  In Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police  maintains the official government CCRIS system. More information is available at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/html/crimrec.htm#civil.   An official Canadian criminal record can only be obtained through the RCMP, or an authorized agency. Any unauthorized access would be difficult to defend if an applicant or employee challenged the search on privacy grounds, or if the search had to be defended in court. An employer should be careful to ascertain the source of the information.

ESR offers two types of Canadian searches:

First, ESR is able to provide a nationwide search through a recognized Canadian Agency.  A special release is required.  
Second, ESR can also offer searches of an individual Province at the court level at a reduced fee.  Not all Provinces or jurisdictions are currently available.  No special form is required.  Please contact ESR Customer service for details.

An individual in Canada may also go to a local police station and a police clearance.   It requires that fingerprints be taken.  For a helpful discussion of the procedure, please see:  http://www.police.hamilton-went.on.ca/communty/youasked/records.htm