Most Sterling background checks finish in a few business days to about two weeks, and the package decides where in that range you land. Sterling's candidate FAQ says the time depends on what the check includes. Its Canadian FAQ puts most Canadian employment checks inside a week, and its India and Australia FAQs say 10 to 15 days once all information is received.
What each part of the check takes
Criminal and public record searches are the fastest component. First Advantage, which now owns Sterling, says 90% of its US criminal and public record searches complete within one business day. Sterling describes itself on its candidate site as "Sterling, a First Advantage company."
Employment and education verification depend on someone else replying. A former employer with an HR department answers quickly. A closed business, a manager who has moved on, or a school registrar in a busy period adds days.
County court searches are the usual slow part. Where the county has digital records, a search can finish in a day. Where a clerk or court runner has to look in person, it takes longer.
What slows a Sterling check
- A county court that requires a manual search
- A former employer or school that has not responded
- A common name that produces possible matches needing extra checks
- Missing address history, or a date of birth that does not match records
- An international component, which runs on a longer clock
How to check your status
Sterling's candidate FAQ gives one route. If more than one week has passed since you completed the data collection step, use Sterling's Check My Status service with your email and the last four digits of your SSN. The service supports US candidates only.
That is the only self-service status check Sterling documents. It does not tell you what the employer will decide, and it does not replace the employer's own update.
When to ask the employer
The company that ordered the check tells you when it is complete. Sterling does not send you the final word. If you are past the range above and the employer has gone quiet, ask which components are still open rather than asking for a general update.
If your concern is whether the check will reach your current employer, read whether Sterling contacts your current employer before you raise it.
For employers
A background check that runs long can cost you a candidate who has another offer. Score and shortlist before the offer stage so the verification wait does not decide the hire. AI Candidate Evaluation keeps that comparison structured and documented.