A police clearance certificate can show you if you have been arrested and had any legal trouble during your time in a particular area. It tells you about arrests, why, and the result of the arrest even if you don’t have a record. When you want a family-based or marriage-based green card from abroad, you’ll also need to present a police clearance certificate from the countries where you’ve been living (even if you don’t have any records).
Criminal history: If you are a criminal, you can still get a green card, but you have to know the rules of the game for criminal-offender applicants.
Who Must Submit a Police Clearance Certificate?
A police clearance certificate usually is required for a family member who wants a green card from outside the U.S. You must submit a copy of the certificate to the National Visa Center (NVC) and take the original or certified copy with you to your green card interview. In addition, You don’t have to bring a police clearance certificate if you want to get a green card in the U.S. when you’re inside the country.
You have to provide a police clearance certificate from one of these countries even if you have never been arrested if you are 16 years old or over:
- Your home country (if you were there for more than 6 months at all).
- The country you currently live in (if you haven’t moved there in the past 6 months).
- Anything you’ve been to for 12 months and where you were at least 16 when you were there.
- Any nation you’ve ever been arrested in, no matter how long ago you were there and even how old you were at the time you were arrested.
How Old Does The Police Clearance Certificate Have To Be?
All police clearance certificates should be less than 2 years old. If it’s more than two years old when you submit it for your green card interview, and if you’re living in or have already moved to the country that granted you the certificate, you’ll need a new one.
Why Should I Use The Police Certificate In A Language Other Than English?
If you don’t speak English and your police clearance certificate is not in English, then you will need a certified English translation.
How to get a Police Certificate
For the police clearance certificate, you have to go to the authority where you reside in the country. The U.S. Department of State lists these authorities. You will need to go to their website, click your country, and then click the “Police, Court, Prison Records” tab to learn how to acquire the certificate (including the cost and the process).
What If I Can’t Get A Police Clearance Certificate?
If you can’t obtain a police clearance certificate, state why in a notarized personal affidavit. This statement of the records needs to be in writing explaining why you couldn’t get the document unless that is exactly what the country’s laws state that such records aren’t available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Police Clearance Certificates
1. Do I have to submit a police clearance certificate for each U.S. visa I apply for?
A police clearance is needed for family green card or immigrant visa applications. But for some of the temporary visas you don’t even need one.
2. When is my police clearance certificate valid?
On average, police clearance certificates are good for two years.
3. What if my police clearance runs out before I receive my visa?
You have to get a new certificate if your certificate is older than two years when you attend your visa interview and you have to wait for a new one before your application will be processed.
What details must be included in a police clearance certificate
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an important document often required for visa or green card applications. It serves as proof of an individual’s criminal history, confirming whether they have any criminal records or outstanding charges. Here are the essential details that should be included in a Police Clearance Certificate:
Applicant’s Personal Information:
- Full name (including any aliases)
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Nationality
- Address during the period of residence
Issuing Authority Information:
- Name and address of the police department or agency issuing the certificate.
- Official stamp or seal of the issuing authority to validate the document.
Criminal Record Status:
- A clear statement indicating whether the applicant has a criminal record.
- If applicable, details of any arrests, including:
- Date of arrest
- Charges filed
- Disposition of each case (e.g., conviction, acquittal, dismissal).
Coverage Period:
The certificate should specify the period it covers, typically reflecting all relevant years of residence in that jurisdiction.
Signature and Date:
- Signature of the authorized official from the police department.
- Date of issuance of the certificate.
Translation Requirement:
If the certificate is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified translation into English.
Additional Considerations
- Validity: The PCC should be recent, and generally issued within six months prior to the visa application.
- Multiple Certificates: Applicants may need to provide PCCs from multiple countries if they have lived in different places for significant periods.
What is the purpose of a police clearance certificate
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) serves multiple important purposes, particularly in contexts related to employment, immigration, and personal assurance. Here are the primary reasons for obtaining a PCC:
1. Employment Verification
- Many employers require a PCC as part of their pre-employment screening process. It helps verify an applicant’s criminal history, ensuring they have a clean record which fosters trust and safety within the workplace.
2. Immigration and Visa Applications
- A PCC is often a mandatory requirement for visa applications, especially for those looking to immigrate or travel to another country. Immigration officials use it to assess an applicant’s criminal history and determine their eligibility for entry into the country. This certificate confirms that the individual does not have any outstanding warrants or serious criminal convictions.
3. Childcare and Volunteer Positions
- Organizations that involve working with children or vulnerable populations typically require a PCC to ensure the safety of those they serve. It confirms that volunteers or employees do not have a criminal background that could pose a risk.
4. Professional Licensing
- Certain professions, particularly in healthcare, education, and finance, require individuals to present a PCC as part of the licensing process. This helps maintain public safety and uphold professional standards by ensuring that practitioners have no relevant criminal history.
5. Personal Assurance
- Obtaining a PCC can provide individuals with peace of mind, confirming their clean legal status. This can be beneficial when applying for housing, adopting children, or participating in community activities that require background checks
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an EB-2 NIW Visa or a Diversity Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need for International travel. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
