Who Needs a Police Clearance or Criminal Record Translation?

  1. Visa Applicants

    • Many visa applications require a criminal record check translation, particularly for countries like the US, UK, and Canada.
    • Specific visa categories, such as work visas and permanent residency applications, often mandate a certified criminal record translation.

  2. Job Applications

    • Government jobs, especially in sensitive sectors like the Ministry of Justice in the UK, often require a police clearance translation.
    • Positions in childcare, healthcare, and other sensitive areas also demand a criminal background check translation.

  3. Returning Residents and Citizens

    • British citizens who have lived overseas for more than six months may need an extract from the criminal record translated for employment or other purposes.
    • Ensuring your police record translation is accurate can facilitate smooth transitions back into your home country.

Why Is Certified Translation Important?

  • Legal and Official Acceptance: Certified criminal record translations are recognised by government agencies and employers, ensuring your documents meet official standards.
  • Avoiding Delays or Rejections: Accurate translations prevent application delays and rejections, helping you meet deadlines and requirements.
  • Ensuring Accuracy and Completeness: Professional translators ensure all details are correctly translated, preserving the integrity of the original document.

Steps to Get Your Police Clearance or Criminal Record Translated

  1. Obtain the Original Document
  2. Choose a Certified Translation Service
    • Select a reputable service specialising in certified criminal record translations.
  3. Submit Your Document for Translation
    • Provide the original document and specify the purpose of the translation (e.g., visa application, job application).
  4. Review and Receive the Translated Document
    • Review the translated document for accuracy.
    • Receive the final certified translation in either digital or physical format, as required.

Additional Documents Often Required

  1. Proof of Address
    • Some applications may also require proof of address translation.
  2. Employment History
    • Employment records might need translation for comprehensive background checks.

USCIS Requirements for Police Clearance Translations

If you are 16 years of age or older and applying for a visa or green card through USCIS, you must obtain a photocopy of a police certificate from all countries you have lived in, based on the following criteria:

  • If you are 16 years old or older and lived in your country of nationality for more than 6 months at any time in your life, then submit a police certificate from: Your country of nationality.

  • If you are 16 years old or older and have lived in your country of current residence (if different from nationality) for more than 6 months, then submit a police certificate from: Your country of current residence.

  • If you have ever lived in another country for 12 months or more and were 16 years or older at the time you lived there, then submit a police certificate from: The country where you used to live.

  • If you were arrested for any reason, regardless of how long you lived in that city or country, and no matter what age you were, then submit a police certificate from: The city and/or country where you were arrested.

Note: Present and former residents of the United States do NOT need to submit any U.S. police certificates.

Important: Police certificates expire after two years, unless the certificate was issued from your country of previous residence and you have not returned there since the police certificate was issued.

For more information, visit the USCIS Civil Documents page.

UKVI Requirements for Police Clearance Translations

This guidance explains the application process for obtaining overseas criminality information to provide to employers in the United Kingdom and for visa applications under UKVI.

Criminal Record Certificates for UK Visas

If you are applying for entry clearance under any of the following visa routes, you must provide a criminal record certificate for any country (excluding the UK) where you have lived for 12 months or more (whether continuous or in total), in the 10 years before your application, while aged 18 or over:

  • Skilled Worker in education, health, or social care sectors
  • Dependent partner (over 18 years old) of the main applicant in any of the above routes, either together with the main applicant or separately. See UKVI guidelines here

Getting a Police Certificate to Work or Volunteer with Children Abroad

You may be able to acquire an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) when applying to work in a school or organisation outside of the UK where you will be in regular contact with children. The ICPC reveals any convictions or reasons why someone should not work with children and is similar to the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check available in England and Wales.

For more information, visit the ACRO Criminal Records Office website and the CEOP Command website.

Getting a Police Clearance Check from Overseas

The UK government provides a complete list of countries and how to request a police clearance check, useful for USCIS and UKVI applications: Guidance on the application process for criminal records checks overseas.

Conclusion

Whether you're applying for a visa, a job, or returning to your home country, ensuring your police clearance or criminal record check is accurately translated and certified is crucial. Follow the guidelines provided by USCIS and UKVI to avoid delays and ensure your documents meet the necessary requirements. For a hassle-free experience, contact our certified translation service today!

By adhering to these guidelines and ensuring proper translations, you can streamline your application process and avoid unnecessary setbacks.

Get a certified translation