rokersafc

I used to live in America for about 7 years before moving back about two years ago. Since then I have married my American wife and I have just started the process sending in the I 130.

My question is do I need to obtain both police certificates from England and America?
Just trying to plan ahead so there are no delays.

Thanks

Rete

So you are living in the US at the moment? Or does moving back mean moving back to the UK? If you are in the US on another visa and can stay here for final adjustment of status, then no, you don't need to get the police clearance from the UK and the Homeland Security will take care of checking you out for your time spent in the US.

If you are back in the UK, then, yes, you need to obtain the UK police clearance certificate. Again, the US will take care of your criminal background itself.

ian-mstm

You'll need an ACPO police certificate from the UK. The US will do its own checks so no police certificate is required from the US.

Ian

rokersafc

Thanks for the reply. Just to be clear i currently live in the UK. So your answer above applies to me?

rokersafc

Ok great. I am in the UK, so was unsure how to go about getting my background check from the USA. This makes it much easier them doing it. Thanks

Rete

It is not the ACPO which I googled and it stands for Association of Chief Police Officers but the ACRO. The link is below

https://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx

ian-mstm

Yes.

Ian

rokersafc

Thanks for all your help. One last question, do i need finger prints taken or just the ACRO?

KK85

For a CR-1/IR-1 visa application, you need to provide an ACRO certificate. You do not need to get fingerprints taken (at least not at this stage in the process - I have no idea if they are taken at interview, or if any criminal background influences this at all.) ACRO certificates take about two weeks to come through - you do not need to apply for yours until you have received your NOA2 and your case has reached the NVC (assuming your wife is still in the USA and has filed the I-130? If your wife is living in the UK and you are filing through DCF, it may be different).

tom169

Finger prints will be take at the interview.