New UK Police Certificate process for US visas - you MUST read this!

[The Wizard 0]

Is it actually taking 40 days at the moment?

Does anyone know?

if its taking 40days how come these others have got theirs, where did you get that info from

[Jim F 0]

I think he’s referring to those nasty old-style police certificates – you have to get the new-style at a cost of £35 for a 10 working day turnaround or £70 for 2 w-day turnaround.

Jim

[The Wizard 0]

yeah i see that now thanks i was getting worked up again there

[JamesB 0]

Thanks Jim.

It's weird on my documentation, I have two instructions on Police Certificates. One's the ACRO and there's another Public Subject Access PNC Record one.

I've applied for both just in case. I daren't return the interview readiness form without both, so i'll sit it out.

Hopefully the other one won't take 40 days as advertised.

[The Wizard 0]

Thanks Jim.

It's weird on my documentation, I have two instructions on Police Certificates. One's the ACRO and there's another Public Subject Access PNC Record one.

I've applied for both just in case. I daren't return the interview readiness form without both, so i'll sit it out.

Hopefully the other one won't take 40 days as advertised.

Mine took 40 days for the old style then when i got rejected i got the fast track on the new type and had it in three days, the new type of certificate will be the one that you need.

[JamesB 0]

Thanks Jim.

It's weird on my documentation, I have two instructions on Police Certificates. One's the ACRO and there's another Public Subject Access PNC Record one.

I've applied for both just in case. I daren't return the interview readiness form without both, so i'll sit it out.

Hopefully the other one won't take 40 days as advertised.

Mine took 40 days for the old style then when i got rejected i got the fast track on the new type and had it in three days, the new type of certificate will be the one that you need.

Thanks. It's just irritating that they've sent me instructions to do both, as i'm then obligated to do so. Very annoying... 40 day wait indeed.

[The Wizard 0]

Sorry man its a pain i know what your going through

[The Wizard 0]

Just got the message from the SMS guys i should have documents by tomorrow. YIPPIE!!!!!!!

[The Wizard 0]

I have my visa at last, thanks everyone for the help and reasurance.

[RebeccaV 0]

another waste of money

on the acpo form what do you put in this section ......uk departure date ???????????? when visa issued or what ?????????????

Country to be visited: …………………………………… UK Departure date: dd / mm / yyyy. ??????????????

[The Wizard 0]

Just put you best know estimate, thats what i did

[phub11 0]

Just stumbled across this thread... glad I did.

I have my K1 visa interview in 10 days, but have the old "blue" police certificate. As I'm doing the medical the day before the interview which will slow the processing down anyway, does it make sense to just pay for the standard processing (35 quid), and tell the folks at the interview that I'll send the police certificate as soon as I get it (i.e., they'll probably get the police certificate and medical report at the same time).

Yes, it's only an extra 35 quid, but my account is in dollars, so it'll be pretty expensive for the 2-day service.

P.S: Do the police send the report to the embassy, or do I bring/send the copy the police send me (like the old "blue" one)?

Cheers.

Edited May 9, 2008 by phub11

[sam and nic 0]

You bring the new one with to the interview, same as the old - it gets sent to your address.

I know it's so annoying that they give instructions for both, but you definitely need the new form from ACPO and not the old blue form. I had read earlier that they would accept the old form up until August 2008, but I don't know of anybody yet who's gotten away with it.

It costs a bit extra for SMS to come pick up the new form after the interview, as opposed to the £14 that you would otherwise pay to have them to bring your passport one way. Basically, if you go with the old form, you will get a piece of paper telling you to order the ACPO cert. Once the new form is received, you call up SMS and they set up a time to come pick up the police certificate and your passport. I think it cost us £25 - you then sit and wait! I suppose that's only £11 extra as opposed to the £35 extra to order 2-day service, but it does also mean being at home for SMS to come pick up your passport - and they give very large windows for when the courier will come.

We paid the £70 to expidite and it came on day three.

And Congratulations Wizard!!!! I know how stressful it was - take a deep breath now! :-)

[The Wizard 0]

i was rejected with the old certificate, get the new one fast if i was you. it might cost extra but you will have to pay for pick up of the new certificate by SMS. if you have the new certificate you will get your visa quicker.

[phub11 0]

Sorry you had trouble The Wizard, but I am grateful for the advice (also to sam and nic).