Police Certificate Questions

[ruriburi 0]

Hi,

I have another questions in regards to the needed police certificates for the CR-1 visa. For the RCMP we noticed that they only ask for a name based check but mention that a fingerprint check can be requested at the examining officer's request. For those that have gone through this step already, which did you get? The name based check or the fingerprint one just to be on the safe side?

Secondly, I am petitioning for my wife who has PR status in Canada but her citizenship is Chinese. Is she required to get police clearances from China since she was living there up until the age of 20? Or do we simply only need the RCMP ones?

Thanks for your advice!

[Sprailenes 47]

You get the name check and if you have a criminal past then you need fingerprints.

[Schmelle 0]

You get the name check and if you have a criminal past then you need fingerprints.

I am pretty sure she will need police checks from canada and china.

[angie007 0]

Hi,

I have another questions in regards to the needed police certificates for the CR-1 visa. For the RCMP we noticed that they only ask for a name based check but mention that a fingerprint check can be requested at the examining officer's request. For those that have gone through this step already, which did you get? The name based check or the fingerprint one just to be on the safe side?

Secondly, I am petitioning for my wife who has PR status in Canada but her citizenship is Chinese. Is she required to get police clearances from China since she was living there up until the age of 20? Or do we simply only need the RCMP ones?

Thanks for your advice!

Yeah she's required to get a police clearance from China too.just one question did you have to bring a form to RCMP or you just walk in there and say you need it for U.S. embassy?i'm planning to get mine too but not sure if i needed to bring something

thanks for any info you could give me....

[knowledge 0]

Hi,

I have another questions in regards to the needed police certificates for the CR-1 visa. For the RCMP we noticed that they only ask for a name based check but mention that a fingerprint check can be requested at the examining officer's request. For those that have gone through this step already, which did you get? The name based check or the fingerprint one just to be on the safe side?

Secondly, I am petitioning for my wife who has PR status in Canada but her citizenship is Chinese. Is she required to get police clearances from China since she was living there up until the age of 20? Or do we simply only need the RCMP ones?

Thanks for your advice!

Must get and read the source of requirements: the instructions at travel.gov..etc...and look at PC what is needed for each country, in your case China..and careful, some countries deliver it faster than others...and must be valid at the interview (a PC is valid 1 yr), if not, she must do it again. The requirement is: PC if lived in every country more than 1 year since 16 years old.

As for the fingerprints, they are only required if there has been a conviction. If not, she completes a form at RCMP/China only for the name check PC, but, also be careful, they have to be done overall the country.

Also a precision of term: she is Chinese citizen but not resident.

[ruriburi 0]

Thanks for all the replies, they really helped. I had another quick question, my wife called the RCMP office in Montreal to inquire about the clearances and was told that they no longer do them there and would have to either go to another RCMP office outside montreal or through a private agency. Have any of you been in this same scenario and would a clearance from a private agency be accepted or would she have to go to one of the other RCMP offices? Thanks in advance.

[trailmix 77]

From the Department of State Reciprocity Schedule

Police Records - China

Generally available, reliable. Persons should apply for a certificate of no criminal record at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) (or certain types of employers such as state owned enterprises), then make application to the notary office for a certificate based on the PSB document. Persons without a criminal record will be able to obtain a certificate to that effect. Certificates for individuals with one or more criminal convictions will list all convictions for which records still exist. The certificates purport to reflect all criminal convictions during residence in China. Police records are generally not available for the period prior to 1949. Certificates are available for those in the J-1, Z, and X categories. The GOC does not issue police records for temporary residents of China in L or F visa categories.

Police Records - Canada

Inside Canada: Applicants who are physically present in Canada should contact their local police service or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) office regarding criminal record check procedures. Applicants may obtain a certificate of no conviction issued by any Canadian police service so long as it notes that Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or the national criminal records repository was searched using the applicant’s name and date of birth. Applicants should ensure that the search includes all names that they have previously used, including maiden names, prior married names, or names used before Canadian naturalization. (Note: Because records checks based on name and date of birth only are sometimes less thorough than those based on fingerprints, U.S. diplomatic offices reserve the right to request that certain applicants obtain fingerprint-based searches from the RCMP.)

Applicants who have been convicted of a crime in Canada must contact their local RCMP office to obtain a “Certified Criminal Record Check,” which lists an applicant’s criminal history, indicating the section of the Canadian Criminal Code under which the applicant was charged, the disposition of the case, and the penalty imposed, if any. Obtaining a Certified Criminal Records Check requires submission of a fingerprint chart; the RCMP could take between two and twelve months to process a request for a Certified Criminal Record Check. (Note: If a namecheck by a police agency reveals a conviction record, that agency may be unwilling to issue a certificate and may refer the applicant to the RCMP for a Certified Criminal Record Check.)

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I went to one of the suburbs of Edmonton and got mine in like 48 hours. Canada wide name check since I have no criminal record. Don't know about China, but Trailmix did post some good information there for you. And yes, you will need BOTH certificates, no escaping that one.

[knowledge 0]

Thanks for all the replies, they really helped. I had another quick question, my wife called the RCMP office in Montreal to inquire about the clearances and was told that they no longer do them there and would have to either go to another RCMP office outside montreal or through a private agency. Have any of you been in this same scenario and would a clearance from a private agency be accepted or would she have to go to one of the other RCMP offices? Thanks in advance.

When called RCMP i was refered to 2 or 3 private places. Call again and ask the phone and adresses, then choose the one is nearest of your location.

[LindaB 0]

From the Department of State Reciprocity Schedule

Police Records - China

Generally available, reliable. Persons should apply for a certificate of no criminal record at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) (or certain types of employers such as state owned enterprises), then make application to the notary office for a certificate based on the PSB document. Persons without a criminal record will be able to obtain a certificate to that effect. Certificates for individuals with one or more criminal convictions will list all convictions for which records still exist. The certificates purport to reflect all criminal convictions during residence in China. Police records are generally not available for the period prior to 1949. Certificates are available for those in the J-1, Z, and X categories. The GOC does not issue police records for temporary residents of China in L or F visa categories.

Police Records - Canada

Inside Canada: Applicants who are physically present in Canada should contact their local police service or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) office regarding criminal record check procedures. Applicants may obtain a certificate of no conviction issued by any Canadian police service so long as it notes that Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or the national criminal records repository was searched using the applicant’s name and date of birth. Applicants should ensure that the search includes all names that they have previously used, including maiden names, prior married names, or names used before Canadian naturalization. (Note: Because records checks based on name and date of birth only are sometimes less thorough than those based on fingerprints, U.S. diplomatic offices reserve the right to request that certain applicants obtain fingerprint-based searches from the RCMP.)

Applicants who have been convicted of a crime in Canada must contact their local RCMP office to obtain a “Certified Criminal Record Check,” which lists an applicant’s criminal history, indicating the section of the Canadian Criminal Code under which the applicant was charged, the disposition of the case, and the penalty imposed, if any. Obtaining a Certified Criminal Records Check requires submission of a fingerprint chart; the RCMP could take between two and twelve months to process a request for a Certified Criminal Record Check. (Note: If a namecheck by a police agency reveals a conviction record, that agency may be unwilling to issue a certificate and may refer the applicant to the RCMP for a Certified Criminal Record Check.)

I have my appointment at my local RCMP tomorrow, she asked me if I needed fingerprints done too. I have no criminal record so I should just need the Canada wide name check then right? Just concerned about that section above (Note: Because records checks based on name and date of birth only are sometimes less thorough than those based on fingerprints, U.S. diplomatic offices reserve the right to request that certain applicants obtain fingerprint-based searches from the RCMP. When would they ask for that? I would hate to get to my interview and find out that I needed it with my police check. I should have asked if it cost more to have the finger prints done. Can't believe it cost $45!!!!! Already had to get a new birth certificate with my parents names and that cost $27...typical Govt. rip off! So much cheaper in Washington state, went to get a certified copy of our marriage license because we don't want to send our original and it only cost $3 for the certified copy... that is more like it!

[Flames9_RN 358]

From the Department of State Reciprocity Schedule

Police Records - China

Generally available, reliable. Persons should apply for a certificate of no criminal record at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) (or certain types of employers such as state owned enterprises), then make application to the notary office for a certificate based on the PSB document. Persons without a criminal record will be able to obtain a certificate to that effect. Certificates for individuals with one or more criminal convictions will list all convictions for which records still exist. The certificates purport to reflect all criminal convictions during residence in China. Police records are generally not available for the period prior to 1949. Certificates are available for those in the J-1, Z, and X categories. The GOC does not issue police records for temporary residents of China in L or F visa categories.

Police Records - Canada

Inside Canada: Applicants who are physically present in Canada should contact their local police service or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) office regarding criminal record check procedures. Applicants may obtain a certificate of no conviction issued by any Canadian police service so long as it notes that Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or the national criminal records repository was searched using the applicant’s name and date of birth. Applicants should ensure that the search includes all names that they have previously used, including maiden names, prior married names, or names used before Canadian naturalization. (Note: Because records checks based on name and date of birth only are sometimes less thorough than those based on fingerprints, U.S. diplomatic offices reserve the right to request that certain applicants obtain fingerprint-based searches from the RCMP.)

Applicants who have been convicted of a crime in Canada must contact their local RCMP office to obtain a “Certified Criminal Record Check,” which lists an applicant’s criminal history, indicating the section of the Canadian Criminal Code under which the applicant was charged, the disposition of the case, and the penalty imposed, if any. Obtaining a Certified Criminal Records Check requires submission of a fingerprint chart; the RCMP could take between two and twelve months to process a request for a Certified Criminal Record Check. (Note: If a namecheck by a police agency reveals a conviction record, that agency may be unwilling to issue a certificate and may refer the applicant to the RCMP for a Certified Criminal Record Check.)

I have my appointment at my local RCMP tomorrow, she asked me if I needed fingerprints done too. I have no criminal record so I should just need the Canada wide name check then right? Just concerned about that section above (Note: Because records checks based on name and date of birth only are sometimes less thorough than those based on fingerprints, U.S. diplomatic offices reserve the right to request that certain applicants obtain fingerprint-based searches from the RCMP. When would they ask for that? I would hate to get to my interview and find out that I needed it with my police check. I should have asked if it cost more to have the finger prints done. Can't believe it cost $45!!!!! Already had to get a new birth certificate with my parents names and that cost $27...typical Govt. rip off! So much cheaper in Washington state, went to get a certified copy of our marriage license because we don't want to send our original and it only cost $3 for the certified copy... that is more like it!

No criminal record = Finger prints!! it is that simple,lol Just plain old Canada wide search. Of course thats just for canada!! If ya have lived anywhere less since the age of 16, for 6 months or longer, need 1 for that country as well!!

[trailmix 77]

No criminal record = Finger prints!! it is that simple,lol Just plain old Canada wide search. Of course thats just for canada!! If ya have lived anywhere less since the age of 16, for 6 months or longer, need 1 for that country as well!!

Flames was eating pizza when he typed this - it's actually No criminal record = no fingerprinting required, a Canada wide name check will be just fine

I wouldn't be too concerned about the extra verbage in the blurb there, I am sure there are times when they request further documentation from applicants, however, you have no criminal record and historically in that case no fingerprinting is requested.

Edited February 29, 2008 by trailmix

[Flames9_RN 358]

OOPS!!! Sorry!!