How crucial is the ACRO check for the Medical?

[Master Semaj 2]

I ordered my ACRO police check and posted everything off to them a few weeks ago, I got an email saying they received it on August 21st but the email says "It will now be dealt with in accordance with the published guidelines." I received this email on the 29th, so I gather this means they only started doing the work on it on that day. I sent the ACRO form by 1st Class next day delivery, but apparently that had no real benefit on my case.

Problem is, I booked my medical in advance of this, for September 13th, believing that to be ample time for the ACRO check to be done and come back to me, but according to their 10 working day time line, plus their indefinite date of despatch after those 10 days and the Bank Holiday on the 26th, I don't know if I will have it back in time to take to my medical.

I know it is going to come back fine and clean but obviously ones word means very little nowadays. The Knightsbridge website says to bring it unless the original has been sent to the embassy, which doesn't apply to me but it seems like it might not be so crucial to bring to the medical, but I can't be sure.

Can anyone shed some light on this matter?

[B&L 19]

They do ask for it at the medical when you get there. I know some members have been told why they ask for it, I myself didn't ask as I forgot to. You can rebook your medical as long as you give a certain amount of notice.

[Master Semaj 2]

Yeah, I see I can change my appointment as long as its more than 3 days beforehand, I just hoped I wouldn't have to since I had to time it all around work and time off.

[Laura. 90]

You do need to have the certificate with you. I can't remember why.

I don't think you will need to change the appointment, but it is pushing it. From the date I received that email, it was 5 days until the certificate was delivered. But yours may take longer.

Edited August 31, 2013 by Laura.

[Azsara 110]

Its pretty crucial they 100% asked me for it when i got there, it was actually the first thing they asked for. Also when you called up to book the medical did they not ask you if you had your police cert ready? Given your medical is the 13th of september id be inclined to say you need to rebook it

[Master Semaj 2]

When I booked the appointment, I said I had just sent off for it and that I would like to book the appointment in advance for mid September, the secretary said that should be fine and that "I should have it back by then" which is what I was lead to believe according to the information from ACRO, but alas...

You do need to have the certificate with you. I can't remember why.

I don't think you will need to change the appointment, but it is pushing it. From the date I received that email, it was 5 days until the certificate was delivered. But yours may take longer.

I presume your check was clear too? I hope I get as swift a return for mine. Well I guess I will see if I get anything during next week, if I don't have anything by Friday evening, I guess I'll have to change the appointment.

[John & Fay 1]

I got the same email from Acro so I called them because I had paid for a quick turnaround and was worried they only started to work on the certificate after they sent the email. In fact they said they started processing it straight away and it would be delivered according to the service I paid for, from the date they received my application (which was about a week earlier than the date of the email).

The certificate followed very quickly and according to the time frame Acro set out.....you could always call them to check on progress...they were helpful when I called them.

[Master Semaj 2]

I got the same email from Acro so I called them because I had paid for a quick turnaround and was worried they only started to work on the certificate after they sent the email. In fact they said they started processing it straight away and it would be delivered according to the service I paid for, from the date they received my application (which was about a week earlier than the date of the email).

The certificate followed very quickly and according to the time frame Acro set out.....you could always call them to check on progress...they were helpful when I called them.

Oh! That's interesting, I'll give that a go on Monday morning and find out, if that is the case then with any luck, I won't have to delay my medical.

[John & Fay 1]

Good luck

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

I think they look at your police certificate to see if you have offenses that may require extra testing ( drug , prostitution) that may reveal issues that need to be cleared before immigration

[nobbie 105]

They do ask for it and will take a copy for themselves. So you will need it when you go. You can take a copy not the original and let them keep it (the copy). The doctor also asked if I had any offences etc even though the cert said "No Trace".

if you dont have it re book but there might be a 2 week wait.

[Master Semaj 2]

Well I called up ACRO today and they said the case was on its 7th day and that it will be mailed to me at the end of the week. I'm still torn as to whether I should reschedule my medical or not... I guess I will call the clinic and ask about other available appointments and see what they have. Just in case.

[ivoryboy 0]

I had my medial yesterday and there was a gentleman who had an incorrect format of UK Police Certificate which they would not accept.

He was permitted to have the medical take place that day regardless, but was told he would need to personally bring in the correct certificate when he had it before the results could be completed and sent to the Embassy. So, if you are not too far away from London I guess it would be a good option to try for your scheduled appointment and drop by later with the Police Cert - maybe that would work for you. YMMV of course!

[Master Semaj 2]

Yeah there, was no problem, I was told by the staff member there on the phone that if I brought along my confirmation email (the one saying that ACRO received the application and have started processing it), I could show them that and they would still carry out the medical and I would just need to forward the actual certificate to them once I received it.

But I did receive the certificate in the mail before my appointment date so I took that along and everything went by as normal.

As a tip, I'd say its best to get your certificate done WELL in advance of the medical appointment, I allowed myself about 3 and a half weeks which I thought would be plenty but I didn't receive my ACRO check until a few days before the medical, hence why I was a little worried as I did not want to throw away £90 on a cancelled medical appointment. But they seem to be flexible with it, but still it's best to make sure you have everything and can go through the process the normal and most efficient way.