Police Certificate: how old at most? needs translation?

[pmiklos 2]

I have been trying to figure out how fresh the police certificates have to be and if they need to be translated to English.

We are still early at the process (just submitted the application), but I would already like to get the papers for the interview. I lived in two counties for more than 6 months, Hungary and the Netherlands. I couldn't find information on how old the police certificate must be at most, I guess this info will be provided later in the process, but maybe folks who already got this information could help.

I've been living in the Netherlands for the past 5 years, so my guess is that it would be ok to request the Hungarian police certificate right now. Probably I will need to get a certified translation for that so it will take time to orchestrate the whole procedure. I would like to do it as soon as possible.

Regarding the Dutch one, do I need a translation if the interview will be in the Netherlands? Is this police certificate needed for the US Embassy only to issue the Visa or it will be attached to my case and so English translation is need?

[MADDEN 40]

The police certs are good for 1 year and yes you will need any documents not in English translated, regardless of where the interview takes place.

[acgmph 42]

I have been trying to figure out how fresh the police certificates have to be and if they need to be translated to English.

We are still early at the process (just submitted the application), but I would already like to get the papers for the interview. I lived in two counties for more than 6 months, Hungary and the Netherlands. I couldn't find information on how old the police certificate must be at most, I guess this info will be provided later in the process, but maybe folks who already got this information could help.

I've been living in the Netherlands for the past 5 years, so my guess is that it would be ok to request the Hungarian police certificate right now. Probably I will need to get a certified translation for that so it will take time to orchestrate the whole procedure. I would like to do it as soon as possible.

Regarding the Dutch one, do I need a translation if the interview will be in the Netherlands? Is this police certificate needed for the US Embassy only to issue the Visa or it will be attached to my case and so English translation is need?

Do not hurry with your police certificates. They need to be no more than 6 months old at your interview. The Hungarian one will need to be translated into English, but your Dutch VOG will not, as the US Consulate in Amsterdam accepts all documents in Dutch or English, without the need for a translation. Your Hungarian one will need to be, though.

Looking at your profile, you have a good chance that your petition will be sent to the California Service Center, in which case you can already start preparing your documents for the interview, as they approve petitions very fast there (about 30 days or so).

Edited October 27, 2015 by acgmph

[pmiklos 2]

Do not hurry with your police certificates. They need to be no more than 6 months old at your interview. The Hungarian one will need to be translated into English, but your Dutch VOG will not, as the US Consulate in Amsterdam accepts all documents in Dutch or English, without the need for a translation. Your Hungarian one will need to be, though.

Looking at your profile, you have a good chance that your petition will be sent to the California Service Center, in which case you can already start preparing your documents for the interview, as they approve petitions very fast there (about 30 days or so).

Thanks a lot, good to hear it from someone who actually passed the interview in Amsterdam

[acgmph 42]

You're welcome and good luck!!

[BrendaBuzz 8]

Do not hurry with your police certificates. They need to be no more than 6 months old at your interview. The Hungarian one will need to be translated into English, but your Dutch VOG will not, as the US Consulate in Amsterdam accepts all documents in Dutch or English, without the need for a translation. Your Hungarian one will need to be, though.

Looking at your profile, you have a good chance that your petition will be sent to the California Service Center, in which case you can already start preparing your documents for the interview, as they approve petitions very fast there (about 30 days or so).

Great and informative topic. I wonder if it's still a good idea to begin gather police certificates . I had NOA1 from CSC Sept 25th but have not received a NOA2 yet. If they are slowing down, I would hate for my fiance's police certificates to expire. I thought it had to be withint 1 year but now I am seeing 6 months.

Guess it's a gamble one takes. I told him to begin working on his because I am hopeful I will have interview by February

[acgmph 42]

The requirements vary from country to country. I can only say for certain for The Netherlands, as I had my interview there and I was approved with the documents I had, including police certificates not older than 6 months (oldest one was actually 4 months). So I cannot say for Cameroon...

[Fr8dog 312]

FYI the dutch VOG is also available in English (or comes with a English translation, check with the clerk when you apply). Makes life a little easier. It takes about 3 weeks to get it back

[acgmph 42]

FYI the dutch VOG is also available in English (or comes with a English translation, check with the clerk when you apply). Makes life a little easier. It takes about 3 weeks to get it back

Doesn't really matter, as the Amsterdam Consulate accepts Dutch documents in Dutch.

[pmiklos 2]

Great and informative topic. I wonder if it's still a good idea to begin gather police certificates . I had NOA1 from CSC Sept 25th but have not received a NOA2 yet. If they are slowing down, I would hate for my fiance's police certificates to expire. I thought it had to be withint 1 year but now I am seeing 6 months.

Guess it's a gamble one takes. I told him to begin working on his because I am hopeful I will have interview by February

As earlier said probably it varies per country, but I just got my Hungarian one and it is printed on it that it is valid for 90 days only. Hmmm. Anyways, I would rather ask for an other one than delay the visa process

[BrendaBuzz 8]

As earlier said probably it varies per country, but I just got my Hungarian one and it is printed on it that it is valid for 90 days only. Hmmm. Anyways, I would rather ask for an other one than delay the visa process

Very True! Better safe than sorry. Thanks!

[pmiklos 2]

You're welcome and good luck!!

Hi acgmph,

I tried to write a private message but it didn't go through and I couldn't find other ways to contact you. I just received the check list for the interview in Amsterdam and to my surprise they ask for military records. I did civil service instead of military service, but that was still administered by the military. Not sure how it is in the Netherlands, did you bring military records with you? Do you maybe have any idea in what cases it is applicable? I really don't want to waste time on getting and having translated this if it is not really needed.

I appreciate any help or advice you could give based on your experience in the interview.