Police Certificate Timing?

[camusa 0]

Hi All -

My fiance and I are applying for a K-1 visa and received our NOA2 about a week ago. We are still waiting for the case to arrive at NVC, but were wondering if it would be ok if he made an appointment for fingerprinting now or iis it better to wait until we receive Packet 3? I read that for NSW residents the police record is sent directly to the consulate, so in that case maybe it is better that they actually have the case before we start doing anything. However, as slow as things are going, we want to be ready and get everything done as quickly as possible. He would be going to Newcastle Police Station to have the fingerprinting done - maybe someone has some experience with how long things take there?

Thanks so much for your help!

~carisa

[camusa 0]

Sorry - that was meant to go in the Australia section!

~c

[jezz85 0]

I have experience!

I'm from NSW and just recently had my K-1 interview (approved, YAY!)

Okay, so this is what I can tell you.

-The police certificate gets sent to the Australian, NOT the consulate.

-The police certificate is good for 12 months from date of issue.

-It took less than 2 weeks for me to get the certificate once the fingerprints were done.

-Unless you have lived longer than 6 months overseas, you don't need to get any other police certificates.

-Download the application form (P799) here http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets.../15132/p799.pdf

-Fill out application form (P799) and take it with you on the day along with the fee and three forms of identification as explained on the form.

-The fee is $175 but double check when you call to book your appointment, it *may* have changed. The fee is usually only able to be paid in actual cash.

-BOTTOM LINE: Yes, go ahead and get your fingerprints done

TIPS:

-Call up and book an appointment if possible, make sure they know you need fingerprints and not just name checked.

-When you get your certificate back, make sure it mentions name AND fingerprints and not just name, good to double check just in case they didn't run your fingerprints by accident. You don't get a copy of your fingerprints back along with the certificate. (I DIDN'T)

If you have any more questions feel free to ask! I hope this gives you everything to need to know about the national police certificate!

Good luck!

Edited May 9, 2007 by jezz85

[hollywood79 0]

Hi Jezz85,

Where did you see the info for police certificates if you lived overseas for more than 6 mths? This would be really helpful to me as I may need to get one for Japan if the requirements have changed.

I have experience!

I'm from NSW and just recently had my K-1 interview (approved, YAY!)

Okay, so this is what I can tell you.

-The police certificate gets sent to the Australian, NOT the consulate.

-The police certificate is good for 12 months from date of issue.

-It took less than 2 weeks for me to get the certificate once the fingerprints were done.

-Unless you have lived longer than 6 months overseas, you don't need to get any other police certificates.

-Download the application form (P799) here http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets.../15132/p799.pdf

-Fill out application form (P799) and take it with you on the day along with the fee and three forms of identification as explained on the form.

-The fee is $175 but double check when you call to book your appointment, it *may* have changed. The fee is usually only able to be paid in actual cash.

-BOTTOM LINE: Yes, go ahead and get your fingerprints done

TIPS:

-Call up and book an appointment if possible, make sure they know you need fingerprints and not just name checked.

-When you get your certificate back, make sure it mentions name AND fingerprints and not just name, good to double check just in case they didn't run your fingerprints by accident. You don't get a copy of your fingerprints back along with the certificate. (I DIDN'T)

If you have any more questions feel free to ask! I hope this gives you everything to need to know about the national police certificate!

Good luck!

[jezz85 0]

Hee hee hee...

Hey Hollywood, guess what I got that info from you, since you were asked for the police certificate from Japan for over 6 months and under 12 months right?

I think this detail (6 months or 12 months) is best dealt with by contacting to US consulate for advice which I've seen you've done. It didn't pertain to me as I haven't lived anywhere but in NSW.

To clear up any confusion the US consulate says the following in their information sheet...

If the applicant is living in their country of nationality at their current residence for more than 6 months AND is older than 16 years old THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality.

If the applicant lived in a different part of their country of nationality for more than 6 months AND was 16 years or older at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality.

If the applicant lived in a different country for more than 12 months AND was 16 years or older at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality.

If the applicant was arrested for any reason, regardless of how long they lived there AND was any age at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality.

[camusa 0]

jezz85 thanks so much for your help! That's great to know we can go ahead and get the certificate. And congrats on your approval!

[jezz85 0]

Thanks!

Good luck with everything!

Something else that I would do to speed up the process is get your vaccination history in order.

If your doctor doesn't have a complete vaccination history (mine sure didn't) It's easy to get your doctor to give you a blood test for your immunity levels for all the vaccinations you need to have. You'll need to take the original copy with you to the medical so make sure your doctor gives you the original copy.