Processing of Police Certificates at the NVC

1. How long does the processing of police certificates take?


The processing of police certificates can take up to several weeks depending on the country and the agency or police department that is providing the certificate. Some countries may require a background check, which can take even longer.

2. What documents are needed to process police certificates?


The documents required to process a police certificate vary depending on the country of origin. Generally, you will need proof of identity such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. You may also need other documents such as birth certificates and proof of address.

3. What is the fee for processing police certificates?


The fee for processing police certificates varies by country. Generally, the fees range from $20 to $100, depending on the issuing country and the type of police certificate that is requested.

4. What are the requirements for obtaining a police certificate?


The requirements for obtaining a police certificate vary by country and local jurisdiction. Generally, the applicant must have a valid form of identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), proof of address (such as a utility bill), and often a fee. In some cases, additional documentation may also be required.

5. What is an e-Police Certificate?


An e-Police Certificate is an online service provided by the police to allow people to view and print their criminal record checks. The e-Police Certificate is created using information from police databases and other sources. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as for employment, volunteering, or traveling abroad.

6. Can I submit my police certificate with my NVC application?


No, you cannot submit your police certificate with your NVC application. You must submit the police certificate when you attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

7. Are there any restrictions on the types of police certificates accepted by the NVC?


Yes, the NVC only accepts police certificates that are valid and issued by the appropriate authorities. Police certificates issued by other organizations or individuals may not be accepted. Additionally, the NVC may also reject police certificates that are outdated or have incomplete information.

8. What happens if I don’t have a police certificate when submitting my NVC application?


If you do not have a police certificate when submitting your NVC application, you will be required to provide it at a later date. Failure to submit a police certificate can cause a delay in processing your application or result in the denial of your application.

9. How do I obtain a police certificate in a country where I am not a citizen?


It may be difficult to obtain a police certificate from a country where you are not a citizen. Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding the issuance of police certificates, and the requirements may vary. In some cases, you may need to contact the local law enforcement agency to enquire about obtaining a police certificate. Alternatively, you may need to contact your home country’s embassy or consulate in the country where you are seeking a police certificate to discuss the possibility of obtaining one.

10. Is there a time limit to submit the police certificate after submitting my NVC application?


No, there is no time limit for submitting a police certificate after submitting your NVC application. However, you should submit the police certificate as soon as possible to avoid delays in the processing of your application.

11. How do I obtain a U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check for my NVC application?


You must request an FBI background check directly from the FBI. You can find more information on the FBI website: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.

12. Is an apostille required on my police certificates submitted to the NVC?


No. An apostille is not required for police certificates submitted to the U.S. Department of State.

13. Can I use an expired police certificate when submitting my NVC application?


No. You must submit a valid police certificate that has not expired when submitting your NVC application.

14. How do I know if my police certificate was received by the NVC?


You will not receive notification from the NVC when your police certificate is received, but you can track the processing of your application online with the CEAC Visa Status Check.

15. Do I need to submit an original or certified copy of my police certificate to the NVC?


No, you do not need to submit an original or certified copy of your police certificate to the NVC. However, you may be required to submit a certified copy of your police certificate when you attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

16. What additional information do I need to provide with my police certificates at the NVC?


The National Visa Center (NVC) will need copies of all documents related to your police certificate, such as a valid passport, the original police certificate, and any translations of that police certificate. You will also need to provide a copy of any supporting documentation, such as a letter from the issuing country’s police authority or a court order.

17. How do I know if my police certificate is accepted by the NVC as part of my application process?


The NVC will review your police certificate and may contact you to submit additional documentation. If your police certificate is accepted, the NVC will update your case status to indicate that it is complete.

18. Are there any exceptions to submitting a police certificate for certain applicants at the NVC?


Yes. Applicants for IR-3 (orphan of a U.S. citizen) and IR-4 (orphan adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen) immigrant visas may not need to submit a police certificate if the applicant is under 16 years old.

19. Who can submit a police certificate on behalf of an applicant at the NVC?


The NVC does not accept police certificates sent by third parties. The applicant must submit police certificates directly to the NVC.

20. Are there any restrictions on using a third-party service to obtain police certificates for NVC applications?


Yes, there may be restrictions on using a third-party service to obtain police certificates for NVC applications. In some cases, the applicants must obtain the police certificates directly from the country’s government or police agency. Please contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for more information on any restrictions that may apply.