The list of documents that you will face with when you are planning to move overseas or travel long distance is long enough. One of such is the police clearance that come as a surprise to many. It is understandable that it might appear an additional imposition and particularly so when one is not knowledgeable on why the same is necessary though it has a vast level of connection with national security, safety of the people and legal congruence of the land into which you travel.
Identifying the Purpose
A police clearance is basically a document which will state that you do not have any criminal record or your past crimes have been dealt with accordingly. It is also a document issued by the police department in your home country, or national authority. This report assists the foreign governments to identify whether they consider you or not a security risk to their country.
The role of the immigration authorities is to scrutinize the people who are allowed into their borders as they cannot be harmful to the population. Due to the increased travel internationally, it has been a common procedure in most nations to check the criminal histories of the immigrants and other tourists.
Why Immigration Authorities Insist on It
Not only when you are seeking a permanent residency or a student visa or even a long term work permit, immigration officers are interested in ensuring that you are a person that can be trusted. They must be assured of the fact that you are not up to any fraud, drug push, terrorism, or any crime of violence. This is particularly so when you intend to work with vulnerable groups of people- say in health care, education or child care.
Getting a police clearance will be depicting that you are open and easy to handle in the eyes of the immigration department. It will also speed up your case especially when everything clears out and no red flags are encountered.
Travelers Need It Too
Tourists rarely require this document, but long-term travelers will be requested to produce one, like the student visa applicants or the work-exchange applicants. Some countries more so those that have a tough policy on immigration, even temporary visitors are required to furnish clearance papers in case they exceed 90 days in the country.
Other embassies also require a police certificate in case the applicant has resided in a foreign country above six months. Here you may be required to attain clearance on all the countries you have stayed within a certain duration.
How You Can Get It
The first step should be to make contact with your local policing station or have a look at your country law enforcers web site. Online and walk in educational application is available in most nations. You should have valid identification as well as recent photographs and history of address.
In case you live outside of the country, you can frequently apply via your country embassy or consulate. It is always advisable that you ask to be made several certified copies in the event that various departments might need a copy. It may take you a couple of weeks before the processing is done therefore plan in advance and the application will not be delayed.
Mistakes to Avoid
You can not disregard this requirement thinking it is optional. Some of the applicants attempt to bypass this process only to get their visa refused. Philosophically speaking, you ought not to give counterfeit documentation, which can lead to some lifetime terminations or criminal penalties.
In case you had previous minor offenses, you are required to be honest and mention them. A lot of immigration officials are prepared to give the background and solution, but not only the record.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to travelling and immigration, providing your police clearance goes beyond the process of paperwork; it is an indication of having a low to no crime count, hence a level of trust and integrity. It demonstrates that you are willing to play by the rule and obey the laws of your host nation. It is supposed to be a vital component of your trip, but not something to do at the last minute.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified immigration consultant or legal professional regarding their specific situation.
