If you’re applying for a family-based green card or marriage green card from outside the United States, one key requirement is obtaining and submitting a police clearance certificate. This document helps U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assess your criminal background history, including any arrests or legal infractions in the countries where you’ve lived.
In some cases, obtaining a police certificate may not be possible due to local regulations or document unavailability. At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys can help you explore alternative documentation options to ensure your application remains compliant and complete. The police certificate is just one of several essential documents required to finalize your immigration petition—and our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process.
Get started today with Green Card Link to increase your chances of green card approval and ensure your immigration paperwork is error-free.
What Is a Police Clearance Certificate for Immigration?
A police clearance certificate (PCC)—also referred to as a police clearance letter—is an official record summarizing your criminal background, if any. USCIS requires this document to confirm your legal standing in all countries where you’ve previously resided.
Who Must Obtain a Police Certificate?
Not every green card applicant is required to provide a police clearance certificate. The National Visa Center (NVC) specifically requires it for family members aged 16 and older who are applying for a green card from outside the United States.
Applicants must:
- Submit a copy of the police certificate to the NVC, and
- Bring the original or a certified copy to their green card interview.
If your family member is applying within the United States through Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), they will need to submit police and court records instead of a police clearance certificate.
Who Needs to Submit a Police Clearance Certificate to Immigration?
You must provide a police certificate if you meet all the following criteria:
- You are 16 years or older; and
- You are applying for a family-based or marriage-based green card from outside the U.S.
Applicants adjusting status from within the U.S. do not need to provide an international police certificate.
Countries Requiring Police Certificates
If you are applying for your green card from abroad, you must submit a police certificate from:
- Your country of nationality, if you lived there for at least six months.
- Your country of current residence, if different from your nationality and if you’ve lived there for six months or more.
- Any other country where you’ve lived for at least 12 months after turning 16.
- Any country where you have ever been arrested, regardless of the duration of stay or your age at the time.
Ensure your police certificate is less than two years old at the time of your interview. Submitting outdated or incomplete documentation could delay or jeopardize your green card approval.
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys ensure your submission package meets every USCIS requirement to avoid unnecessary delays.
Where to Obtain an NVC Police Certificate
You can determine how to obtain your country’s police certificate by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country webpage.
- Select your country in the left column.
- Scroll down to the Police, Court, Prison Records section.
- Review details such as fees, issuing authorities, and application procedures.
If the site lists the police certificate as “unavailable,” consult immigration attorneys at Green Card Link for guidance. In such cases, you may be required to provide a notarized affidavit explaining why the document cannot be obtained.
How to Obtain a Police Certificate in the United States
If you are inside the U.S. and need to obtain criminal records, contact the appropriate local authority:
- The court where your case was handled,
- The local police department or sheriff’s office,
- The state police department or department of public safety, or
- The state bureau of investigation.
If an FBI clearance certificate is required, you can apply online, by mail, or through an FBI-approved third-party agent. The FBI’s Identity History Summary includes arrest records, naturalization information, and other relevant federal records.
Electronic requests typically take 3–5 business days after fingerprint submission, but mailing may add extra time. Once received, submit your certified records to USCIS.
If you cannot obtain the required records, contact Green Card Link to receive professional guidance on preparing a notarized affidavit explaining the situation.
What to Do If You Cannot Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate
If your country’s government cannot issue a police certificate or if records are unavailable, you must provide a notarized affidavit describing your attempts and explaining why the document could not be obtained.
An immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help you prepare a legally sound affidavit that satisfies USCIS documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Police Certificates for Immigration
How long is a police certificate valid?
As of June 15, 2021, police certificates are valid for two years (see 9 FAM 504.4-4(A) and NVC Immigrant Visa Process – Step 7).
Do I need a police certificate if I’ve never been convicted of a crime?
Yes. If you are 16 or older and applying for a green card from outside the U.S., you must still submit a police certificate, even if your record is clean.
When does my police certificate expire?
It must be less than two years old. You may need a new one if:
- It’s over two years old,
- You’ve returned to live in that country since issuance, or
- You are still residing there.
How do I get a police certificate for my country?
Visit the Visa Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country resource, select your country, and follow the instructions listed under “Police, Court, Prison Records.”
I’m from India but currently live abroad—how do I get my police certificate?
You may apply at your nearest Indian Consulate or Embassy, which will verify your records with authorities in India. Alternatively, someone residing in your Indian city of residence may assist in obtaining it.
What if my certificate isn’t in English?
You must submit a certified English translation along with the original document.
Should I hire an immigration attorney?
Absolutely. Even a minor documentation error can delay your case or result in rejection. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link will ensure your paperwork is accurate, compliant, and complete.
How Green Card Link Can Help You
Completing an immigration application can be complex and time-consuming. Missing or incorrect documents often lead to months of delay or even denials. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link provide expert guidance, ensuring every form and certificate meets USCIS standards.
Schedule an online consultation today to simplify your application process and increase your chances of approval.