Yes, I added the option to include usernames and locations, which some of us choose to use since it makes it easier to reference what dates we're talking about. It's optional, no one is sharing GDPR information, and I am not sure how exactly it can link back to real people as email addresses and personal identifiers are not present.
Travelling to US with a criminal record in the UK
Hi there
I just received my ACRO police certificate and it has come back with 'No Trace' instead of 'No Live Trace'
I thought my conviction from 7 years ago would come up?
Why is that the case it shows 'no trace'
Is this usual and do people who have previous convictions have a similar thing on their ACRO?
Thanks,
Quoting anon44
Hi there
I just received my ACRO police certificate and it has come back with 'No Trace' instead of 'No Live Trace'
I thought my conviction from 7 years ago would come up?
Why is that the case it shows 'no trace'
Is this usual and do people who have previous convictions have a similar thing on their ACRO?Thanks,
I'll be honest and say I've no idea, I've my conviction from 1996 that show on mine. Have you asked for a SAR as well?
After 328 days (10 months and 3 weeks), email to submit passport arrived at 9am on the dot. Been a long wait!
Quoting Ooberj
Quoting anon44
Hi there
I just received my ACRO police certificate and it has come back with 'No Trace' instead of 'No Live Trace'
I thought my conviction from 7 years ago would come up?
Why is that the case it shows 'no trace'
Is this usual and do people who have previous convictions have a similar thing on their ACRO?Thanks,
I'll be honest and say I've no idea, I've my conviction from 1996 that show on mine. Have you asked for a SAR as well?
Just to jump in..... I'm on my third visa application, and so third police certificate. first two said no live trace, latest one said no trace. None of them have ever listed my convictions from 1994 and 1997. Embassy gave me s221 letter so had to get an SAR.
I seem to recall when i rang ACRO to see why the police certificate changed from no live trace to no trace, they said that there had been a review of procedures (or a court case or something) and some old minor convictions are now removed from the police certificates. they are still on the PNC though so show on the SARs
>they said that there had been a review of procedures
That makes sense to me and, if it is the case, I'm sure US visa officers are also aware. I wouldn't be surprised if the US eventually makes Acro + SAR a formal requirement for all visa applicants.
Imo, even if the Acro says 'No trace' it would be foolish not to declare previous convictions/arrests/cautions on the application form. SARs are free so it makes sense to apply for one at the same time as you apply for an ACRO. If the interviewing officer doesn't want to see it, fine...but if he/she does you've saved yourself a lot of time and hassle.
[ Edit: Edited on 12 Sep 2024, 19:05 GMT by leics2 ]
Quoting leics2
>they said that there had been a review of procedures
That makes sense to me and, if it is the case, I'm sure US visa officers are also aware. I wouldn't be surprised if the US eventually makes Acro + SAR a formal requirement for all visa applicants.
Imo, even if the Acro says 'No trace' it would be foolish not to declare previous convictions/arrests/cautions on the application form. SARs are free so it makes sense to apply for one at the same time as you apply for an ACRO. If the interviewing officer doesn't want to see it, fine...but if he/she does you've saved yourself a lot of time and hassle.
Yes, it would save a lot of stress if either the US requested both the police certificate and SAR as part of the application, or if ACRO automatically issued an SAR with the police certificate.
My police certificate showed no trace, so the CO requested the SAR (although he called it a stepped down letter on the s221 letter, which in itself caused a lot of initial confusion and panic!). The SAR request added 5 stressful weeks to the process, which could have been avoided if the US and ACRO got their ducks in a row.
>could have been avoided if the US and ACRO got their ducks in a row.
Fair play, ACRO's role is: '[i....to support UK and international law enforcement by securely processing criminal records for the purpose of public protection, safeguarding and worldwide community safety.'[/i]
If the US (or any other country) isn't willing to accept an ACRO alone it's really up to their embassy in the UK to get itself sorted. It would certainly help if they the correct terminology (i.e. SAR)!
But...as I've said before...US embassies aren't bothered about whether visa applicants succeed or not. They're only bothered about whether each individual is eligible for US entry under US law. So, from their pov, there's no reason why the process might need to be simpler, more logical and/or more straightforward. The US certainly isn't deperate for tourist income!
[ Edit: Edited on 13 Sep 2024, 13:24 GMT by leics2 ]
Quoting leics2
>could have been avoided if the US and ACRO got their ducks in a row.
Fair play, ACRO's role is: '[i....to support UK and international law enforcement by securely processing criminal records for the purpose of public protection, safeguarding and worldwide community safety.'[/i]
If the US (or any other country) isn't willing to accept an ACRO alone it's really up to their embassy in the UK to get itself sorted. It would certainly help if they the correct terminology (i.e. SAR)!
But...as I've said before...US embassies aren't bothered about whether visa applicants succeed or not. They're only bothered about whether each individual is eligible for US entry under US law. So, from their pov, there's no reason why the process might need to be simpler, more logical and/or more straightforward. The US certainly isn't deperate for tourist income!
I always thought a SAR was required, back in 2019 I remember getting my ACRO and thinking I best look up what no live trace means and then fuming for paying 60 odd quid for a certificate to then request an SAR which was asked for on that interview.
The step down letter this year was a surprise for me as never had that before.
They asked for the step down letter as P1 offered SAR as well and they hummed over it, yes please .....
At P2 they asked for step down letter, and I again offered the SAR which he refused and thanked me for being prepared.
From my day at the embassy, a lot of people where not prepared.