Hi,

I´m in the process of applying for common law immigration.

My application has been in process in London since 19th April.

A few days ago I got a letter from London Immigration asking me to send them my fingerprints so they could carry out "routine criminal checks."

Does anyone know what this could be for??

Initially I assumed it would be for a RCMP Criminal Check (I previously lived in Canada for 1 year). However, I have been reading about this and I think if this was the case they would have requested me to get the RCMP check carried out myself and then send them the results. I couldn't find anyone else who was asked to send their prints directly to the embassy. I don't think it is for a UK check as i sent one of those with my application.

I'm hoping it isn't for an RCMP check as this is going to add 120+ days to the processing time.

Has anyone had to do this or have any ideas why they may have asked for these?

Thanks

Hi there -- afraid I don't have an answer to your question, but I wanted to suggest you ask this over in the UK forum: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=99 Perhaps someone there might have a similar experience.

I'm also confused what "common law immigration" means -- perhaps you could explain. Which visa are you applying for? If you could fill in your timeline it would be really helpful for the rest of us in answering your questions!

This probably means that they've gotten an IBIS hit and they want to find out who exactly you are and clear up your identity...

I am confused... what is "common law immigration"? As far as I know, the US does not recognize common law partners as spouses, so I would guess you're applying for a K-1 (fiance) visa?

If you lived in Canada -or any other country- for more than 6 months after your 16 birthday, you do require a criminal record check. fingerprints are required when there is a conviction on file, however small the offense was.

Good luck, L.