police certificate question

[emochka 0]

My husband is applying for a CR-1 visa and we are preparing the DS-230 package. He is in the process of getting a police certificate from his home country. But we are not sure if he needs a police certificate, or if it is even possible to get one, from the USA. He was here previously as an F-1 student. I think he doesn't need one, but I wanted to find out if anyone knows for sure.

Also, possibly another obvious answer, but again I just want to be sure....do they return all original documents we will send to the NVC when he has his interview?

I'd very much appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[RichiJenny 14]

He needs a police certificate for his home country for certain, and yes, the original documents are returned to the beneficiary at the consulate.

[edsperfect 25]

My husband is applying for a CR-1 visa and we are preparing the DS-230 package. He is in the process of getting a police certificate from his home country. But we are not sure if he needs a police certificate, or if it is even possible to get one, from the USA. He was here previously as an F-1 student. I think he doesn't need one, but I wanted to find out if anyone knows for sure.

Also, possibly another obvious answer, but again I just want to be sure....do they return all original documents we will send to the NVC when he has his interview?

I'd very much appreciate any advice. Thanks!

In the US can get a federal check for all states criminal record. I would suppose from Probation department in any court where he resides

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

He needs a police certificate for his home country for certain, and yes, the original documents are returned to the beneficiary at the consulate.

If he was here for a year or more he will need a criminal check. Any police department in the US can issue this. Ask for a NCIC report. The exact procedure for acquiring this will vary between police stations. There is generally a small fee for this service.

[Amy and Nick 37]

Is this a strict point on being there for a year?

I was in the US on a J-1 visa from aug-14 to aug-3 the following year. not quite a year, but im wondering if i may need one anyway?

Thanks guys!

[emochka 0]

Amy, I don't think you would need one. According to the state department's site about immigrant visa documents http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3195.html#police , you only need a police certificate from a country that is not your home country if you were there over 12 months (for home country it is 6 months).

It also says there that present and former residents of the US do not need police certificates. In my case, my husband was here for over 12 months. I just wasn't sure what their definition of "resident" is.

Thank you to everyone who has commented. I appreciate your time.

[emochka 0]

I'm assuming that US police certificates might be needed for adjustment of status within the US, or for immigration to another country other than the US, but not for IR1/CR1 or K visas filed abroad.