Police certificates needed for every state of residence?

[Vilya 5]

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.

I'd like to start gathering the paperwork we'll need for the NVC phase of the I-130 process (still awaiting NOA2 at the moment, hope to get it in June). My husband and I seem to have differing interpretations of the requirements for the necessary police certificate(s). I hope someone here will be able to shed some light on this issue, as I seem to be completely unable to comprehend it.

We've read the guidelines at Travel.State.Gov, as well as the information provided on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Canberra.

My husband has lived in several different areas of Australia--a couple of different cities in NSW, and also in QLD. He has been living in the ACT for the past few years.

My understanding is that he must obtain a police certificate for each state (possibly each town?) in which he lived for more than 6 months, after the age of 16. So at minimum, he'd need to get certificates from NSW, QLD and the ACT. He says that he will only need a certificate from the ACT, where he now resides. Any input on this would be appreciated. I'm sure it's as simple as can be, but I am darned if I can't figure out what needs to be done. I hope he's right, as that would sure be easier!

[feli114 65]

I believe it is for each country

[S and R 8]

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.

I'd like to start gathering the paperwork we'll need for the NVC phase of the I-130 process (still awaiting NOA2 at the moment, hope to get it in June). My husband and I seem to have differing interpretations of the requirements for the necessary police certificate(s). I hope someone here will be able to shed some light on this issue, as I seem to be completely unable to comprehend it.

We've read the guidelines at Travel.State.Gov, as well as the information provided on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Canberra.

My husband has lived in several different areas of Australia--a couple of different cities in NSW, and also in QLD. He has been living in the ACT for the past few years.

My understanding is that he must obtain a police certificate for each state (possibly each town?) in which he lived for more than 6 months, after the age of 16. So at minimum, he'd need to get certificates from NSW, QLD and the ACT. He says that he will only need a certificate from the ACT, where he now resides. Any input on this would be appreciated. I'm sure it's as simple as can be, but I am darned if I can't figure out what needs to be done. I hope he's right, as that would sure be easier!

It is a national police check, initiated at state level. The check is done in the ACT from national records. You need one certificate for Australia, obtained through your local cop shop. Tell them its the fingerprint check for immigration, they will do the rest. It will arrive in the mail and its titled 'National Police Certificate'.

[Vilya 5]

Thank you for your help! This is exactly what I needed to know.

[Benj42 0]

I have a similar situation and hope someone can shed some light on it.

My wife is a Hong Kong citizen, and we are currently residing in Hong Kong, so we will get a Hong Kong Police certificate. However, my wife also worked in Beijing for just under a year. Hong Kong and China are technically "one country, two systems".

So, does she need Police Certificates from China also? It is a pain to do it since it needs to be done in person (and could take a few days). Hope someone knows, I have been researching like crazy but can't get to far. Thanks in advance!

[Lainie B 465]

I have a similar situation and hope someone can shed some light on it.

My wife is a Hong Kong citizen, and we are currently residing in Hong Kong, so we will get a Hong Kong Police certificate. However, my wife also worked in Beijing for just under a year. Hong Kong and China are technically "one country, two systems".

So, does she need Police Certificates from China also? It is a pain to do it since it needs to be done in person (and could take a few days). Hope someone knows, I have been researching like crazy but can't get to far. Thanks in advance!

You should try posting your question in the China forum, you will get better advice than from here.