Jump to content

11 posts in this topic

Recommended Posts

Hello,

 

Currently me and my wife have our case at the National Visa Center. As with every application, We need to get police certificates from every country she has lived ( Greece , USA, and UK). Unfortunately, the process to get the penal certificate for judicial use from Greece is EXTREMELY complicated. She tried to get it from Greece ( to send to the US Embassy in Athens) but was told she had to apply through an Embassy. I called the Greek Embassy in the US and they told me it had to be done through Greece ( but also said it was able to be done online) I am confused and unsure how to proceed being that our NVC application cannot proceed without this important document , but we cannot seem to be able to get our hands on it. I called the NVC three times and got two different answers;

 

1. You dont need the document until the interview, the US gov knows about the circumstances in Greece,

 

2. You need a receipt saying that you applied for the penal record to be sent to the US Embassy in order to apply.

 

 

Being that my wife currently resides in London and not Athens it makes things much more complicated. Looking for some help from anyone who has been through this before. Thanks

Edited by beachboy95
spelling
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Other Country: Philippines
Timeline

Greetings!

This link might help you.

Reference:

1. Greece https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Greece.html

Police Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name:  Penal Record for Judicial Use (Ποινικό Μητρώο για Δικαστική Χρήση, or Piniko Mitro yia Dikastiki Xhrisi)

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Justice, Department of Criminal Records

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round seal of the Greek State and a signature

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: Apply for a Penal Record for Judicial Use at the Bureau of Penal

Procedure for Obtaining: The Greek authorities will not provide a Penal Record for Judicial Use to applicants directly. Rather, they will forward any such police certificate to the U.S. Embassy in Athens.  The following information must be included in the application for a Penal Record for Judicial Use for immigration purposes:

Type of Copy: Check the box for Judicial Use.
Reason for Issue: Write “Request for a Visa”
Description: Write “Request for a Visa from the U.S. Embassy, Athens”

Greeks born and/or residing in Athens can apply for a Penal Record for Judicial Use at the Bureau of Penal Records (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou) of the Ministry of Justice, Leoforos Alexandras & Degleri 2, Athens or through KEP (Center of Citizen Information Service). Greeks born and residing in Greece, but outside of Athens, should apply for a Penal Record for Judicial at the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Εισαγγελία - Isangelia) of the appropriate district administration.

Non-Greek applicants residing in Greece and foreign-born Greek applicants should apply in person for a Penal Record for Judicial Use to the Bureau of Penal Records for Foreigners (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου Αλλοδαπών - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou Allodapon), at Mesogion 96, 101 79 Athens, Greece.

Non-Greek citizens residing abroad cannot apply for a Penal Record at a Greek embassy or consulate overseas. Such applicants will need to authorize a representative to apply on their behalf.  Authorizations must be notarized at a Greek embassy or consulate overseas.  Representatives for non-Greek citizens residing overseas can apply for in person at the Bureau of Penal Records for Foreigners (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου Αλλοδαπών - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou allodapon), Mesogion 96, 101 79

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Police certificates have a validity of 12 months from the date of issuance

Not accepted: Penal Record for General Use (Ποινικό Μητρώο για Γενική Χρήση, or Piniko Mitro yia Geniki Chrisi)

 

2. UK

Reference:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/UnitedKingdom.html

Police Records

Available. Immigrant visa applicants who have resided in the United Kingdom for six months or more since the age of sixteen are required to obtain a Police Certificate from the Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO). Applicants will find further guidance and application forms here.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 enables some criminal convictions to become 'spent', or ignored, after a set length of time from the date of conviction. After this period, with certain exceptions, an ex-offender is not normally obliged to mention their conviction when applying for a job or obtaining insurance, or when involved in criminal or civil proceedings. The "No Live Trace" or "Further Information Stepped Down" response indicates that information is available relating to a 'spent' conviction. A "No Trace" response indicates a clean police record.

Applicants presenting “No Live Trace” or “Further Information Stepped Down” police records are encouraged to request and submit their Subject Access Record to facilitate visa processing.  Applicants are legally entitled to gain access to this information about themselves under Section 7 of the British Data Protection Act, 1998.

Prison Records

Unavailable.

Court Records

Available. Applicants may obtain court records (usually called "Memorandum of Conviction" in the United Kingdom), by writing to the Clerk of Court of the court (or courts) in which he or she was tried. This request must include as precise a date and place as possible.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
Timeline
3 hours ago, beachboy95 said:

We need to get police certificates from every country she has lived ( Greece , USA, and UK).

 

No USA police certificate needed, immigration personnel can obtain the necessary records on their own for any immigrant visa applicant who has resided in the USA in their past.

Our journey:

Spoiler

September 2007: Met online via social networking site (MySpace); began exchanging messages.
March 26, 2009: We become a couple!
September 10, 2009: Arrived for first meeting in-person!
June 17, 2010: Arrived for second in-person meeting and start of travel together to other areas of China!
June 21, 2010: Engaged!!!
September 1, 2010: Switched course from K1 to CR-1
December 8, 2010: Wedding date set; it will be on February 18, 2011!
February 9, 2011: Depart for China
February 11, 2011: Registered for marriage in Wuhan, officially married!!!
February 18, 2011: Wedding ceremony in Shiyan!!!
April 22, 2011: Mailed I-130 to Chicago
April 28, 2011: Received NOA1 via text/email, file routed to CSC (priority date April 25th)
April 29, 2011: Updated
May 3, 2011: Received NOA1 hardcopy in mail
July 26, 2011: Received NOA2 via text/email!!!
July 30, 2011: Received NOA2 hardcopy in mail
August 8, 2011: NVC received file
September 1, 2011: NVC case number assigned
September 2, 2011: AOS invoice received, OPTIN email for EP sent
September 7, 2011: Paid AOS bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 9, 2011)
September 8, 2011: OPTIN email accepted, GZO number assigned
September 10, 2011: Emailed AOS package
September 12, 2011: IV bill invoiced
September 13, 2011: Paid IV bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 14, 2011)
September 14, 2011: Emailed IV package
October 3, 2011: Emailed checklist response (checklist generated due to typo on Form DS-230)
October 6, 2011: Case complete at NVC
November 10, 2011: Interview - APPROVED!!!
December 7, 2011: POE - Sea-Tac Airport

September 17, 2013: Mailed I-751 to CSC

September 23, 2013: Received NOA1 in mail (receipt date September 19th)

October 16, 2013: Biometrics Appointment

January 28, 2014: Production of new Green Card ordered

February 3, 2014: New Green Card received; done with USCIS until fall of 2023*

December 18, 2023:  Filed I-90 to renew Green Card

December 21, 2023:  Production of new Green Card ordered - will be seeing USCIS again every 10 years for renewal

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, nelmagriffin said:

Greetings!

This link might help you.

Reference:

1. Greece https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Greece.html

Police Records

Available

Fees: There are no fees

Document Name:  Penal Record for Judicial Use (Ποινικό Μητρώο για Δικαστική Χρήση, or Piniko Mitro yia Dikastiki Xhrisi)

Issuing Authority: Ministry of Justice, Department of Criminal Records

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Bears a round seal of the Greek State and a signature

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title

Registration Criteria: Apply for a Penal Record for Judicial Use at the Bureau of Penal

Procedure for Obtaining: The Greek authorities will not provide a Penal Record for Judicial Use to applicants directly. Rather, they will forward any such police certificate to the U.S. Embassy in Athens.  The following information must be included in the application for a Penal Record for Judicial Use for immigration purposes:

Type of Copy: Check the box for Judicial Use.
Reason for Issue: Write “Request for a Visa”
Description: Write “Request for a Visa from the U.S. Embassy, Athens”

Greeks born and/or residing in Athens can apply for a Penal Record for Judicial Use at the Bureau of Penal Records (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou) of the Ministry of Justice, Leoforos Alexandras & Degleri 2, Athens or through KEP (Center of Citizen Information Service). Greeks born and residing in Greece, but outside of Athens, should apply for a Penal Record for Judicial at the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Εισαγγελία - Isangelia) of the appropriate district administration.

Non-Greek applicants residing in Greece and foreign-born Greek applicants should apply in person for a Penal Record for Judicial Use to the Bureau of Penal Records for Foreigners (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου Αλλοδαπών - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou Allodapon), at Mesogion 96, 101 79 Athens, Greece.

Non-Greek citizens residing abroad cannot apply for a Penal Record at a Greek embassy or consulate overseas. Such applicants will need to authorize a representative to apply on their behalf.  Authorizations must be notarized at a Greek embassy or consulate overseas.  Representatives for non-Greek citizens residing overseas can apply for in person at the Bureau of Penal Records for Foreigners (Υπηρεσία Ποινικού Μητρώου Αλλοδαπών - Ipiresia Pinikou Mitroou allodapon), Mesogion 96, 101 79

Certified Copies: Certified copies are not available.

Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents

Exceptions: None

Comments: Police certificates have a validity of 12 months from the date of issuance

Not accepted: Penal Record for General Use (Ποινικό Μητρώο για Γενική Χρήση, or Piniko Mitro yia Geniki Chrisi)

 

2. UK

Reference:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/UnitedKingdom.html

Police Records

Available. Immigrant visa applicants who have resided in the United Kingdom for six months or more since the age of sixteen are required to obtain a Police Certificate from the Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO). Applicants will find further guidance and application forms here.

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 enables some criminal convictions to become 'spent', or ignored, after a set length of time from the date of conviction. After this period, with certain exceptions, an ex-offender is not normally obliged to mention their conviction when applying for a job or obtaining insurance, or when involved in criminal or civil proceedings. The "No Live Trace" or "Further Information Stepped Down" response indicates that information is available relating to a 'spent' conviction. A "No Trace" response indicates a clean police record.

Applicants presenting “No Live Trace” or “Further Information Stepped Down” police records are encouraged to request and submit their Subject Access Record to facilitate visa processing.  Applicants are legally entitled to gain access to this information about themselves under Section 7 of the British Data Protection Act, 1998.

Prison Records

Unavailable.

Court Records

Available. Applicants may obtain court records (usually called "Memorandum of Conviction" in the United Kingdom), by writing to the Clerk of Court of the court (or courts) in which he or she was tried. This request must include as precise a date and place as possible.

 

 

Yes we saw that. The problem is we already tried doing that in Greece but it didn't work. It is much more complicated. After speaking to the Greek embassy they suggested filing online. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Ireland
Timeline
14 hours ago, beachboy95 said:

Yes we saw that. The problem is we already tried doing that in Greece but it didn't work. It is much more complicated. After speaking to the Greek embassy they suggested filing online. 

What is the process for filing online? Currently have a similar situation as my husband worked in Greece for about 8 months or so. Spoke to an NVC agent to ask if we really needed it because the website says only if they lived there for more than 12 months and they said to send in a letter stating why we don't need one in its place. Still haven't heard anything since I submitted a few days ago so I'm waiting to see if they'll accept it. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
On 7/12/2018 at 12:56 PM, girlonfire said:

What is the process for filing online? Currently have a similar situation as my husband worked in Greece for about 8 months or so. Spoke to an NVC agent to ask if we really needed it because the website says only if they lived there for more than 12 months and they said to send in a letter stating why we don't need one in its place. Still haven't heard anything since I submitted a few days ago so I'm waiting to see if they'll accept it. 

Hello,

 

We ended up getting lucky and found an embassy which allowed us to file. At first we filed the wrong document, but were eventually able to have the Judicial purposes penal record sent. The embassies say that you cannot request penal records from them, but if you ask nicely in person they should be able to give it to you. If you asked the NVC then they would probably be best at telling you what you need. Best of luck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Ireland
Timeline
1 minute ago, beachboy95 said:

Hello,

 

We ended up getting lucky and found an embassy which allowed us to file. At first we filed the wrong document, but were eventually able to have the Judicial purposes penal record sent. The embassies say that you cannot request penal records from them, but if you ask nicely in person they should be able to give it to you. If you asked the NVC then they would probably be best at telling you what you need. Best of luck

Thank you for your response. We ended up not needing it! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 years later...
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
Timeline

Old thread is now closed to further comment.  The most recent poster's query is in a new thread in this forum:  "How to get Greek penal record when in the U.S.?  [split topic]."

06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Ask our VJ Immigration Lawyers.
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
- Back to Top -

Important Disclaimer: Please read carefully the Visajourney.com Terms of Service. If you do not agree to the Terms of Service you should not access or view any page (including this page) on VisaJourney.com. Answers and comments provided on Visajourney.com Forums are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Visajourney.com does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. VisaJourney.com does not condone immigration fraud in any way, shape or manner. VisaJourney.com recommends that if any member or user knows directly of someone involved in fraudulent or illegal activity, that they report such activity directly to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can contact ICE via email at Immigration.Reply@dhs.gov or you can telephone ICE at 1-866-347-2423. All reported threads/posts containing reference to immigration fraud or illegal activities will be removed from this board. If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by contacting us here with a url link to that content. Thank you.
×
×
  • Create New...