Overseas Criminal Record Check

If you have spent 3 months or more in a non UK country over the last 10 years, we will require an overseas police check. This only applies if you have remained in the country for 3 months or more in one single period. An overseas police check is also required for applicants who were born and have lived overseas until adulthood.

Applicants should obtain an official statement confirming they do not have criminal record proceedings pending.  This can be obtained from police or judicial authorities, government departments or their Home Embassy in the country or countries concerned. The police check should cover the entire country, not simply one state or province (e.g. FBI clearance for USA and RCMP clearance for Canada).

In cases where this is not possible, checks are carried out on a strictly individual basis and candidates are required wherever possible to provide evidence that official documentation is not obtainable.

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) provides an Overseas Information Service. For overseas enquires, phone 0870 909 0811, open Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm.

If you prefer to send your enquiry online, go to General Enquiry Form, complete your personal details and select 'overseas' from the dropdown box.

If the country you are looking for is not listed, you may find the following website helpful: www.canadavisa.com