[unar]

Hi,

I live in London and going to start my application for NZ visa soon. Has anybody tried to get a US police certificate from London? I think the process is getting fingerprinted at Scotland Yard, fill out the form and send it off to the US FBI address. Is this correct? Also wondering if I can put my London address on the form, or is it better to use my parent's USA address?

Thanks for all your help.
-Una

[Eve & Paul]

Hi Una,

I just telephoned my local police station to explain that I needed my fingerprints taken and why and they quickly patched me through to the correct person. I then had to send a money order for £20 to Essex Police. Once they received the money, they phoned me to make an appointment for me to go down to my local police station in Colchester to have my fingerprints done. I then posted the application, forms and fingerprint card to the FBI and am now waiting for my record.

FYI - I posted it on the 29th March and they debited my card early last week so I anticipate receiving it by the end of next week.

Hope that helps!

Eve

[unar]

Thanks Eve. One more question, where did you get the fingerprint card? did you printed it off the FBI website? Will give our local police station a call.

-una

[Eve & Paul]

You can get more information and print a copy of the fingerprint card from this FBI link:

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm

Having said that, the website does state that it is okay for the authority taking the fingerprints to use their own agency's fingerprint card - which is what we did. Apparently the fingerprints don't 'take' as well on normal inkjet paper.

One last thing - my FBI record (clean of course! :D) arrived in this morning's post. So took almost exactly 3 weeks. :)

Eve

[swank]

-The fingerprint card to can be downloaded from the FBI site and printed out. Use heavy card stock.

-Make several copies(or scan) of your fingerprint card.

-I was told that copies are acceptable to send, but don't count on this to remain true. Call and ask: 1-304-625-5590

-Send your prints and the cover letter via FedEx and include a return envelope pre-affixed with your FedEx account number for returning your "record" (the record is just your fingerprint card with and rubber-stamped "NO RECORD" on the back and a slip of paper stapled to the front telling you to look at the back...)

This costs more but will give you piece of mind, especially if you are located outside the U.S. Also remember to note the tracking number of the return envelope so you can see when it's coming back.

-If you are in a rush, put large, boldly typed stickers on the outside of the envelopes explaining when you need it by and why you are in a rush.

-They seem to have busy periods where they only expedite for 'humanitarian reasons'.... Don't count on the turn-around time stated on the FBI site nor that they will expedite your record...

-Don't wait until you are finished with the EOI.... Send it in as soon as you decide that you will submit the EOI...

Good luck!

[unar]

Thanks for all your help! Fedex is an awesome idea.

My kiwi husband and I are going to get fingerprinted this Friday. Hopefully next week we can send off the police certificate applications for US and the UK. Here we go.. the process starts! A bit scared. Will keep you guys posted on our progress.

-Una