[aorland]

Eight years ago, I was a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Russia (from 96-98) and I am having an impossible time getting the police certificate from that country.

Does anyone have experience either getting certs from Russian when not living there, or experience working with a case officer to waive that requirement?

I have my police cert from the US.

Thanks,
Alex

[Smiler]

Hi Alex

I have absolutely no experience of obtaining a police cert from Russia.

Do you have something from the Peace Corps stating you were resident there via them? (I'm not sure how the Peace Corp works in that respect, sorry)

I'd let your case officer know as soon as possible.


My reason for posting was to say - Welcome to the forum. :clap

[aorland]

Thanks for the warm welcome. This forum has been amazing reading and so helpful.

Alex

[aorland]

Just wanted to close the loop on this thread.

I contacted the NZIS via email and explained the circumstances. I cannot say the solution they provided will apply to everyone having police cert difficulties but at least it is the path I am trying. The response is below:

"Thank you for your email.

It does appear that you have made a diligent effort to obtain a Russian Police clearance.

We suggest that you draft a statutory declaration (signed in the presence of a notary public) confirming the following facts:

- your name/date of birth/current address/passport number

- your dates of service in the US Peace Corps and your designation/serial number if applicable

- the locations and dates (as accurately as possible) that you were stationed in Russia

- confirmation that you have never been cautioned/charged/convicted of any traffic/criminal offences during this period of duty in Russia (or provide a detailed account of any such caution/charge/conviction that you received as the case may be).

- a brief summary of the unsuccessful efforts you have made to obtain the police clearance

Please submit this statutory declaration along with your application and other documents as usual. Make note of the outstanding Police clearance in the cover letter that accompanies your application and request a ‘character waiver’ be granted.

Once your application is submitted we will review your file and a decision will then be made on whether we will grant a character waiver and accept your declaration. If for some reason the waiver is not granted then you will be asked to make further efforts to obtain a Police clearance from Russia for this period of duty.

During the processing of your Residence application the Visa officer who is assigned your file will conduct a number of verifications to confirm the validity of your declaration."