Criminal Background Check For Aliyah From The UK

To provide you with a comprehensive and detailed guide for obtaining the ACRO Police Certificate for Aliyah from the UK, here are the steps, requirements, and important information:

What is the ACRO Police Certificate?

The ACRO Police Certificate is an official document issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO) in the UK. It confirms whether or not you have a criminal record in the UK and is often required for various immigration processes, including applying for Aliyah (immigration to Israel). It’s an essential document for anyone looking to make Aliyah, as Israel requires a criminal background check for all applicants aged 14 or over.

Why You Need the ACRO Police Certificate for Aliyah:

• Required by Israeli Authorities: The Israeli Ministry of the Interior requires proof that applicants do not have a criminal history in the UK.

• Valid for Six Months: The certificate is generally valid for six months. Be sure to apply for it well in advance of your Aliyah application, so it is still valid when you submit your documents.

• Check for Criminal History: This certificate will confirm whether you have any unspent (active) or spent (no longer relevant) criminal convictions on record.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain the ACRO Police Certificate:

1. Application Process:

• Online Application:

  • Visit the official ACRO website to start your application: ACRO Police Certificates.

  • You will be asked to complete an online application form that includes personal details like:

    • Full name

    • Date of birth

    • Address history for the last 5 years

    • Passport-style photo (if required)

    • Proof of identity (e.g., a scanned copy of your passport or national ID card)

• Payment:

  • The cost of the ACRO Police Certificate is £45 (as of 2025) for standard service, with an additional £10 for expedited processing.

  • The online payment can be made via credit card or PayPal.

2. Fingerprints (if applicable):

• When Are Fingerprints Needed?:

  • Fingerprints are required if you have no match found in the National Fingerprint Database (held by the UK police) or if further verification is necessary to confirm your identity.

  • If ACRO requests fingerprints, you will be provided with instructions on how to submit them.

• How to Submit Fingerprints:

  • Fingerprints can be submitted in the UK at a local police station or a commercial fingerprinting serviceauthorized by ACRO. You must provide the correct fingerprint form, which you can download from the ACRO website.

  • If you are outside the UK, you can contact your nearest UK embassy or consulate for instructions on submitting fingerprints.

3. Processing Time:

• Standard Processing:

  • Standard processing time is 2 to 4 weeks from the date ACRO receives your application. This time frame includes document verification and issuing the police certificate.

  • If you need the certificate urgently, ACRO provides an expedited service with a 7-day processing time for an additional fee of £10.

• Delivery:

  • Once your certificate is ready, you will receive it either in PDF format (for digital submission) or via postal mail (printed certificate) at your registered address.

4. Authentication and Apostille (for international use):

• Apostille:

  • If you need the ACRO Police Certificate for use outside the UK (as is the case for the Aliyah application), you will need to apostille the document.

  • An apostille is an international certification provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK. This ensures that your document is legally recognized in Israel and other foreign countries.

  • The apostille process can be done through the FCDO online or by post. The cost for an apostille is approximately £30 (as of 2025).

5. Translation of the Certificate (if necessary):

• Translation Requirement:

  • The ACRO Police Certificate is issued in English. However, Israel may require the document in Hebrew.

  • If required, you will need to have the certificate translated by a certified translator.

  • The translator must be accredited and provide an affidavit confirming that the translation is accurate.

  • Ensure that both the original document and the translation are submitted to the Israeli authorities as part of your Aliyah application.

6. What the ACRO Police Certificate Includes:

The ACRO Police Certificate will include:

• Personal Details: Your full name, date of birth, and other identifying information.

• Criminal Record Information: It will state if you have any unspent convictions or spent convictions.

  • Unspent Convictions: These are convictions that are still active or relevant under UK law (may show up on the certificate).

  • Spent Convictions: These are older convictions that have been "spent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will not appear on the certificate unless the position or application requires a disclosure of spent convictions (e.g., working with vulnerable people).

Important Considerations:

• Document Validity: The ACRO Police Certificate is only valid for six months. Be mindful of its expiration date to ensure it is still valid when you submit it with your Aliyah application.

• Record of Criminal Convictions:

  • If you have a criminal record, the Israeli authorities may ask for additional documentation, such as court records or proof that the conviction has been cleared, pardoned, or the sentence completed.

  • For spent convictions, these may not be disclosed on the ACRO certificate, but some positions (such as immigration) may require full disclosure.

• Contacting ACRO: If you have any specific questions or concerns about your application, you can contact ACRO directly through their support channels for assistance.

Link to Apply:

To apply for your ACRO Police Certificate, visit the official website here: ACRO Police Certificate Application

Summary:

The ACRO Police Certificate is an essential part of your Aliyah application if you are from the UK. The process involves submitting an online application, potentially providing fingerprints, waiting for processing, and obtaining the certificate with the correct authentication (apostille) if necessary. Make sure to start the process well in advance to ensure that your certificate is ready when needed and that it meets the specific requirements for submitting it to the Israeli authorities.