A criminal record certificate (also known as a police clearance certificate) is essential for many UK visa applications, particularly for Skilled Workers in healthcare, education, and social care. With ACRO processing over 200,000 certificates annually and strict Home Office requirements in place, understanding this process is crucial for a successful visa application.
This guide covers ACRO certificate fees (£65 standard, £115 express), the complete list of SOC codes requiring certificates, how criminal convictions affect your application, and step-by-step instructions for obtaining certificates from the UK and overseas.
- What Is a Criminal Record Certificate?
- Who Needs a Criminal Record Certificate?
- Types of Criminal Record Certificates
- How to Obtain an ACRO Police Certificate
- Overseas Criminal Record Certificates
- How Criminal Convictions Affect UK Visa Applications
- Tips for a Successful Application
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Criminal Record Certificates for UK Visa Applications in 2026
A criminal record certificate is one of the most important documents for certain UK visa applications. Whether you're applying for a Skilled Worker visa in healthcare, education, or social care, or you're the adult dependant of such an applicant, you'll need to provide certificates from every country where you've lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
The requirement, introduced in April 2017 for specified sectors, helps UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) assess applicants' suitability, particularly for roles involving vulnerable people, children, and patients. Failing to provide the required certificates—or a satisfactory explanation for their absence—will result in your visa application being refused.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about criminal record certificates for UK visas, including the different types of certificates, current fees and processing times, the complete list of occupations requiring them, and how any criminal history might affect your application outcome.
What Is a Criminal Record Certificate?
A criminal record certificate (CRC) is an official document that confirms whether an individual has any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. For UK visa purposes, applicants may need an ACRO police certificate (for UK records) and overseas certificates from any country where they lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years while aged 18 or over.
A criminal record certificate, also commonly known as a police clearance certificate or certificate of good conduct, is an official document issued by law enforcement authorities that details an individual's criminal history—or confirms they have none. For UK immigration purposes, these certificates help UKVI assess whether an applicant meets the suitability requirements under the Immigration Rules.
The information shown on a criminal record certificate typically includes the applicant's personal details, a photograph, and one of three possible outcomes: "No Trace" (no criminal records found), "No Live Trace" (previous convictions now considered spent under UK law), or a list of any unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings with dates and offence descriptions.
What Is the Difference Between ACRO and DBS Certificates?
ACRO police certificates are used for immigration, visa, and overseas employment purposes. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificates are specifically for UK domestic employment, particularly roles involving children or vulnerable adults. For UK visa applications, you need an ACRO certificate, not a DBS check.
Who Needs a Criminal Record Certificate for UK Visa?
Criminal record certificates are required for Skilled Worker visa applicants in health, education, and social care sectors (specific SOC codes), plus their adult dependants. Certificates must cover any country where you lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years while aged 18 or over. Those extending their stay within the UK are currently exempt.
Under the Immigration Rules (specifically paragraph SW16.1 of Appendix Skilled Worker), certain visa applicants must provide criminal record certificates. The requirement applies to entry clearance applications only—those already in the UK seeking to extend their stay are not currently required to provide certificates.
Which Visa Routes Require Criminal Record Certificates?
You must provide a criminal record certificate if applying for entry clearance under these routes:
- Skilled Worker visa: For roles in health, education, and social care sectors (specific SOC codes listed below)
- Health and Care Worker visa: All applicants in eligible healthcare roles
- Adult dependants: Partners (over 18) of main applicants in the above routes
- Global Talent visa: May be required depending on circumstances
Complete List of SOC Codes Requiring Criminal Record Certificates
If your Certificate of Sponsorship shows one of the following Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, you must provide criminal record certificates:
Types of Criminal Record Certificates
The type of certificate you need depends on your circumstances and which countries you've lived in. Most applicants will need multiple certificates from different jurisdictions.
What Types of Police Certificates Exist?
There are three main types: ACRO Police Certificate (covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for UK residents), Overseas Criminal Record Certificates (from countries you've lived in for 12+ months), and Subject Access Requests (for personal information access, not valid for visa purposes). Scotland has a separate disclosure process.
- ACRO Police Certificate: Official UK certificate covering England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. Cost: £65 (standard) or £115 (express).
- Overseas Criminal Record Certificate: Certificates from countries outside the UK where you've lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years. Process and cost vary by country.
- Subject Access Request (SAR): A free request for personal data held by police. Not suitable for visa or immigration purposes—use ACRO instead.
- International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC): Specifically for those working with children abroad. Checks against UK police and intelligence databases.
How to Obtain an ACRO Police Certificate
Apply online at acro.police.uk. You'll need a valid passport, proof of address, and two passport-sized photos. Standard service costs £65 (up to 10 working days) or express service costs £115 (2 working days). International courier delivery is available for £48 extra. Certificates are only sent by post, not electronically.
The ACRO Criminal Records Office processes all UK police certificate applications. You can apply online through their official website, whether you're currently in the UK or overseas.
- Visit the official ACRO website: acro.police.uk
- Create an account (recommended to save progress)
- Complete the online application form with personal details
- Upload required documents (passport, proof of address, photographs)
- Choose service level: Standard (£65) or Express (£115)
- Select delivery option (add £48 for international courier)
- Pay securely online and receive confirmation email
- Track your application status online
ACRO Certificate Fees and Processing Times 2026
Contact ACRO:
- Website: www.acro.police.uk
- Telephone (UK): 0845 60 13 999
- Telephone (International): +44 1962 871 111
Overseas Criminal Record Certificates
If you've lived in any country (other than the UK) for 12 months or more in the 10 years before your visa application—while aged 18 or over—you must provide a criminal record certificate from that country. The 12 months can be continuous or cumulative.
How Do I Get a Criminal Record Certificate from Another Country?
Each country has its own process for issuing criminal record certificates. The UK Government provides country-by-country guidance at gov.uk. Contact the relevant embassy, high commission, or police authority directly for current requirements, fees, and processing times.
The UK Government website provides detailed guidance on obtaining criminal record certificates from countries A-Z, including contact details, fees, and expected processing times. However, always verify current requirements directly with the issuing authority, as processes can change.
What If I Cannot Obtain a Certificate?
It's not always possible to obtain a certificate from every country. Some countries don't have functioning criminal record regimes, while others refuse to provide certificates to non-citizens. If you cannot obtain a certificate, you must provide a detailed written explanation with your visa application that includes:
- Details of your attempts: What steps you took to obtain the certificate
- Reason for failure: Why the certificate was not obtainable
- Supporting evidence: Any correspondence with authorities, embassy refusal letters, etc.
UKVI will assess your explanation on a case-by-case basis. If they determine that it was possible to obtain a certificate but you failed to do so, your application is likely to be refused. If UKVI believes you could still obtain a certificate, they may contact you and allow 28 working days to provide one.
How Criminal Convictions Affect UK Visa Applications
Having a criminal conviction doesn't automatically disqualify you from obtaining a UK visa. UKVI assesses each application individually, considering the nature, severity, and timing of any offences against the general grounds for visa refusal set out in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.
Will a Criminal Record Stop Me Getting a UK Visa?
Not necessarily. UKVI considers the type of offence, sentence length, time since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation. Serious offences (violent crimes, offences against children) are more likely to result in refusal. A sentence of 12+ months usually leads to mandatory refusal. Always disclose all convictions—failing to do so can result in a 10-year ban for deception.
The key factors UKVI considers when assessing criminal history include:
- Type of offence: Violent crimes, sexual offences, and offences against children are treated most seriously
- Sentence length: Convictions with sentences of 12 months or more usually result in mandatory refusal
- Time since offence: More recent convictions carry greater weight than older ones
- Rehabilitation evidence: Positive contributions to society, good conduct since conviction
- Pattern of behaviour: Multiple offences are viewed more seriously than isolated incidents
Criminal Convictions and Settlement (ILR)
Criminal convictions can also affect applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship through naturalisation. The "good character" requirement for citizenship is particularly stringent, and even spent convictions may be considered. Seek professional legal advice if you have any criminal history and are planning to apply for settlement or citizenship.
Appealing a Visa Refusal Due to Criminal Convictions
If your visa application is refused due to your criminal history, you may have grounds to appeal the decision. The appeals process involves submitting your case to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal. Grounds for appeal may include human rights considerations (such as Article 8 right to family life), errors in the decision-making process, or compelling evidence of rehabilitation.
Tips for a Successful Application
How Can I Ensure My Certificate Application Goes Smoothly?
Start early—allow at least 4-6 weeks for all certificates. Ensure your certificate remains valid (typically 6 months) throughout your visa application. Keep digital copies of all documents. If you have a criminal record, seek professional immigration advice before applying. Always be completely honest and transparent in your application.
Start Early: Begin obtaining your certificates as soon as you know you'll need them. Processing times can be unpredictable, especially for overseas certificates. Allow a minimum of 4-6 weeks before your planned visa application date.
Check Validity Periods: Most immigration authorities accept certificates issued within the last 6 months. Ensure your certificate will remain valid throughout your visa application and decision process. If your certificate expires before your visa is granted, you may need to obtain a new one.
Keep Copies: Make digital and physical copies of all certificates before submitting them. Certificates sent to UKVI may not be returned, and you may need copies for future applications or employment purposes.
Be Thorough: Ensure you obtain certificates from ALL relevant countries. Missing even one certificate can result in visa refusal. Create a timeline of your international residence history for the past 10 years to identify all required certificates.
Update UKVI Immediately: If your circumstances change after obtaining a certificate (such as a new conviction), you must inform UKVI immediately. Failure to do so could result in your visa being cancelled even after it's granted.
- Required for Skilled Worker visas in health, education, and social care (specific SOC codes)
- ACRO fees: £65 standard (10 days) or £115 express (2 days)
- Certificates needed from ALL countries you've lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- Typically valid for 6 months from date of issue
- Always disclose all convictions—deception leads to a 10-year ban
For comprehensive guidance on all supporting documents for UK visa applications, ensure you have everything prepared well in advance of your application date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Record Certificates
What is a criminal record certificate for UK visa?
A criminal record certificate (also called a police clearance certificate) is an official document confirming whether you have any criminal convictions. For UK visas, you may need an ACRO police certificate (covering England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) plus certificates from any overseas country where you've lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years while aged 18 or over.
How much does an ACRO police certificate cost in 2026?
The standard ACRO police certificate costs £65 with processing up to 10 working days. The express service costs £115 and delivers within 2 working days. International courier delivery adds £48. If you need an apostille for use abroad, the FCDO charges an additional £45. Refunds are generally not available once processing has started.
Who needs a criminal record certificate for UK Skilled Worker visa?
Criminal record certificates are required for Skilled Worker visa applicants in specific health, education, and social care occupations (identified by SOC codes), including doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, and care workers. Adult dependants (partners over 18) of these applicants also need certificates. Your sponsor will inform you if your role requires a certificate when they issue your Certificate of Sponsorship.
How long is a criminal record certificate valid for UK visa?
Criminal record certificates are typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue for most immigration purposes. Some authorities may require certificates issued within 3 months. Ensure your certificate will remain valid throughout your visa application and decision process. If it expires before your visa is granted, you may need to obtain a new one.
Can I get a UK visa with a criminal record?
Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from a UK visa. UKVI assesses each case individually, considering the type of offence, sentence length, time since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation. However, serious offences (especially violent crimes or those against children) and sentences of 12 months or more usually result in refusal. Always disclose all convictions—lying can lead to a 10-year ban.
What if I cannot obtain a criminal record certificate from a country?
If you cannot obtain a certificate (for example, if the country has no criminal record system or refuses certificates to non-citizens), you must provide a detailed written explanation with your visa application. Explain your attempts to obtain the certificate and why it wasn't possible. UKVI will assess your explanation case-by-case. If they believe you could have obtained a certificate, your application may be refused.
Do I need a criminal record certificate if I'm already in the UK?
Currently, those already in the UK seeking to extend their stay in the specified categories are NOT required to provide a criminal record certificate. The requirement only applies to entry clearance applications (applying from outside the UK). However, always check the latest UKVI guidelines as requirements can change. UKVI may still request additional information about your criminal history during the application process.
What is the difference between ACRO certificate and overseas police clearance?
An ACRO police certificate covers criminal records from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (not Scotland). Overseas police clearance certificates are issued by authorities in other countries where you've lived. For UK visa applications, you may need BOTH an ACRO certificate AND certificates from every other country where you've lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years. Each country has its own process, fees, and processing times.