From 1 September 2015, a new requirement to provide criminal record certificates for Tier 1 applicants comes into force.
Those applying for entry clearance under Tier 1 (Investor) or Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) must ensure that they include a criminal record certificate when they file their application. This also applies to their adult dependent relatives.
Applicants must provide:
- original certificates (translated into English as necessary);
- issued within six months of the date of the application;
- relating to each country they have resided in for 12 months or more covering the last 10 years (or since becoming 18 if shorter).
In cases where it is impossible to obtain criminal record certificates for Tier 1 applicants, a letter must be provided by the applicant detailing all attempts made by them to obtain a certificate along with an explanation as to why this has not been possible. UKVI will make a decision as to whether or not to accept the explanation so we advise that it is as detailed and thorough as possible.
New guidance for applicants under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) and Tier 1 (Investor) has been published which includes further information.
The refusal rate for Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) applications in particular is more than 50% globally and failing to provide a certificate may mean the application is rejected.
