December 22nd, 2024 at 04:24 pm
New UK Visa Rules | Criminal Record Checks for Skilled Workers and Families
The UK Government is changing its visa application process by ensuring stricter criminal record checks on applicants and their dependents. These new rules are to clearly explain what skilled worker visas are and the roles they play in health care, academics, as well as social care.
From 2025, employers and applicants in these sectors will need to adapt to the new requirements. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
Criminal Record Certificates:
- If you are applying for a skilled worker visa or similar, you must provide criminal record certificates for every country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years (if you were 18 or older).
- Dependent partners over 18 also need to provide these certificates.
- Jobs like nurses, teachers, social workers, and childcare providers fall under this rule.
Certificates for International Jobs:
- UK police certificates are available through the ACRO office for international visa applications.
- If you are working with children abroad, you will need an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC), which checks UK and global criminal records.
Employer Responsibilities:
Employers in health and education must check candidates’ criminal records if they have lived abroad. Other sectors are encouraged to do this but are not required.
When Certificates Are Not Available:
If a country does not issue criminal record certificates, applicants must prove they tried to get one. Applicants’ inability to provide proof could result in visa refusal.
What it Means for You
More Documents to Prepare:
Applicants need to gather criminal record certificates from every relevant country. This also applies to dependent partners.
Delay in Application Process:
Some countries have slow or difficult processes for issuing certificates, which could delay applications.
Employers must have a high sense of responsibility.
Employers must now take responsibility for ensuring these checks are completed, particularly in sensitive sectors.
Stronger Safeguards for Child-Related Jobs:
The ICPC adds extra security for those working with children abroad.
How to comply with these new rules
- Firstly, before you begin your UK visa application process, you must start collecting your certificates early to avoid delays.
- Secondly, you must confirm with your employer if criminal record checks are required for your role.
- Also, you must keep detailed records of your efforts to obtain certificates, especially in countries with difficult processes.
- You note that these changes aim to improve transparency and security for visa applicants, as well as employers.