- Permanent residence applicants need a police certificate from each country where they lived for over 6 months. For the United Kingdom, IRCC requires a certificate obtained through the ACRO Criminal Records Office website.
- The ACRO application asks for an endorser who has known you for at least two years, is not a relative, is over 18 and works in a listed occupation such as judge, doctor, accountant, teacher or pharmacist.
- In August 2023, ACRO clarified that an endorser can work in any occupation if they are over 18, not related to the applicant and currently employed. The endorser cannot be both a student and employed.
- ACRO also confirmed in August 2023 that the endorser can be located either inside or outside the United Kingdom, giving applicants more flexibility.
A UK police certificate (ACRO) requires an endorser
For individuals pursuing their immigration to Canada, the path to permanent residence involves fulfilling various requirements, one of which is obtaining a police certificate from each country where they have resided for over 6 months. Particularly relevant to those aiming for the permanent resident route and originating from the United Kingdom, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mandates a crucial step: obtaining an police certificate through the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) Criminal Records Office (ACRO) website.
Understanding the Endorsement Process:
The current application procedure for an ACRO police certificate entails seeking an endorser who satisfies specific criteria. This endorser should have a minimum of two years of familiarity with the applicant, should not have a familial relationship, and must be above 18 years of age. Moreover, the endorser must belong to one of the designated occupations or similar listed in the application form. These occupations encompass an array of professions such as judges, doctors, accountants, teachers, and pharmacists, among others.
Challenges with Finding an Eligible Endorser:
However, a common concern emerges: What if an applicant is unable to find an endorser who meets the stringent occupational criteria? This is a valid concern for many applicants who might not have direct connections to professionals in the designated occupations.
ACRO's Clarifications Bring Relief:
In August 2023, an essential clarification was obtained by reaching out to ACRO. An individual from any occupation can serve as an endorser, provided they fulfill the remaining prerequisites, including being above 18 years old, not related to the applicant, and currently employed. ACRO also emphasized that an endorser cannot simultaneously be a student and employed.
Moreover, ACRO's clarification extended to geographical location – endorsers can be located either within or outside of the United Kingdom. This broader scope allows applicants more flexibility in finding a suitable endorser.
Assistance from Cédric Marin, Immigration Lawyer:
Navigating the intricate landscape of immigration applications, especially when nuances like endorser eligibility are involved, can be daunting. This is where the expertise of Cédric Marin comes into play. An experienced immigration lawyer with 8+ years of experience in immigration and refugee law, he can guide applicants through their permanent residence application, ensuring adherence to the latest updates and guidelines provided by IRCC.
Conclusion:
In the pursuit of securing permanent residence in Canada, obtaining a police certificate endorsement is a pivotal step. With the ACRO's clarifications, applicants can rest assured that the occupational criteria for endorsers have a broader interpretation. As you embark on this journey, remember that seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer can streamline the process and alleviate any uncertainties.
Embark on your journey towards Canadian permanent residence with confidence, armed with the knowledge of a more accessible path to police certificate endorsement. Whether your endorser is a doctor, engineer, or any other professional, ACRO's guidelines provide the flexibility needed for a smoother immigration process.
Disclaimer: This blog is general information only, not legal advice, and may be incomplete or out of date. Laws change often. For advice on your situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
About our team
Five lawyers, a genealogist and a research team, all working on the same files.
Our lawyers have clerked at the Federal Court, decided claims at the Immigration and Refugee Board, served in Canada's foreign service and worked in the immigration groups of leading national firms. Kendra Gaede, our genealogist, chairs the Manitoba Genealogical Society's Research Committee and knows records from Quebec and Acadia to the Prairies. She leads the researchers who trace your family line and find the records that prove it.
2012 to 2016
Cédric Marin, our founder, studies civil law and common law at the University of Ottawa.
2017 to 2022
He clerks at the Federal Court of Canada, decides refugee claims and appeals at the Immigration and Refugee Board, and earns a Master of Laws.
2023
He opens Marin Immigration Law in Ottawa.
2025
Bill C-3 comes into force, and many more families with Canadian roots can claim citizenship.
2026
Four associate lawyers, a genealogist and a research team join, and we move into our office at 280 Albert Street.
Today
About 15 people, in Ottawa and across Canada.
