What is an ACRO Certificate Apostille?
The ACRO Police Certificate is issued by the UK’s ACRO Criminal Records Office. It provides details of any criminal convictions, warnings, or cautions recorded in the UK police databases. It is often required by immigration authorities in countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various nations across Europe and Asia when a person is applying for long-term visas, employment, or residency.
ACRO certificates are valid for 6 or 12 months depending on the country’s immigration requirements, and they serve as a trusted summary of your criminal record (or lack thereof).
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) that verifies the authenticity of a public document, such as an ACRO police certificate. The apostille confirms that the document is genuine and recognised by all countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Without an apostille, your ACRO certificate may not be accepted in foreign jurisdictions, which can delay visa processing or job approvals. Therefore, having your police certificate apostilled is crucial if the country you are dealing with requires it.
Why is an ACRO Certificate Apostille Needed?
When submitting legal documents to foreign governments, simply presenting the original document is not always enough. Most countries outside the UK will require proof that the document was lawfully issued. The ACRO certificate apostille provides that confirmation. It certifies:
- The authenticity of the signature.
- The capacity of the person who signed the document.
- The identity of the seal or stamp on the document.
This process ensures that foreign institutions can trust the document without needing to verify it with UK authorities directly.
How to Get Your ACRO Certificate Apostilled
There are generally two steps in the process:
- Apply for an ACRO Police Certificate: You can do this online through the official ACRO website. You will need to provide personal identification, a passport-sized photo, and proof of address.
- Apostille the Certificate: Once you receive the ACRO certificate, you can submit it to the UK FCDO or use a registered apostille service to have it legalised.
Some apostille service providers offer combined packages that include both applying for the ACRO certificate and handling the apostille for you, saving time and hassle.
Price Plans for ACRO Certificate and Apostille Services
The price plans for obtaining and apostilling an ACRO certificate vary based on processing time and whether you use a third-party service.
ACRO Police Certificate Costs:
- Standard Service: £55 – Processing time is usually around 10 working days.
- Premium Service: £95 – Processing time is reduced to 2 working days.
These prices are for the certificate alone and do not include the apostille.
Apostille Certificate Costs (via UK FCDO):
- Standard Apostille: £30 per document (plus return postage if handled directly).
- Urgent Legalisation (Same-Day): £75 per document (only available through registered legalisation service providers).
Combined Services (Third-Party Providers):
Many agencies offer bundled packages where they handle both the ACRO application and apostille legalisation. These can cost anywhere between £120 and £200, depending on:
- Whether same-day service is needed.
- Courier and postage requirements.
- Additional notary services (if requested by the destination country).
These services are ideal for applicants who need quick turnaround times or want to avoid dealing with multiple agencies.
Factors That May Affect the Price
- Country of submission: Some countries may require notarisation before the apostille, adding extra cost.
- Courier charges: International courier fees may apply for sending the documents abroad.
- Additional copies: Requesting extra copies of the apostilled certificate will increase the total cost.
Final Thoughts
Securing an ACRO certificate apostille is a vital step when preparing to move or work abroad. Understanding the process and evaluating different price plans can help streamline your legalisation journey. Whether you choose to manage it yourself through the UK government or opt for a full-service provider, having your ACRO certificate properly apostilled ensures smooth acceptance overseas. Investing in the right service will save you both time and stress, particularly when dealing with tight visa deadlines or job offers abroad.
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