Legal Requirements

[DON MELLINGER]

Exactly how far back must a police report go in order to qualify for a resident visa? What if there is a 1970 conviction for marijuana possession, which was a felony in PA 42 years ago? Even if this is not on the police report must it be disclosed? Could such an item disqualify me from the resident visa?

[SUZAN HASKINS]

If it is not on the police report it doesn’t need to be disclosed. It’s my understanding you get the report from the last/current place you live and it need to be done within 90 days of submitting the paperwork for your visa.

[DON MELLINGER]

Thank you, Susan. The question is how far back need the report go? Can I move to a different state and then get a police report from that state? Suppose I move to the Philippines first, would I need a police report only from the Philippines?

[EI EXPERT – EDD STATON]

Rather than speculate why don’t you just get the police report from wherever you live now and see what it says? You may be needlessly worrying about something that happened 42 years ago.

[DON MELLINGER]

Thanks Ed, I can do that, just thought someone could give an idea about what might happen. More curious than worried. Do not want to tell any lies that could come back to haunt me.

[SUZAN HASKINS]

You can also contact the legal eagles in our Experts section and ask about the police report if you have more specific questions…

[DON MELLINGER]

Thank you Susan, will check out the legal eagles.

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