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Criminal Record Check for PT Citizenship

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FelixKrull
  10/4/2014 11:42 EST

I am a US citizen applying for citizenship in Portugal (after getting my Permanent Residency) and I have noticed that there is a problem with the new FBI Criminal Record Checks. People report that their fingerprints are rejected multiple times, or not accepted at all and their are long delays since Sept 2014.

So, is there any way to submit a State Criminal Record Check (i.e. New York State Police record check) which is done through your name and social security number, rather than a federal FBI one.

If you did have a record on the federal level, it wouldn't it come up with your SS number anyway? If so, I don't see the problem. Any opinions or experience with this?

ProfBren
  10/9/2014 10:06 EST

This was a problem over a year ago when we tried to get our FBI report. Mine were rejected three times. We finally had to hire a chandler out of San francisco and it still took two tries. According to our consolute in San francisco only FBI reports are accepted also make sure you have a marriage certificate aposalatized in the states before coming. Hope this helps Bren

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ProfBren
  10/9/2014 10:16 EST

Sorry I accidentally posted more information for you under lisbon or Cascias. Look on FBI web site under Stats and Services, we used National Credit a Reporting. www.myfbireport.com is the one we used amazing service. Good luck

FelixKrull
  10/9/2014 12:23 EST

Funnily enough, there appears to be a solution that allows you to avoid the FBI criminal record check completely, saving time and money: get 2 witnesses.

That's right, at the Conservatório de Registo Civil, though they didn't tell me this the first three times I went there, they informed me that in the even your embassy in Portugal does not emit a criminal record check, you merely have to have two local witnesses sign a declaration at the Conservatório to attest to your innocence of any crime in your home country.

I asked how anyone from Portugal would know if I had a criminal record in the States, and they told me, all that mattered was that those people would be held accountable if I was lying and did have a record.

Color me gobsmacked, but I think I found the solution.

craigandmicki
  10/9/2014 12:55 EST

Laws coming into affect in Portugal are making it increasingly difficult to get 'witnesses' and/or 'guarantors'. They are held fully liable for the actions of those they help. Courts are requiring them to pay for all financial debts of persons they guarantee if that person can't pay, etc. Were I you, I'd get a real FBI letter and not play around with what someone suggested.

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Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
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Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
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Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

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