If you are Venezuelan and you live in United StatesAt some time or another, you have surely had to face this problem, or will have to face it. procedure: to request the venezuelan criminal records.
Whether for a migration processa new workto follow studies or simply to have your papers up to dateHaving this document becomes key.
For this reason, in this article we want to tell you, step by step, how to take out the venezuelan criminal records from USA.USA. without confusion and with some tips that we ourselves would have loved to know before starting the process.
What are Venezuelan criminal records and why do we need them?
We know how complicated it is move to the United Statesand the amount of paperwork they ask us for, among them, the background.
The venezuelan criminal records are a official certificate issued by the Ministry of the People's Power for Internal Relations, Justice and Peace of Venezuela. This document indicates whether or not a person has criminal records in the country. That is, if you have open court cases, sentences firm or if your history is clean.
Living in United StatesThis certificate may be requested for different reasons, such as when applying for a job. residencefor certain TYPES OF VISAin order to achieve a employmentor even by registering with university or training programs.
On many occasions, the immigration authorities o labor want to check that we do not have legal problems in our country of origin, and that is where the venezuelan criminal records.
The process to apply from abroad
Even if we are out of Venezuelait is possible to process the venezuelan criminal records completely online. This is very good news, because it saves us time, travel y paperwork.
However, it is important to follow the process carefully to avoid mistakes that can delay everything.
1. Create an account on the official portal
The first thing to do is to access the official web site of the Ministry of Interior Relations, Justice and Peace.
There, we must access the criminal record application systemwhich is usually found under the name ".Certification for International Procedures".
Once inside, you must register with our personal informationfull name, identity number (NIF or DNI) active e-mail address and a secure password.
We recommend using a e-mail that we constantly check, as the system notifications will arrive there.
2. Start the application
After logging in, we will find the option to generate a new application. In this step we must indicate the country where we will present the certificate (in our case, United States) and select the reason for the request: migration, studies, worketc.
A common mistake is to enter the wrong country or reason, which may cause the application to be rejected. We must also verify that the identity card number is spelled correctly and that the name exactly matches the name that appears on our official documents.
3. Wait for approval and download the certificate
Once the form has been submitted, the application will go through the internal review. This can take between 24 and 72 hoursalthough in some cases it may extend a little longer.
If everything is in order, you will receive a notification in your e-mail indicating that the certificate has been approved. At that point, you can return to the portal, log in, and download your certificate in PDF format.
This document is already digitally signed by the Venezuelan authorities and it is totally valid for international procedures...
The Apostille, an indispensable step
Have the certificate of venezuelan criminal records is only half of the way. To be valid in United Statesis mandatory apostille it.
Fortunately, over the last few years, the process of apostille can also be done digitally, through the Electronic Apostille and Legalization System (SLE).
1. Register in the SLE system
We must enter the system and create an account with our personal data. This system is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and allows the entire process to be carried out from anywhere in the world.
2. Upload the document and request the apostille.
Within the system, select "New application"Select the type of document (in this case, criminal record) and upload the PDF previously downloaded.
Make sure that the document has not been modified or opened with PDF editorsas this may invalidate the original digital signature.
Once the application has been uploaded, all that remains is to wait. The response time may vary, but it usually takes from 3 and 10 working days.
When it is ready, you will receive an email informing you that the electronic apostille is available. You can download it directly from the system and you already have your venezuelan criminal records with apostille valid in the United States.
Is it worth hiring a manager?
This is a very personal question. We believe that, if you have the time, patience and willingness to follow the steps carefully, you can do it yourself without paying anyone.
However, we also understand that there are cases in which the time burdenedor you do not feel comfortable using these systems. In that case, hiring someone you trust (make sure they are recommended and have references) may be a good option.
That's right, never pay in advance without clear guarantees and avoid those who promise to "buck the system" or do illegal things.
Remember that your venezuelan criminal records are a legal document, and any irregularity may affect you in the future.
What to do next?
Once you have your apostille certificate, you can use it in the procedures that require it. If it is for a process migratorywe recommend that you carry a printed copy y save the digital file in a safe place, such as in a e-mail or in the cloud.
Some institutions may request certified English translation. If this is your case, you should go to a authorized public translator. Remember that not all translations are valid, so be sure to ask first what type of translation is needed.
Tips to avoid errors
After having done this procedure several times, we have learned a few things that we want to share to avoid those headaches:
- Check all your data before submitting the application.A small error can cause a big delay, and it is important to always take into account the Venezuelan consulate in the U.S.. for peace of mind.
- Don't use disposable mail or mail that you don't check often.all notifications are sent by email.
- Do not try to make several requests at the same timeThe system may temporarily block you.
- Avoid opening the PDF of the certificate before uploading it to the apostille system.some versions of Acrobat Reader modify the file when it is opened.
- Be patientWe know that sometimes the system does not work properly or crashes. Take a deep breath and try again at another time of the day, preferably early in the morning, when there are fewer people doing paperwork.
What happens if I have a history?
If, when generating the certificate it appears that you have background penalties VenezuelansThe first thing to do is to stay calm. This does not always mean that you have a active court case or that you are disqualified to make procedures.
In many cases, it is a matter of old records or system errors. For this reason, it is best to consult with a immigration lawyer or legal specialist before submitting the document.
A professional will be able to help you interpret the contents of the certificateThe company's website can help you clarify if there is a real problem and guide you on what to do.
If the antecedent is an error or a case already closed, it could be legally corrected. And if it is in force, your lawyer will tell you how to proceed according to your situation specific.
Avoid modify the document on your own or submit false informationas this can lead to serious consequences.
With professional support, it is possible to resolve many cases without major complications.
Remove the venezuelan criminal records from United States is possible, totally valid and does not have to be a headache if you know what to do.
From creating the account, making the application, downloading the certificate and then apostilling it, everything can be done online. The important thing is to be patient, review each step carefully and keep an eye on your email.
At Curiarawe understand how exhausting it can be to do paperwork from the foreignerespecially when you are building a new life away from home.
If you have doubts, feel lost in the process or just want to make sure everything is done right, count on us. We want you to live this stage with more peace of mind, knowing that you are not alone.
We accompany you step by step to make your progress easier, wherever you are.
