A5.5 Character checks (26/07/1999)

Immigration Regulations 1999 4(g), 6(2)(a), 10(h), 13(2)(a)

1. Character checks must be carried out for the following categories of applicant:
   1. those aged 17 and over applying for residence, and
   2. those aged 17 and over applying for temporary entry for 24 months or longer, and
   3. those aged 17 and over applying for a work visa under a Work Permit Scheme (see W5), and
   4. other applicants for temporary entry who warrant a character check if the visa or immigration officer decides it is necessary.
2. It is a mandatory requirement (see R2.40) for applicants for residence aged 17 and over to obtain a police or similar certificate from:
   1. the applicant's country of citizenship, and
   2. each country in which the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (but see A5.10.1).
3. If required (see E6.5) applicants aged 17 and over applying for temporary entry must obtain a police or similar certificate from:
   1. their country of citizenship, and
   2. from any country in which they have lived for 5 or more years since attaining the age of 17 years.

Effective 26/07/1999