Job Discussion Forums

[Teflon Don]

In need of some help please.

I'm a Brit, living in UK.

I see people suggest the disclosure scotland route for a basic disclosure, in relation to the police check.

My question is this: If you have anything show up on your record does that automatically mean you'll not be able get a work permit?

To be very specific, as I'm sure you'll be wondering (or assuming I'm some kind of master criminal now!): I will likely have a 'driving without tax and insurance' show up from 4 and 1/2 years ago. It was a company car which I was told was all fine and legal for me (but was not). Of course, in the UK, it is the individual that gets the fine, not the company who made the mistake (as the onus is on the individual to check that the company is telling the truth). Anyway, I got a small fine and six points on my licence (which are now cleared off).

My problem is that because I was fined, it is likely to show up on my record for five years (so another 6/7 months).

I was furious with my employer, and explained that not only had they put a mark against my name but my insurance premiums would rocket for five years too. It has already probably cost me a couple of grand over that time.

So do I have no chance if it does show up on my background check?

Anyone tempted to post a holier than thou style 'of course you can't come here you dirty criminal' comment feel free of course.

[I'm With Stupid]

I'd be astonished if something like that showed up on a criminal record check. I can't be sure though, sorry.

[Teflon Don]

Assuming it did though, which I am to be honest, do you think it would stop me getting a work permit?

I know it is minor, but I'm worried that the VN authorities would have no comprehension of that, and just say no, no clear check, no work permit.

[Teflon Don]

Ok, after further research I think it is inevitable that this will show up as a criminal record (until it is removed as spent in another 6 months time).

So, will having a criminal record mean I can't get a work permit? Or would they look at the type of offence and decide from there?

Many Thanks

[Teflon Don]

Anyone?

[spycatcher reincarnated]

In HCMC, misdemeanors on the PCC obviously raise red flags, but are generally accepted if they can be explained for what they are.

I know of cases where DUI has been accepted and laughted off as being unimportant.

[toiyeuthitmeo]

I wouldn't worry about a traffic violation. I'd also look into a "No arrest" style police clearance. This is an option in the US, perhaps also in the UK?

You should be able to visit your local police station, provide ID and some proof that you live within their jurisdiction (utility bill, voting registration, etc) and they can issue a clearance that simply states they have no record of arrest or incarceration for you. Certainly most traffic offenses, and the one you mention, don't result in arrest.

Then you'll need to get the document notarized and authenticated on up the chain, which I'm sure you've looked into.

[dan1234]

I've lived in one U.S. state for 14 years. Will a local/state police check suffice, or do I need a federal (FBI) check and or local checks everywhere I've lived?

And what does having a "clean" check mean? Can you have been arrested for a misdemeanor but the charge was dropped?

[toiyeuthitmeo]

If you've been arrested, I would go with the FBI check. The type of clearance I got would state a record of arrest, even without charges, and that won't look good.

The chain of authentication in the US is crazy. Thankfully, my company did it for me, but to give you an idea, when I got the document back, it had new notary documents attached from three separate courts, and the final absurd thing, a document signed in real ink by the current Secretary of State of the US.

There are posts on the forum detailing this, but once you have a clearance letter, make sure it is notarized by the issuing agency, then take it up with your state attorney general's office.