We had a police caution for possession of drugs deleted for a client who needed a US Green Card. Once it was deleted his ACRO police certificate showed “No Trace”, and he was able to apply successfully for his Green Card.
At a glance
- Record: police caution for possession of cannabis and cocaine
- The problem: the caution made him ineligible for a US Green Card
- What was at stake: a job offer in the USA and his plan to marry a US citizen and settle there
- Outcome: caution deleted; ACRO certificate “No Trace”; Green Card application successful
The background
Our client, a successful professional, had received a police caution for possession of drugs, both cannabis and cocaine. He had been offered an excellent job in the United States and was engaged to a US citizen, so he wanted to settle in the US and apply for citizenship.
Because the caution was for possession of cocaine, he was ineligible for a US Green Card. He could only take up the job, marry and settle in the US if the caution was removed.
What we did
We reviewed his case and advised that he had grounds to have the caution deleted from the PNC. He instructed us straight away and we prepared the application.
The outcome
After a relatively short time the police agreed to delete the caution. His ACRO police certificate now states “No Trace”, and he applied successfully for his US Green Card.
Drugs cautions and US immigration
Accepting a caution means admitting the offence, so a caution for possessing a controlled drug can be a serious obstacle to US visas and Green Cards. Deleting it changes what your ACRO police certificate shows. See can you go to America with a police caution? and our guide to travelling with a police caution.
Could your record be deleted?
Every case turns on its own facts, and a past result does not guarantee the outcome of another case. If a caution or other police record is affecting your work, studies or travel, we can review it and tell you honestly whether there are grounds to apply. Read police caution removal to see how the process works and our fees for costs, or contact us to arrange an initial consultation.
Related case studies: Cocaine Caution Deleted Before a Career Change · Theft Caution Deleted for a Visa Application · Firearms Caution Deleted After 15 Years
