national-level-screening
Can records from one country affect visa applications in another?
Yes. Through bilateral MLA treaties, ECRIS (within the EU), and direct sharing agreements, criminal records regularly cross borders. Many countries require disclosure of convictions from all jurisdictions for immigration applications.
Can I challenge inaccurate national records?
Yes. Most jurisdictions have administrative processes for challenging incorrect criminal record entries. We pursue these on behalf of clients, using local co-counsel in the relevant country where necessary.
What is ECRIS?
ECRIS is the European Criminal Records Information System, enabling EU member states to automatically exchange conviction data. A conviction in one EU state is routinely visible during background checks in all other EU member states.
Do national criminal records appear in Interpol searches?
Not automatically. National records are held in domestic databases. Only records formally shared with Interpol appear in its systems. A clean Interpol check does not mean national records are clear.