My husband and I went to the Federal Police today and we were told that they can't process my application for permanent residency without a Criminal Record Check. We got married here in Brazil back in October. We had a signed and certified declaration saying that I've never been convicted of a crime and that I'm not wanted for anything in the United States, but since my husband is not a Brazilian (he has been a Permanent Resident of Brazil for 30 years), I'm not eligible to obtain a permanent visa based on marriage. The process in my situation is "Pedido de Permanencia por Reuniao Familiar," (application for permanent residency based on family reunion) and in my case, they do require a Criminal Record Check. All the other required documents remain the same with the exception of:
- my Criminal Record Check
- a document from my husband's employer confirming that he is indeed employed
- a declaration from my husband claiming responsibility for me
Even the fees/taxes and application form are the same!
Now, since I have no plans to fly back to the United States just to obtain my Criminal Record Check, how do I go about getting fingerprinted here in Brazil so that I can submit my fingerprints to the California Department of Justice and obtain my record? Has anyone been through this process before? Can anyone recommend a point of contact in Sao Paulo or Campinas? Muito obrigada!
Sincerely,
Victoria
p.s. Does the U.S. Embassy in Sao Paulo provide such services? I checked their website, and I didn't see anything relating to this matter.