Question
Has anyone had a “No live trace” on their ACRO form when applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa?
The consulate got in touch with me today to ask about my “No live trace.” They are asking for an explanation on why it says that. Any old police records that exist for me will be extremely minor and only 1 or maybe 2 will exist.
I have nothing else wrong with my police record, no prison convictions, etc. What do I tell them? What do I do? Help please. I might add it has taken them nearly 15 weeks to tell me this.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“My husband was ‘No live trace’ for a caution, and when the ACRO came it had a page attached to it which explained what the caution was. We didn’t use this though, we thought that if they wanted it, they would ask. But they didn’t. I guess that isn’t actually helpful to you, as you presumably didn’t get the second page?”
“‘No Live Trace’ means that there is criminal record information held on the Police National Computer but it has been ‘stepped down.’ Anyone who sees this and understands this phrase can assume that you have a criminal record from the past, even if they can’t see the details.
If this applies to you, we advise that you contact ACRO to obtain details of the conviction information that was not disclosed on your Certificate. If you have requested a Police Certificate for travel purposes, many Embassies will require this detail in order to make a decision on whether or not they should issue you with a visa.
Once you receive the undisclosed information from ACRO, you will be required to contact the relevant Embassy and disclose your previous convictions.”
“Yes, I had ‘No Live Trace’ on mine, it wasn’t questioned.”
“No live trace means everything is ok I’m sure. I’ll check mine.”
“No it doesn’t. ‘No Trace’ means no record, ‘No Live Trace’ means something is still there from a past conviction.”
“You should have a second sheet with the ACRO that gives details of the stepped down convictions. As they have asked, you will need to show them.”
“Recently, Consulates started questioning ‘No live trace.’ You need to call ACRO and ask for information. They will send you a ‘second’ page, where your records will be explained.”
“My partner had ‘No live trace’ on her ACRO, wasn’t even questioned at Manchester Consulate in September 2022, seems like they are being a little pedantic?”
Conclusion
The term “No live trace” on an ACRO form indicates that there is criminal record information on the Police National Computer, but it has been “stepped down.” While this may suggest minor past convictions, it does not provide full details on the certificate.
For the Spain Non Lucrative Visa, some consulates might request an explanation or additional information regarding these records. Applicants are advised to contact ACRO to get a second page that outlines these details, which can then be shared with the embassy if requested.
Experiences vary, as some have not been questioned on this at all, while others have had to provide further clarification. It appears consulates are becoming more particular about this issue, so it is crucial to be prepared.
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