UK JET Programme

2026/9/11

Criminal Records Checks

Table of Contents

 

What do I need?

  • If you are applying for Early Departure, you will need an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) at time of application.
  • If you have a current or previous criminal background of any kind, you will need an ICPC at time of application. You will need to contact the UK JET Office for a supporting letter.
  • If you are successful at interview, you will need an ICPC after results have been announced.
  • If you lived overseas (excluding Japan) in the same country for twelve months consecutively within the last 5 years, you must also acquire a Criminal Records Check from the country in question.
 

International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC)

How do I get an ICPC?

The ICPC (International Child Protection Certificate) can be obtained through application to the ACRO Criminal Records Office.

Early Departure applicants must submit an ICPC at the time of application, regardless of any existing criminal history. 

Summer Departure applicants applicants are required to obtain an ICPC (International Child Protection Certificate) in the event of their successful application, regardless of their criminal history. 

Further details on applying for the ICPC can be found on the Criminal Records Office website.

How long does it take?

All applicants are required to obtain an ICPC (International Child Protection Certificate) in the event of their successful application, regardless of their criminal history.

The ICPC may take up to 30 working days from application to be issued, any costs must be borne by the applicant. Please leave an ample amount of time for your ICPC to be processed in order for us to receive your document by the respective deadline.

Failure to disclose a criminal record that is later revealed to the UK JET Office will result in disqualification from the JET Programme. It is therefore advisable to declare anything that may appear on your record, even if you believe this to have been expunged.

Can I use a DBS/another criminal background check?

No, only the ICPC will be accepted. Any other criminal background check, including the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check cannot be used in place of the ICPC.

 

Applicants with Previous/Current Criminal Records

Applicants with a past arrest/caution/conviction of any type other than a minor road traffic offence (i.e. speeding or parking ticket) must submit an original International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) at the point of application.

In addition to the ICPC, you will need to provide a personal letter in your application pack explaining the nature and circumstances of your caution/arrest/charge/conviction. This letter should cover any juvenile offences, spent convictions and any additional information relating to all police matters.

Applicants who have received a criminal record trace on their ICPC will need to supply more information about this trace by firstly contacting the Criminal Records Office for further details. A personal statement should then be sent to the UK JET Office, explaining the nature and circumstances of the caution/arrest/charge/conviction. This letter should cover any juvenile offences, spent convictions and any additional information relating to all police matters.

 

Overseas Criminal Records Check

How do I get an overseas criminal record check?

Applicants who have lived abroad for twelve or more consecutive months in the same country must also ensure they acquire a Criminal Records Check from the country in question. As each country has their own procedure for administering overseas police checks, applicants are advised to contact the respective office in advance for more information on obtaining this document.

You will need to have these documents translated into English, so please leave plenty of time to complete this part of the process.

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