All You Need To Know About Police Clearance Certificate For Canada Immigration

Canada offers a world of opportunities. Suppose you want permanent residency or a long-term visa in Canada. In that case, one of the first documents you will need is a police clearance certificate for Canadian immigration purposes. This certificate verifies whether or not the potential candidate has a criminal record, and it is an essential requirement for most Canadian immigration programs. 

A police clearance certificate is a judicial record extract, in the form of an authorized certificate, that confirms an individual's clean background. The IRCC, or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, utilizes the Police Clearance Certificate to ensure the safety and security of its operations. IRCC requires a PCC from:

• All applicants aged 18 or older
• Every country where the applicant has lived for 6 months or more (in a row) since turning 18, regardless of citizenship or current residence
  This includes:
• Your current country of residence
• Any previous countries of residence, if you lived there for 6 months or longer consecutively
   

The process for obtaining a police clearance certificate varies from country to country. You must adhere to the rules and regulations of your country. As a broad spectrum, you must visit your local police station or the national authority for the police record. They will need original documents for identification of the person, and these are submitted for authorization. Sometimes, they also use fingerprint authorization to ensure the safety and prevent identity theft. For a detailed input on country-specific requirements, you can go to this website. 

Some countries do not issue a PCC until they get an official request from the IRCC. In such cases, you have to:

• Upload a document with your application that says: “I am applying from a country that requires an official request letter from IRCC to get a police certificate.”
• IRCC will send further instructions after reviewing your application.
   

Canada: In Canada, immigration applicants need to provide a “criminal record check” document to support their application.

Applicants for permanent residency from within Canada are not required to provide a police certificate when they submit their application. The department will notify applicants if a criminal record check is required while processing their application.

Individuals needing a criminal record check should visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) website for guidance. There are additional factors to consider when submitting fingerprints. The RCMP website also explains more about the Police Clearance Certificate. 

India: To support their immigration application, applicants in India or those who have previously lived there must present a "Police Clearance Certificate." A PCC application for Canada Immigration from India can be submitted at the Indian embassy or consulate, the BLS International Center, the local district police station, or the passport office.

Nigeria: A "Police Character Certificate" is required for applicants who are currently in Nigeria or have resided there in the past to support their immigration application.

People can apply for Canadian immigration from Nigeria through two different methods:

• Their valid passport
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Applicable fees.

The second way is to apply with the help of the police commissioner. When applying by mail, applicants must provide a copy of their passport photo page, a set of fingerprints taken by a recognized police authority, Nigerian embassy, or consulate, an international money order payable to the Nigerian Police Force CID (Criminal Investigation Department), and a pre-paid return courier envelope.

Pakistan: Applicants currently residing in Pakistan or those who have lived there must submit a "Police Character Certificate" or a "Police Clearance Certificate" with their application.

Applying for Canadian immigration from Pakistan requires specific documents, which may vary depending on whether the applicant is from a Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA), a smaller city, town, or rural area.

Although most versions still require an application form, the necessary documents may also vary depending on whether the applicant is a Pakistani citizen.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad is unable to assist applicants in obtaining a police certificate.

United Arab Emirates: A "Police Clearance Certificate" (issued by individual Emirates), a "Criminal Clearance Certificate" (issued by the national government), or a "Good Conduct Certificate" are required as supporting documentation for Canadian immigrationfrom UAE applicants who currently reside in or have previously lived in the United Arab Emirates.

Candidates in the UAE may apply in person at the local UAE Embassy, online at the Dubai Police website, or by granting a power of attorney to a representative (friend, family member, or coworker) at the local police department.

Please note that applicants from any emirate are only required to submit one application for a Police Clearance Certificate.

Philippines: To support their Canada immigration application from the Philippines, applicants currently residing in the Philippines or those who have previously done so must present a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Multi-Purpose Clearance Certificate.

Applicants are required to provide extra evidence if the NBI certificate contains any of the following statements: "NO CRIMINAL RECORD," "NO PENDING CASE," or "RECORD AS STATED."

All court records about any criminal charges, including complete copies of the case's ruling or resolution, a written explanation from the NBI about the statements, and the applicant's account of the events that preceded the charges.

Candidates may apply in one of two ways for their NBI Multi-purpose Clearance Certificate:

• In person at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate; or
• By mail at the National Bureau of Investigation head office.

Nepal: Applicants who have resided in Nepal must obtain a “Police Clearance Certificate” to meet the security clearance requirements for Canada immigration from Nepal.

Police clearance certificates can be applied online through the Nepali police online clearance registration system.

• A recent digital passport-style photograph in JPG, GIF, or PNG format with a maximum file size of 3MB;
• Color digital copies of their passport or travel document. These each need to be in JPG, GIF, or PNG format with a maximum file size of 3MB;
• A valid email address;
• Their address history for the last 10 years; and
• A valid debit or credit card to make a payment.

If applying on behalf of another adult, applicants will also be required to provide additional information. Detailed instructions can be found at the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) Criminal Records Office website.

Suppose an applicant receives a Police Certificate that states, “No Live Trace.” In that case, they must provide further information or documentary evidence on their record (if available). Specifically, applicants are encouraged to include a detailed statement of their offense, which describes:

• The offence(s);
• The sentence(s);
• Relevant dates within the case, and
• Any other information relevant to the case.

For individuals residing in the United States, the primary immigration requirement is obtaining a police certificate from the FBI, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary. A few points that you need to remember as a US applicant are:

• Apply through the FBI website
• Do not submit digital third-party background checks—only official FBI-issued documents are accepted.
• The certificate should be issued within three months before submission.

IRCC has clear guidelines for your police clearance certificate. Follow these instructions to be accepted within the given time. 

• You need to share a clear, color-scanned copy of your PCC. 
• The IRCC does not accept photocopies, notarized versions, or certified true copies of PCC.
• If your police clearance certificate is not in English or French, you must also submit a certified translation of the document. 
• There is a 60-day timeline for submitting the PCC from the date of the request. If you cannot submit the PCC within 60 days, you must provide the following:
  • Provide a Letter of Explanation explaining the delay
  • Include proof of application (e.g., receipts, emails, application confirmation)
    IRCC must decide whether the explanation is appropriate, and if they do, they can extend the time for you. 

Keeping track of Time: When applying for a PCC for Canadian immigration, time is of the essence. You must ensure that you start 2-3 months before completing the entire process within 60 days of the request. When submitting your application, ensure that your PCC is not too old. 

Keep Digital Copies: You must keep a digital copy of all communication from various authorities. In the event of an issue, you can refer to the communication as proof of your attempt.