Do I need a Canadian PCC for PR?

Does the question – ‘Do I need Canadian PCC for PR’ bother you?  Getting a Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada is a multi-layer process with several steps. Providing a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is one of the necessary documents to be submitted to IRCC when applying for the PR in Canada. Here’s a complete guide on how to obtain a PCC from Canada, why you need it, and the steps of the process.

The existence of any criminal record renders an applicant inadmissible in Canada. Therefore, PCC from Canada is necessary to establish that the person applying for Permanent status does not have any criminal records. This process ensures security and safety in Canadian society.  

You might need a Canadian PCC for PR if:

• You are at least 18 years old 
• You have lived in Canada for more than 6 months on a valid temporary status. 
   

1. Canadian PCC: People who have lived in Canada for over 6 months require a PCC from Canada. 
2. Foreign PCCs: People who have lived in other countries for over 6 months are required to submit a PCC from those countries as well when applying for the PR.
    

Step 1: Determine the Type of Check Needed

• Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC): It is a comprehensive process that includes judicial matters.
• Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Check: This is a basic check for conviction and outstanding charge verification.
• Fingerprint-based RCMP Check: Essential for detailed digital fingerprint-based background verification.
• Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): Required for individuals working with vulnerable populations.
  CPIC is generally required for applicants who are applying under Group V immigration while the fingerprint-based RCMP check is recommended for all other PR applications.
   

Step 2: Arrange All Necessary Documents

• Photo IDs issued by the government such as passports or driver’s licenses.
• Other documents like application forms, etc.

• Choose an RCMP-accredited agency like Globeia that provides online name-based checks from Canada
• Upload your scanned ID copies after filling in all personal details.
• Based on the agency and type of check, the payable fee may vary. Go ahead with the payment. Once the payment is completed the information will be forwarded to the local police who will issue the results.
• You will receive the results either through a secure online portal or by email on the same day.
   

Fingerprint submission RCMP Check Application:

• Visit an accredited RCMP fingerprinting Agency with two valid IDs.
• After filling out the form with your personal information, the agency will complete digital fingerprinting and submit the application to the RCMP.
• Process the payment at the location.
• After processing, you will receive the results via mail at the address you provided at the time of the application.
   

You can also seek the services of the RCMP-accredited agency to digitize and submit your fingerprints to the RCMP if you are applying for the RCMP criminal record check from outside Canada.

• Time Sensitivity: PCCs are time-sensitive documents. At the time of PR application submission, the certificate should not be more than 6 months old.
• Multiple PCCs: You will need a PCC from every country where you have lived for more than 6 months. 
   

PCC or Canadian Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory for PR applicants who have previously lived in Canada. It confirms that you are a law-abiding person with no criminal records in Canada which is a necessary condition for becoming a permanent resident in Canada. 

The above-mentioned process helps you go through the process effortlessly. For a streamlined, efficient PR application, consider deploying the services of a reputable agency like Globeia for your Canadian PCC.