Maple News reports that police certificates remain a critical requirement for anyone applying through Canada’s Express Entry system. These documents help Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ensure that applicants are admissible and do not present public safety or security risks before being granted permanent residence.
Express Entry, launched in 2015, is the primary immigration pathway used by Canada to welcome skilled foreign workers. It manages applications to three major programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Together, these streams aim to fill labor shortages and support Canada’s growing economy.
A police certificate is an official document that details whether an individual has a criminal record in their country of residence or any country where they have lived for six months or more after turning 18. If you have no criminal record, the certificate verifies your clean status. Names can vary internationally: some countries refer to them as ‘police clearance certificates’, ‘good conduct certificates’ or ‘judicial record extracts.’
According to Maple News, this document is mandatory for all Express Entry applicants, including accompanying family members over the age of 18. IRCC gives applicants 90 days to provide valid police certificates after receiving their Invitation to Apply (ITA). Failing to submit the documents in time could result in processing delays or the rejection of the application.
Applicants must obtain police certificates from each country or territory where they have lived for six consecutive months or more in the last 10 years. The documents must be issued after the last time you lived in that country and must be valid at the time of submission.
While these certificates are most critical for permanent residency applications, IRCC may also request them for temporary visas, including visitor visas, study permits, and work permits, depending on the circumstances of the applicant.
In short, having a valid and timely police certificate is not just a box to check—it’s a key component in demonstrating your admissibility to Canada. If you’re planning to apply through Express Entry, make sure you account for the time required to gather these documents from relevant authorities.
As always, Maple News recommends keeping track of updates from official government sources to stay compliant with current immigration requirements.