Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued comprehensive guidance on how immigration applicants can obtain a police certificate—a key document required in many immigration programs, including Express Entry and applications for permanent or temporary residence.
A police certificate is an official statement confirming whether an individual has a criminal record. These documents are essential for IRCC to assess whether applicants are criminally admissible to Canada. Depending on the country, the certificate may also be referred to as a police clearance certificate, good conduct certificate, or judicial record extract.
Applicants must submit police certificates for each country they’ve lived in for six consecutive months or more after turning 18, during the last 10 years. You do not need to provide certificates from every country you’ve ever lived in, but only those that meet this specific condition. This requirement applies to both permanent and temporary residence applications if a criminal record has been declared.
The process to obtain a police certificate differs by country, and IRCC has developed a country-specific resource to guide applicants through the requirements and application process in their respective countries of residence or former residence. For example, individuals living in or applying from within Canada are typically not required to submit a police certificate right away; IRCC will notify them if it’s needed as their application is processed.
It’s important to note that submitting biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) directly to IRCC is not the same as providing them for a police certificate. While biometrics are used for identity verification and background checks by IRCC, they are separate from the police certificate process, even if similar information is used.
IRCC’s resource covers instructions for obtaining police certificates from several frequently referenced countries, including Canada, India, the United States, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UAE, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and Nepal.
For immigration hopefuls, ensuring that this and other vital documentation is accurate and submitted on time can significantly improve the success of their application. Maple News encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with their home or former countries’ processes in advance to avoid any unnecessary delays.
As Canada continues to streamline its immigration system, clarity around document requirements like police certificates helps applicants navigate the journey with greater confidence and efficiency.