Police Check for Immigration to Canada: Requirements and Process

Police Checks for Immigration to Canada

If you're applying to immigrate to Canada or seeking Canadian citizenship, you'll likely need to provide police certificates as part of your application. This guide explains the requirements and process for obtaining the necessary background checks.

When Police Certificates Are Required

Immigration Applications Requiring Certificates

Permanent Residence

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
• Family sponsorship
• Refugee claims
• Business immigration

Citizenship Applications

• All citizenship applicants 18+
• From current country and countries lived in 6+ months since age 18

Other Immigration Matters

• Work permit extensions (sometimes)
• Study permits (rarely)
• Visitor visa (occasionally requested)
• Permanent residence card renewal

Who Must Provide Certificates

You need certificates from:

• Countries where you lived 6+ months since age 18
• Your current country of residence
• Canada (if you've lived here)

Canadian Police Certificates for Immigration

When You Need a Canadian Certificate

If you're already in Canada applying for:

• Permanent residence
• Citizenship
• Status changes

Types Accepted by IRCC

Canadian Background Check

• The standard document for immigration
• Based on fingerprints
• Processed by RCMP
• Takes 3-10 business days

How to Obtain

1. Get fingerprints taken at accredited location
2. Submit to RCMP Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services
3. Pay processing fee
4. Wait for certified results

Processing Times

Costs

Police Certificates from Other Countries

General Requirements

Each country has different processes for issuing police certificates. Common elements include:

• Application to police authority or embassy
• Identity verification
• Processing fees
• Varying timelines

Country-Specific Guidance

United States

• FBI Identity History Summary
• Fingerprint-based
• Apply online through FBI website
• Processing: 3-14 days (electronic)
• Cost: Approximately $18 USD

United Kingdom

• ACRO Police Certificates
• Apply online
• Processing: 10-20 business days
• Cost: Approximately 45 GBP

India

• Police Clearance Certificate
• Apply through local police station or passport office
• Can apply through Indian embassy if abroad
• Processing: 2-6 weeks
• Cost: Varies by state

China

• Certificate of No Criminal Conviction
• Apply through local notary office
• Or through Chinese embassy if abroad
• Processing: 2-4 weeks
• Cost: Varies

Philippines

• NBI Clearance
• Apply at NBI office or online
• Processing: 1-3 weeks
• Cost: Approximately 155-200 PHP

Other Countries

Visit the IRCC website for country-specific instructions. Generally, contact:

• Local police authorities
• National police agency
• Embassy or consulate if outside the country

Document Requirements

What Police Certificates Must Include

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Criminal history information (or confirmation of clear record)
• Official seal or stamp
• Date of issue
• Signature of issuing authority

Translation Requirements

If certificate is not in English or French:

• Certified translation required
• Translator must provide declaration
• Original plus translation submitted

Validity Period

Police certificates must be:

• Less than 6 months old when submitted (for most applications)
• From the correct time period
• Covering the relevant period of residence

Immigration Inadmissibility

What Makes Someone Inadmissible

Criminal inadmissibility can result from:

• Serious criminality (indictable offences)
• Criminality (summary offences)
• Organized crime involvement
• Offences committed outside Canada that would be criminal here

Overcoming Inadmissibility

Options may include:

• Criminal rehabilitation application
• Temporary Resident Permit
• Deemed rehabilitation (10+ years since completion of sentence)
• Record suspension/pardon

Disclosure Requirements

You must disclose:

• All criminal charges (even if acquitted)
• Pardoned offences
• Foreign convictions
• Any arrests or detentions

Failure to disclose can result in:

• Application refusal
• Deportation
• Ban from future applications
• Misrepresentation findings

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Determine Requirements

Review your specific immigration program requirements:

• Which countries require certificates
• Time periods to cover
• Document format requirements

Step 2: Request Canadian Certificate (if applicable)

If you've lived in Canada 6+ months:

1. Find accredited fingerprinting location
2. Schedule appointment
3. Submit fingerprints to RCMP
4. Wait for certified results

Step 3: Request Foreign Certificates

For each country where you lived 6+ months:

1. Research that country's process
2. Gather required documents
3. Submit application
4. Pay fees
5. Receive certificate

Step 4: Translate Documents

If certificates aren't in English or French:

1. Find certified translator
2. Have documents translated
3. Obtain translator's declaration

Step 5: Submit with Application

Include:

• Original certificates (or certified copies as required)
• Translations
• Cover letter explaining any issues

Common Challenges

Difficulty Obtaining Foreign Certificates

If you cannot obtain a certificate:

• Document your attempts
• Provide explanation letter
• Submit any partial documentation
• IRCC may accept statutory declaration

Old Certificates Expiring

If your certificate will exceed 6 months:

• Time your application carefully
• Request new certificate if needed
• Immigration lawyers can advise on timing

Countries with Long Processing Times

Some countries take months:

• Start the process early
• Track application status
• Contact embassy for updates
• Document delays

Inconsistent Names

If your name differs across documents:

• Provide name change documentation
• Marriage certificates
• Court orders
• Statutory declarations explaining variations

Costs Summary

Timeline Planning

Recommended Timeline

• Start 2-3 months before application deadline
• Request longest-processing certificates first
• Canadian certificate can usually be obtained quickly
• Build in buffer for unexpected delays

Express Entry Considerations

After receiving ITA (Invitation to Apply):

• You have 60 days to submit complete application
• Police certificates must be less than 6 months old
• Start gathering certificates before receiving ITA

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police certificate from every country I visited?

No. Only from countries where you lived 6+ months since turning 18. Tourist visits don't count.

What if I can't remember everywhere I lived?

Review passport stamps, employment records, tax returns. Provide your best information with explanation.

Will an old conviction prevent my immigration?

Not necessarily. Minor, historic offences may not cause inadmissibility. Serious offences may require rehabilitation application.

Can I use a regular criminal record check instead of a Canadian Background Check?

For immigration purposes, IRCC typically requires a fingerprint-based Canadian Background Check. Regular checks may not be accepted.

How long is a police certificate valid?

Police certificates must generally be less than 6 months old when you submit your immigration application.

What if my application is delayed and certificates expire?

You may need to obtain new certificates. Consult with an immigration lawyer or IRCC for guidance on your specific situation.

Get Your Canadian Police Certificate

For Canadian residents needing criminal record checks for immigration purposes, SafeHire can help with standard checks. For Canadian Background Checks required by IRCC, you'll need to submit fingerprints directly to the RCMP. Contact us to understand which type of check you need for your immigration application.