Police Clearance Certificate Canada — How to Get One for Immigration, Travel, or Employment (2026)

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate in Canada?

A police clearance certificate (also called a police certificate, police check certificate, or clearance letter) is an official document confirming whether an individual has a criminal record in Canada. The term "police clearance certificate" is most commonly used in the context of:

• Immigration: applications (IRCC, foreign embassies)
• International travel: (visa applications)
• Overseas employment: (working abroad)
• International adoption:
• Foreign professional licensing:

In everyday Canadian usage, this is functionally the same as a criminal record check, police check, or police information check — all search the RCMP CPIC national database. The difference is primarily in the format and issuing authority required by the requesting organization.

Types of Police Clearance Certificates in Canada

1. Standard CPIC Name-Based Check (Online)

• What it is: : A search of the RCMP CPIC database using your name and date of birth
• Who issues it: : Accredited providers like SafeHire (via Bridgewater Police Service) or local police services
• Processing time: : 15 minutes online (SafeHire) or 1–8 weeks at a police station
• Cost: : $64.99 online or $25–$85 at police stations
• Accepted for: : Most domestic employment, volunteering, licensing, rental applications

2. RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check (Fingerprint-Based)

• What it is: : A fingerprint-based search of the RCMP CPIC database
• Who issues it: : The RCMP, through accredited fingerprinting agencies
• Processing time: : 4–12 weeks (mailed to your address)
• Cost: : $25 RCMP fee + $20–$80 fingerprinting agency fee
• Accepted for: : Immigration (IRCC), federal government positions, some international purposes

3. Local Police Service Certificate

• What it is: : A police clearance letter issued by your local municipal or provincial police service
• Who issues it: : Your local police service (e.g., Toronto Police, Calgary Police)
• Processing time: : 1–8 weeks
• Cost: : $25–$85
• Accepted for: : Some specific employer or international requirements

Police Clearance Certificate for Immigration (IRCC)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may require a police certificate as part of applications for:

• Permanent residence (all categories)
• Temporary residence (some categories)
• Canadian citizenship
• Refugee claims

IRCC Requirements

For IRCC purposes, you typically need an RCMP-certified fingerprint-based criminal record check. The name-based online check is generally not sufficient for immigration applications. Here is the process:

1. **Find an accredited fingerprinting company**: Search for RCMP-accredited fingerprinting locations near you
2. **Get fingerprinted**: Visit the agency in person and provide your fingerprints (electronic or ink-based)
3. **Submit to RCMP**: The fingerprinting agency submits your prints to the RCMP
4. **Receive results**: The RCMP mails the certificate to your address (4–12 weeks)
5. **Submit with your application**: Include the certificate with your IRCC application

Important Notes for Immigration

• The police certificate must be **dated within the validity period** specified by IRCC (typically 6 months)
• If you have lived in other countries for 6+ months since age 18, you may also need police certificates from those countries
• The RCMP-certified check is the only Canadian police certificate accepted by IRCC

Police Clearance for Domestic Employment

For standard Canadian employment, volunteering, and most domestic purposes, a standard CPIC name-based check is sufficient. This is what SafeHire provides online.

How to Get Your Police Clearance for Employment

1. Visit SafeHire.ca
2. Complete the online application (3–5 minutes)
3. Verify your identity digitally
4. Pay $64.99
5. Receive your police clearance by email in 15 minutes

This check searches the same RCMP CPIC national database and is accepted by the vast majority of Canadian employers, staffing agencies, volunteer organizations, and licensing bodies.

Police Clearance for Travel

Some countries require a police clearance certificate from your home country as part of the visa application process. Common examples include:

• United States: : Not typically required for tourist visas, but may be required for work visas
• Australia: : Required for visa applications if you have lived in Canada for 12+ months in the past 10 years
• United Kingdom: : May be required for settlement and work visas
• European Union / Schengen: : Varies by country and visa type
• Middle East: : Commonly required for employment visas (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
• Asia: : Varies (Japan, South Korea, and China may require for work permits)

Check with the specific embassy or consulate for their requirements. Some countries accept the standard CPIC check; others require the RCMP-certified fingerprint-based check.

Cost Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a police clearance certificate and a criminal record check?

They are functionally the same — both search the RCMP CPIC database for criminal records. "Police clearance certificate" is the term more commonly used for international purposes (immigration, travel, overseas employment), while "criminal record check" is the standard Canadian term for domestic use.

Do I need a police clearance certificate for a job in Canada?

Most Canadian employers require a criminal record check (which is the same thing). An online CPIC check through SafeHire is accepted by the vast majority of employers. You typically only need the formal "police clearance certificate" terminology for international or immigration purposes.

How long does a police clearance certificate take?

Online through SafeHire (for domestic purposes): 15 minutes. RCMP-certified fingerprint check (for immigration): 4–12 weeks. Local police station: 1–8 weeks.

How long is a police clearance certificate valid?

There is no official expiration date. However, most organizations accept certificates dated within 3–6 months. IRCC typically requires the certificate to be dated within 6 months of the application.

Can I get a police clearance certificate from outside Canada?

If you are currently outside Canada, you can still get an RCMP-certified fingerprint-based check by having your fingerprints taken at a local police station or fingerprinting agency and mailing them to the RCMP. Some Canadian embassies and consulates also facilitate this process.