Canadian Permanent Residence Police or Penal Clearance Certificate

Canadian Permanent Residence | Police or Penal Clearance Certificate

Ninan Lawrence Published:
September 02, 2023

When applying for permanent residency in Canada, one of the crucial steps is undergoing a police verification or criminal background check. This verification ensures that individuals seeking PR have not been involved in any criminal activities that could pose a security risk to the country. In this article, we are going to talk about what the police clearance process is all about, what are the different types, how to obtain one from your applicable country, processing timelines, etc.

What is a police clearance certificate & when is it required?

Police clearance certificate is a mandatory document to be obtained by all applicants aged 18 years or older. This includes both the primary applicant and any accompanying family members. Applicants typically need to obtain police clearance certificates from every country where they have lived in for a specific period. There are two main types of police clearance certificates:

Canadian police clearance certificate: this is required if you have lived in Canada for six months or more since turning 18. You will need to obtain a police clearance certificate from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Police clearance certificate from other countries: if you have lived in any other country for six months or more since turning 18 years old, you will need to obtain police clearance certificates from those countries’ law enforcement agencies.

Process, validity, & submission to IRCC

The process of obtaining police clearance certificates can vary from country to country. In Canada, you can apply for a police clearance certificate from the RCMP [online] or through a local police office. For other countries, you will need to follow the guidelines provided by the respective country’s embassy or consulate. Police clearance certificates usually have a specific validity period. In some cases, they may need to be valid at the time you submit your PR application and when you land in Canada as a permanent resident.

When you submit your PR application through the Express Entry system or other immigration programs, you will be required to upload scanned copies of your police clearance certificates. If you are invited to apply for PR, make sure you have obtained all the necessary certificates before submitting your application.

Exemptions and Considerations: in some cases, you might be exempt from providing police clearance certificates. For instance, if you were a minor when the crime was committed, or if you are unable to obtain a police clearance certificate due to political reasons in your home country.

Delays and impact on PR application processing time

Failing to provide police clearance certificates can lead to delays in processing your PR application. It is essential to ensure that you gather all necessary documents, including police clearance certificates, to avoid any unnecessary setbacks. Remember, the specific requirements and procedures may change over time, so always refer to the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with a qualified immigration consultant for the most up-to-date and accurate information before submitting your PR application.

Contact us if to know if you qualify to migrate to Canada. Check out Owlspriority Immigration’s Canada Settlement Resources to learn about finding employment in Canada, making your initial days stress-free, etc.