Police Certificate Canada - Purpose, Requirement and Process


 A police clearance certificate is an essential document for various legal, immigration, and employment-related processes. In Canada, obtaining this certificate is often required for background checks, especially when applying for jobs, visas, or permanent residency.

If you are planning to move to or work in Canada, or even if you are a Canadian citizen applying for specific jobs or licenses, you may need a police clearance certificate.

This blog will cover the purpose, requirements, process, fees, and validity of the police certificate in Canada, as well as scenarios where you may be denied one.

Understand the Purpose

Canadian police clearance certificate (PCC) verifies whether an individual has a criminal record. It is commonly required for:

  • Immigration Applications: Whether you're applying for Canadian permanent residency, work permits, or visas to other countries, immigration authorities often request a police certificate to ensure you don’t have a criminal background.
  • Employment Screening: The sectors like healthcare, government, law enforcement, and childcare require a police clearance certificate Canada for employment to verify that potential employees are free of any criminal history.
  • Adoption and Foster Care: Individuals applying to adopt or foster children in Canada may need to provide a PCC as part of the vetting process.
  • Volunteer Work: Many volunteer organizations, particularly those that work with vulnerable populations, require police clearance to ensure the safety of their beneficiaries.
  • Legal Purposes: In certain legal situations, such as court cases or professional licensing, individuals may be asked to provide proof of their criminal record status.

Essential Requirements

To apply for a police clearance certificate Canada, the following requirements are typically needed:

  • Proof of Identity: You will need to provide valid identification such as a passport, driver’s license, or any other government-issued ID.
  • Fingerprint Submission: For most cases, particularly for individuals applying for immigration, employment, or security clearances, fingerprints must be provided as part of the background check.
  • Address and Residency Information: Some applications may require proof of your current and past addresses, especially if you’ve lived in different regions of Canada or abroad.
  • Application Form: Depending on the reason for your PCC request, different forms may be needed. These are usually available through local police stations or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) website.

PCC Application Process

The process for PCC can vary slightly depending on your purpose, but the general steps are as follows:

  1. Determine the Type of Clearance You Need: If you need a clearance certificate for immigration, the application typically goes through the RCMP. For local employment or volunteer work, a clearance from the local police may suffice.
  2. Submit Fingerprints: For most PCC applications, digital fingerprints are required. You can visit an accredited Canadian fingerprinting agency to have your fingerprints taken and submitted electronically to the RCMP. Digital fingerprinting ensures fast and accurate processing.
  3. Complete the Application: Fill out the necessary forms, which can be obtained from the RCMP or your local police station. Be sure to include all required documentation and fees.
  4. Wait for Processing: The processing time varies, but in most cases, digital fingerprinting significantly reduces the time to process the request. Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks depending on the case.
  5. Receive the Certificate: Once processed, your police clearance certificate will be mailed to you or sent electronically, depending on the issuing authority.

Fees for a Police Clearance in Canada

The fees for obtaining a police clearance certificate in Canada can vary depending on where you apply and the type of certificate you need. Generally, the costs range from $25 to $70 CAD for a local police check, while digital fingerprinting services can cost $50 to $100 CAD, depending on the service provider. Additional fees may apply for expedited services.

If you are applying for a clearance certificate through the RCMP for immigration or employment purposes, the fingerprinting fees will be separate from the RCMP processing fees.

PCC Validity for Canada

The PCC validity for Canada is generally valid for 6 to 12 months, depending on the organization or country requesting it. After the certificate expires, you may be required to apply for a new one if it is needed again for another purpose.

It’s important to note that while the certificate itself may have a fixed validity, it only reflects your criminal record status up to the date of issuance. Therefore, even within the validity period, any subsequent criminal activity will not be reflected in the previously issued certificate.

When You Cannot Get a Police Clearance Certificate

There are certain circumstances under which you may not be able to obtain a police clearance certificate in Canada:

  • Unresolved Criminal Charges: If you are currently facing criminal charges or under investigation, your application for a police clearance certificate may be denied until the charges are resolved.
  • Incomplete or Incorrect Information: If you fail to provide the correct documents or information during the application process, your request may be delayed or rejected.
  • Failure to Submit Fingerprints: In cases where digital fingerprints are required, failing to submit them through an accredited agency will result in your application being incomplete.
  • Previous Convictions: If you have been convicted of a crime, this will be reflected in your police clearance certificate, and you may not be able to get a “clear” certificate.

To ensure the process goes smoothly, it’s essential to work with a professional and reliable fingerprinting agency. SekCheck, based in Surrey, is one of the best agencies for obtaining digital fingerprints for your police clearance certificate in Canada. With RCMP accreditation, state-of-the-art technology, and experienced staff, SekCheck offers fast, secure, and efficient services, helping you get your police clearance certificate quickly and accurately.

By choosing SekCheck for your Surrey fingerprinting services, you can trust that you are in good hands for all your fingerprinting and police clearance needs.


Source : Sekcheck Fingerprinting


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