A police certificate is a statement document that shows IRCC that you don’t have a criminal record or, if you have one, a copy of your criminal record. They help IRCC confirm if there are any reasons you may be inadmissible to Canada.
Who Needs a Police Certificate?
You and any family members 18 or older may need to obtain a police certificate, depending on the program you’re applying to.
A police certificate is required if you apply for:
- Permanent residence
- Citizenship
- International Experience Canada
If you have a prior criminal record, you may need to provide a police certificate for any other programs as well.
What If You Can’t Get a Police Certificate?
If you’re unable to get a police certificate from a country, you’re responsible to show why you can’t get one.
To prove that you can’t get a police certificate, you must:
- show proof that you requested a police certificate from the correct authorities and
- write a letter explaining all the efforts you have taken to get one
Noted: Even if you send IRCC the above items, this is not a guarantee of acceptance.
Sources:
–
Disclaimer: The information from the newsletter is directly derived from IRCC. The material and information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Although best efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all information. As information may change without notice, always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
