Police certificates play a crucial role in validating the admissibility of applicants to various Canadian immigration programs, ensuring their eligibility before entering the country. Express Entry, introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2015, serves as the largest federal immigration pathway, aiming to attract skilled workers and address labor market gaps by offering permanent residence (PR) in Canada to successful candidates.
Under the Express Entry application management system, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are overseen by Canada’s federal government. This article explores the significance of police certificates in the context of Express Entry and addresses pertinent questions related to these essential Canadian immigration documents.
Understanding Police Certificates
A police certificate serves as a document to verify whether a permanent resident or citizenship applicant may be deemed inadmissible to Canada for any reason. These documents provide authorities with information about an applicant’s criminal record, if applicable, or confirm the absence of one. Given that individuals with criminal records or those considered a security risk may be restricted from entering or staying in Canada, police certificates are mandatory for all Canadian PR and citizenship applications. While not always obligatory, IRCC may also request these certificates from applicants seeking visitor visas, study permits, and work permits.
It’s worth noting that police certificates may go by different names depending on the requesting country, such as police clearance certificates, good conduct certificates, or judicial record extracts.
In general, primary immigration applicants and family members above the age of 18 may be required to obtain a police certificate, depending on the specific program they are applying to.
Police Certificate and Express Entry
For Express Entry applicants, police certificates are a requirement. Applicants to any of the three Express Entry-managed programs have a 90-day window to submit their police certificate. Given the competitive nature of Express Entry and the potential time it takes to obtain a police certificate, IRCC recommends applicants to initiate the process as soon as they enter the applicant pool.
Obtaining a Police Certificate
Obtaining a police certificate typically involves liaising with the police or government. The process may include submitting biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photograph, along with details regarding addresses and dates of residence in a specific country, and payment of any applicable fees. The Government of Canada provides a tool that offers information on how and where to obtain a police certificate, with processes varying by country.
Managing Time Constraints
Given the 60-day deadline to apply for PR in Canada once an applicant receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA), there are instances where obtaining a police certificate within the timeframe may be challenging. In such cases, applicants have two options:
- Declining the ITA: This returns the applicant’s Express Entry profile to the pool, requiring them to wait for another invitation.
- Proving Application for Police Certificate: Applicants may submit a letter of explanation, along with proof of their request for a police certificate. Valid proofs include a confirmation receipt, payment receipt, delivery notice, or a tracking number. However, the final decision rests with the discretion of an IRCC officer, and the application may be rejected if deemed incomplete.
Additional Insights on Police Certificates
Here are additional key points to consider regarding police certificates for Canadian permanent residence:
- Validity Period: The validity period of a police certificate depends on the specific program’s requirements, as outlined in the instruction guide for each program.
- Residence History: Canadian immigration applicants generally need to submit police certificates from every country where they resided for six or more consecutive months over the 10 years preceding their immigration application.
- Exemption for Time in Canada: Police certificates are not required for any period spent in Canada.
- Age Requirement: Police certificates are only necessary for the time after the applicant turns 18 years old.
Understanding the role of police certificates and adhering to the requirements is essential for a successful Express Entry application and the broader Canadian immigration process.