Police certificates are an essential component in verifying the admissibility of candidates to various Canadian immigration programs, ensuring compliance with Canada’s regulations before their arrival in the country. The Express Entry system, established in 2015 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aims to bolster the nation’s workforce by granting permanent residence (PR) to successful applicants. This initiative addresses labor market gaps through programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
A police certificate acts as a document verifying an applicant’s admissibility to Canada by either confirming the absence of a criminal record or providing details if one exists. Submission of these certificates is mandatory for Canadian PR and citizenship applications and might also be requested for visitor visas, study permits, and work permits.
Essentially, these certificates are essential because individuals with a criminal record or deemed a risk to Canada’s security might face inadmissibility. While the need for police certificates varies based on the program, generally, primary applicants and family members above 18 years old might need to acquire them.
For Express Entry applicants, obtaining police certificates is imperative within 90 days of application. Given the competitive nature of Express Entry and the potential delay in obtaining these certificates, IRCC recommends prompt action in securing them upon entering the applicant pool.
To obtain a police certificate, applicants typically liaise with local police or governmental authorities. The process often involves providing biometrics, residence details, and fee payments, varying by country. The Government of Canada offers guidance on the process through a designated tool.
In instances where obtaining a police certificate within the allotted time is challenging, applicants facing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR in Canada have two options. They can either decline the ITA, returning to the applicant pool for potential future invitations, or provide evidence to IRCC of their efforts to procure the certificate in time.
Evidence such as payment receipts, delivery notices, or tracking numbers, alongside a letter explaining the situation, might suffice. However, final decisions rest with IRCC officers, and incomplete applications may risk rejection.
Key details related to police certificates for Canadian permanent residence include varying validity periods based on program requirements, the necessity to submit certificates from countries of residence over the preceding ten years, exclusion of time spent in Canada, and the requirement for certificates only after an applicant reaches 18 years of age.
