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Police Certificates for Canadian Immigration Applications

Last updated · Reviewed by RCIC Reviewer · Review cadence 60 days

Quick answer

IRCC generally requires a police certificate from every country, including Canada, where you have lived for six months or more in a row since the age of 18. Each country has its own procedure for issuing one, so applicants must follow the country-specific instructions IRCC publishes rather than assuming a single process applies everywhere.

Key takeaways

  • A police certificate is generally required for any country where you lived six or more consecutive months since turning 18.
  • The process, cost and processing time to obtain a certificate differs by country and is set by that country, not by IRCC.
  • IRCC publishes country-specific instructions describing exactly how to request a certificate for each listed country.
  • Certificates usually have a limited validity window, often measured in months, so timing your request matters.
  • A Canadian police certificate is typically obtained through the RCMP or a local police service, depending on the program.
  • Certificates in a language other than English or French need a certified translation submitted alongside the original.
  • Missing or expired police certificates are a common cause of incomplete-application returns or processing delays.

Purpose

A police certificate is an official document, issued by a police or judicial authority, stating whether a person has a criminal record in that jurisdiction. IRCC uses these certificates as part of admissibility screening for permanent residence and some temporary resident applications, to verify that an applicant does not have a criminal history that would make them inadmissible to Canada.

When it is required

You generally need a police certificate for Canada and for every other country or territory where you lived for six months or more in a row since the age of 18. This includes countries you no longer have close ties to, and it applies to family members included in your application who meet the same residency threshold.

  • Required for most permanent residence categories, including Express Entry and family sponsorship.
  • Sometimes requested for temporary resident applications when an officer has admissibility concerns.
  • Required again if a certificate expires before a final decision is made on your application.
  • Required separately for accompanying family members aged 18 or older who meet the residency threshold.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the process is the same in every country, when IRCC's own instructions differ significantly by country.
  • Requesting a certificate too early so that it expires before a final decision is issued.
  • Forgetting a country lived in briefly during study or work abroad that still meets the six-month threshold.
  • Submitting an uncertified translation for a certificate not issued in English or French.
  • Not accounting for the months some countries need to mail or process a certificate request from abroad.

Supporting guidance

Start by identifying every country where you lived six months or more since age 18, then consult IRCC's published country-specific instructions for each one, since procedures range from an in-person visit to a mailed application through an embassy. Request certificates as close as reasonably possible to when you plan to submit or finalize your application, because most have a validity window after which a visa office will ask for a new one.

If you cannot obtain a certificate because a country refuses to issue one to non-residents or former residents, keep evidence of your attempts, since IRCC provides guidance on alternatives in some such cases.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a police certificate from a country I visited briefly?
No. The requirement applies to countries where you lived for six or more consecutive months since age 18, not to short visits or vacations.
How long is a police certificate valid for?
Validity periods vary, but many are treated as current for a limited number of months. Check current IRCC instructions before requesting one so it does not expire before a decision is made.
Can I use one police certificate for the whole family?
No. Each family member aged 18 or older who meets the residency threshold for a given country needs their own certificate for that country.
What if my certificate is not in English or French?
You must submit a certified translation along with the original document. An affidavit from the translator may also be required depending on the translation source.

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Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.