Police certificates are an integral part of confirming that applicants to many Canadian immigration programs are admissible to Canada before they enter the country.
Express Entry is Canada’s largest federal immigration pathway, introduced in 2015 to help Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) bring more skilled workers to this country. By offering permanent residence (PR) in Canada to successful applicants, IRCC has worked hard to supplement this country’s natural workforce and address national labour market gaps simultaneously.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are the three programs managed under the Express Entry application management system. Applicants to any of these programs have 90 days to submit their police certificates for Express Entry application.
Police certificates are required for all Express Entry applicants. It is important to note that applicants have 90 days to submit their police certificate.
In an effort to further address labour market challenges, IRCC recently introduced category-based Express Entry draws that focus on bringing in skilled workers with in-demand recent work experience or proficiencies.
Police certificates need to be obtained from the police or government. Although there is variation on how and where to obtain a police certificate by country, the details can be found on the Government of Canada tool.
With just 60 days to apply for PR in Canada once an applicant receives their ITA, there are certain options if an applicant cannot receive their police certificate by the deadline. They can either decline their ITA or prove to IRCC that they applied for a police certificate. There are valid proofs that can be provided like a confirmation receipt or a delivery notice.
The validity period of a police certificate depends on the program for which the certificate is required.
Canadian immigration applicants will generally need to submit a police certificate issued by every country in which they resided for six or more consecutive months over the 10 years preceding their immigration application. Police certificates are not required for any time that an applicant spent in Canada, and only required for time after the applicant turns 18 years of age.
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