If you are applying through express entry Canada, you will need a police certificate from every country where you have lived for six months or more since turning 18. The express entry police certificate requirement is one of the most common causes of delay in permanent residency applications. This guide explains exactly which countries require certificates, how long each takes, and how to apply step by step in 2027.
What Is a Police Certificate and Why You Need One
A police certificate is an official document that shows your criminal record history, or confirms that you have none. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses it to assess your admissibility to Canada.
You must submit a police certificate for:
- Your home country
- Any country where you lived for six or more consecutive months after age 18
- Any country where you held a work permit application or study permit for that duration
Certificates must be less than two years old when you submit your permanent residency application. Older documents will be rejected.
Police Certificate Requirements by Country in 2027
India
You apply through your local police station or the Passport Seva portal. Processing takes 15 to 30 days. The fee is approximately 500 INR (about CAD 9). Apostille is not required for Canadian immigration.
Nigeria
You apply at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja or through a state CID office. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks. The fee is around 15,000 NGN (about CAD 15). Delays are common, so apply early.
Philippines
You apply through the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) online portal. Processing takes 3 to 7 business days for digital clearance. The fee is 130 PHP (about CAD 3). This is one of the fastest processes globally.
United States
If you lived in the US, you need an FBI Identity History Summary. You apply through the FBI official website. The fee is USD 18 (about CAD 24). Processing takes 3 to 5 business days online.
United Kingdom
You apply through the ACPO Criminal Records Office (ACRO). The standard service costs GBP 55 (about CAD 95) and takes up to 20 business days. Express service costs GBP 70 and takes 10 business days.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
- Step 1: List every country where you lived for six or more months after age 18.
- Step 2: Visit the official government website for each country’s police clearance process.
- Step 3: Gather required documents. These typically include your passport copy, proof of address, and biometrics where required.
- Step 4: Submit your application and pay the fee. Keep your receipt.
- Step 5: Track processing times. Build in extra time for countries with longer timelines.
- Step 6: Once you receive your certificate, verify the issue date. It must stay valid through your IRCC submission date.
- Step 7: Upload the certificate to your IRCC account when you submit your permanent residency application.
IRCC recommends starting your police certificate requests as early as possible. For countries like Nigeria or Ghana, timelines can exceed eight weeks. Start at least three months before your expected invitation to apply (ITA).
If you entered Canada through a skilled worker visa, an employer sponsored visa, or a provincial nominee program, you still need to provide police certificates for all countries outside Canada where you lived for the required period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police certificate from Canada itself?
No. IRCC does not require a Canadian police certificate. They conduct their own checks within Canada. You only need certificates from outside Canada.
What if my police certificate expires before I submit my application?
You must get a new one. Certificates must be less than two years old at the time of your submission to IRCC. Check the issue date carefully before uploading.
Can an immigration lawyer help with police certificates?
Yes. An immigration lawyer or immigration attorney can review your list of countries, flag any gaps, and advise on certified translations if your certificate is not in English or French. This is especially useful if you have lived in many countries or if your documents are in a language IRCC does not accept directly.
Where to Get Official Information
The IRCC maintains a country-by-country list of how to obtain police certificates. You can find it on the official IRCC police certificates page. Always use that page as your primary reference, since requirements change.
Apply directly through the official portal and consult a qualified immigration adviser if you need help.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is subject to change. Always confirm requirements on the official source before applying.
