Q: What is a police clearance?
A: All adult applicants for immigration to Canada must submit a police
clearance, a document which certifies that you have no criminal record.
A clearance must come from each country you have lived in for 6 months
or more since the age of 18 years. If police in a particular country
refuse to issue a clearance, it would be helpful if they provided
a written statement confirming that they refused to issue the clearance.
Q:When must I submit the police
clearance?
A: Some Visa Offices may require that these documents be submitted
at the same time as the application forms, applicable fees, and supporting
documents. Other Visa Offices may allow these documents to be submitted
later on in the process. For accurate information, you should seek
expert advice or get instructions from the Visa Office where you will
submit your application.
Q: Can I omit a police clearance
from one or more countries?
A: If a police clearance is not forthcoming from a particular country,
a written statement from the police officials of the country confirming
their refusal to issue the clearance may be required. An immigration
official may even waive this requirement altogether if a clear obstacle
can be demonstrated. Applicants should assume that clearances must
be obtained.
Q: What is a background clearance?
A: A background clearance detects applicants who "are, or have been,
involved in espionage, subversion, or terrorism." It is separate from
and in addition to a police clearance. The background clearance is
conducted by the Canadian government without the participation of
the applicant.
Q: How can I obtain a police
certificate of "no criminal record" from the FBI?
A: Instructions are available on this web site. See Police Certificate
Instructions (USA).
Q: How can I obtain a police
certificate of "no criminal record" from the RCMP?
A: Instructions are available on this web site. See Police Certificate
Instructions (CANADA).
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