PCC For Canada Study Visa - Steps, Process, Cost, Validity & Documents
Last Updated On : May 28 , 2024
Students wishing to pursue higher education abroad have to complete various formalities and documentation before beginning on this journey. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is one of the required documents.
In this guide, we will explore what the PCC involves, its importance for students and specifically whether it is required to seeking for Canada study visa.
What Is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?
A police clearance certificate, issued by local law enforcement or government organisations, confirms a person's criminal history by indicating any previous convictions or legal problems.
The certificate serves as proof of good conduct and character of the individual, which is required for various purposes such as visa applications, employment opportunities and immigration processes. By detailing or confirming the absence of any criminal history, PCCs assist officers in assessing the individual's suitability for specific activities or roles, ensuring safety within communities and organisations.
And Do Students Need It?
Yes, When students pursue higher education abroad, particularly for longer durations, obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) becomes essential for visa applications.Nations like Canada often mandate PCCs to verify applicants' criminal records, ensuring a clean legal history and safeguarding public safety.
By evaluating applicants' backgrounds through PCCs, immigration officials can make well-informed visa approval decisions, prioritising border and community safety.
To obtain this document, the individual must apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. Nowadays, you can also apply for Police Clearance online, which simplifies the process and saves time.
How to Apply Online for a Police Clearance Certificate from India?
Here is the breakdown of the step-by-step
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Register yourself through the Passport Seva online portal. |
| Step 2 | Login to the Passport Seva online portal using the login ID received after registration |
| Step 3 | Click on the ‘apply for police clearance certificate’ link. |
| Step 4 | Fill in the required details in the form and submit it |
| Step 5 | Click on the ‘pay and schedule appointment’ link to schedule an appointment and make the online payment. Payment options include credit/debit card (MasterCard and Visa), Internet Banking, or SBI Bank Challan. |
| Step 6 | Click on the 'Print Application Receipt' link to generate a receipt containing your application reference number/appointment number for printing. |
| Step 7 | Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) / Regional Passport Office (RPO) where the appointment has been booked. Ensure to carry the original documents. |
The steps for obtaining a police clearance certificate vary by country based on your current location. The Canadian government website provides an online portal for the specific steps for obtaining a police clearance certificate.
You have to go to the IRCC Page - How To Get A Police Certificate, select your country from the dropdown menu, and click on “Find out how to apply,” which will take you to a step-by-step instruction page for that country.
Validity of Police Clearance Certificate
The Police Clearance Certificate for the country where you currently live must have been issued at most six months before the date you submit your application.
What is the procedure to track the PCC Status?
Here is the procedure to track the PCC status.
Essential Documents Needed for Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for students
When applying for a Police Clearance Certificate online as a student, the following documents are typically required:
- Original Passport:
- Proof of Current Address:
- Evidence of Application:
- Sponsorship Declaration: If the student relies on a sponsor, such as a family member, for financial support, a sponsorship declaration by the sponsor may be required.
- In India, the cost will be 500 INR.
- In Australia, you have to pay $47.
- For Malaysia, PCC is known as a Certificate of Good Conduct (SKB), which costs 20RM.
Students must provide their original passport along with self-attested photocopies of the first two and last two pages, including the immigration Check Required (ECR) or immigration Check Not Required (Non-ECR) pages.
Documents confirming the student's current residential address, such as utility bills or rental agreements, are essential.
Documentation demonstrating the student's application for residential status, employment (if applicable), or a long-term visa for immigration purposes is necessary. This may include copies of employment contracts or visa applications.
Required Documents for PCC for Students
These 3 documents are required for all students
1) Self-attested copy of the first two and last two pages of the original passport, including ECR/ECNR pages and any observation pages.
2) Proof of address
3) Copy of visa
You have to keep these documents with you.
Processing time for Police Clearance Certificate from India
Processing time usually ranges from 7 to 21 business days. However, police verification of documents may vary depending on the police station and application.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is issued on receipt of 'Clear Certificate' from Indian police authorities. PCC status can be verified on the official portal of the concerned passport office.
Conclusion
Countries such as Canada often require public prosecutor offices to check the criminal record of applicants in order to ensure a clean legal history and safety for citizens. Immigration officials can make informed decisions on visa approvals, prioritising border and safety in their neighbourhood, by assessing applicants' backgrounds through the Precarious Communities Scheme.
Once you have received your Police Clearance Certificate, you may want to verify if it meets the requirements for Canadian immigration. You should also know if you require any supporting documents for its submission or have similar questions.
To find out, you can either check the official website or hire an immigration consultant to assist with the process.