Frequently
Asked
Questions |
|
| What is a police clearance?
|
| 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. |
| When must I submit the police clearance? |
| 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. |
| Can I omit a police clearance from one
or more countries? |
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.
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| What is a background clearance? |
| 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 |
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