Canada Police Checks: How to Get a Criminal Record Check in Canada and Abroad

A Canadian police check, commonly called a criminal record check, searches police databases to determine whether records are associated with your identity. Employers, volunteer organizations, licensing bodies and immigration authorities may ask for one, but they do not all require the same type of check.

What is a police check?

A police check compares your identifying information with criminal-record and, depending on the requested service, other police information. A name-based search can sometimes be completed without fingerprints. If identity cannot be confirmed by name and date of birth, fingerprints may be required. Fingerprints are the most reliable way to distinguish you from someone with a similar name.

What police checks are used for

• Employment: An employer may require a check when the role involves money, security, confidential information, regulated work or a position of trust.
• Volunteering: Organizations may screen people working with children, seniors or other vulnerable groups.
• Professional licensing: Regulators may require a current check before registration or renewal.
• Adoption and other legal processes: The responsible authority will identify the acceptable check and how it must be delivered.
• Immigration and citizenship: IRCC uses police certificates to assess criminal inadmissibility and program requirements.

How to get a criminal record check in Canada

1. Confirm the exact check: Ask whether the requester needs a basic name-based check, a certified fingerprint check or a vulnerable sector check.
2. Use the correct provider: Start with your municipal or provincial police service, the RCMP where it provides local policing, or an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company.
3. Prepare identification: Follow the provider's rules for primary and secondary ID, address history, consent forms and any letter from the requesting organization.
4. Complete fingerprints if required: The provider submits fingerprints electronically to the RCMP. Immigration biometrics are a separate process and cannot replace police-certificate fingerprints.
5. Pay the stated fee: Fees and volunteer discounts vary by provider and service type. Check the provider's current page before booking.
6. Deliver the result securely: Follow the requester's instructions about whether you may upload the result or whether it must be sent directly.

When immigration applicants need police certificates

IRCC uses a police certificate to confirm whether an applicant has a criminal record and whether criminal inadmissibility may apply. The certificate can have another local name, including a police clearance certificate, good-conduct certificate or judicial-record extract.

• Who may need one: The principal applicant and family members aged 18 or older may need certificates, depending on the program. IRCC states that certificates are required for permanent residence, citizenship and International Experience Canada, with other programs governed by their document checklists.
• Countries to cover: For permanent residence, plan for countries or territories where you lived for six consecutive months or longer after turning 18. IRCC does not require certificates for periods before age 18 or time spent in Canada.
• Current country: The certificate should generally be issued no more than six months before you submit the application.
• Former countries: The certificate should be issued after the last time you lived there for six consecutive months or longer.
• Express Entry: After an invitation to apply, candidates normally have 60 days to submit the complete permanent-residence application, so begin difficult certificate requests while in the pool when possible.
• Canada: Do not provide a Canadian criminal record check with a permanent-residence application unless IRCC later asks for one.
• Language and format: If a certificate is not in English or French, include the original and a translation from a certified translator. Submit a colour scan of the original certificate, not an unauthorized or merely certified copy.

Police certificate instructions per country

Here are the complete procedures for countries most concerned with police checks:

1. India

Document: Police Clearance Certificate

Where to apply: A local district police station, Passport Seva, an Indian embassy or consulate, or BLS International.

1. Choose the issuing route available where you live and confirm it covers the required jurisdictions and period.
2. Submit the identification, address, passport and fee documents requested by that authority.
3. Upload the Police Clearance Certificate, not a Character Certificate.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for India and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

2. Philippines

Document: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Multi-purpose Clearance Certificate

Where to apply: The NBI online service or an NBI office; overseas applicants may use a Philippine embassy or consulate or apply by mail to NBI headquarters.

1. Register through the NBI route available to you and provide the required identity information.
2. Complete the NBI capture or overseas fingerprint process and arrange collection or mailing.
3. Check that the certificate has a thumbprint and dry seal before submitting it.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Philippines and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

3. Cameroon

Document: Police Clearance Certificate issued by the Judicial Police in Yaoundé

Where to apply: First obtain Bulletin No. 3, then apply at the Directorate of the Judicial Police at PJ Elig-Essono in Yaoundé.

1. Obtain Bulletin No. 3 from the correct Ministry of Justice office or court for your birthplace and status.
2. Take Bulletin No. 3 to the Judicial Police in Yaoundé and request the Police Clearance Certificate.
3. If abroad, use an authorized representative in Cameroon or contact the nearest Cameroon embassy as IRCC directs.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Cameroon and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

4. China

Document: Certificate of No Criminal Record or Notification of Non-issuance

Where to apply: The Public Security Bureau or police station responsible for the hukou or usual residence; procedures differ by city.

1. Ask the responsible local Public Security authority which local, online or mobile application route applies.
2. Prepare identity, hukou or residence records and any locally required application or authorization.
3. If abroad, ask whether online filing or an authorized representative is accepted; Chinese missions do not obtain hukou certificates.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for China and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

5. Nigeria

Document: Police Character Certificate

Where to apply: The Central Criminal Registry in Lagos, either in person or by mail to the commissioner of police.

1. Apply in person with a valid passport, two passport photographs and the required fee, or use the mail route.
2. For a mailed request, obtain certified fingerprints and include the passport copy, payment and prepaid return courier envelope.
3. Arrange consular certification if it is required for your submission.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Nigeria and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

6. Eritrea

Document: Clearance Certificate

Where to apply: Eritrea Police Headquarters in Asmara or, from abroad, through a representative or Eritrean embassy.

1. Submit the immigration application first and wait for IRCC's file number and request letter.
2. Apply with the letter, file number, identification, photographs, fingerprints and applicable fee.
3. If abroad, provide the same materials through a representative with power of attorney or an Eritrean embassy.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Eritrea and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

7. France

Document: Bulletin no. 3

Where to apply: The Casier Judiciaire National online service; people born in certain French territories apply to the tribunal at their birthplace.

1. Apply through the national criminal-record service using the identity details it requests.
2. If born in New Caledonia, French Polynesia, or Wallis and Futuna, use the responsible local tribunal.
3. Save the issued Bulletin no. 3 and submit it according to the IRCC checklist.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for France and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

8. Pakistan

Document: Police Character Certificate or Police Clearance Certificate

Where to apply: The relevant provincial police service; overseas applicants contact a Pakistani embassy or consulate or may use an eligible representative.

1. Identify the provincial process for every area the certificate must cover.
2. Submit the application, passport and national identity documents, photographs and any required fee.
3. From abroad, follow the embassy or consulate process or give a representative the required affidavit and authority letter.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Pakistan and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

9. Ukraine

Document: Extract from the Information and Analytical System "Records of Data on an Individual’s Criminal Prosecution and a Criminal Record"

Where to apply: The Ministry of Internal Affairs online service, Diia, a Ukrainian embassy, or an authorized representative.

1. In Ukraine, request the electronic extract through the Ministry service or Diia.
2. Outside Ukraine, apply through a Ukrainian embassy or give notarized authority to a representative.
3. Non-citizens should follow the Ministry or embassy route specified for their current location.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Ukraine and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

10. Afghanistan

Document: Character Certificate

Where to apply: A Ministry of the Interior police office in Afghanistan or an Afghan embassy or consulate abroad.

1. Write a letter explaining that the certificate is required for Canadian immigration; there is no standard application form.
2. Submit it to the nearest responsible police or Ministry office if in Afghanistan.
3. If abroad, apply through an Afghan embassy or consulate and submit the letter it issues to the Canadian processing office.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Afghanistan and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

11. Algeria

Document: Bulletin No. 3

Where to apply: A local police station or the Algerian Ministry of Justice online service.

1. Apply locally or through the Ministry of Justice service.
2. Provide the identity information and documents requested by the issuing service.
3. Arrange an acceptable English or French translation when required.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Algeria and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

12. United States

Document: FBI Identity History Summary

Where to apply: The Federal Bureau of Investigation.

1. Start an Identity History Summary request through the FBI's official service.
2. Provide fingerprints and identification through an FBI-approved submission route.
3. Submit the FBI-issued result; a state or local check is not the document named by IRCC.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for United States and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

13. Iran

Document: Certificate of no criminal record

Where to apply: A Police+10 centre or the Sana system in Iran; outside Iran, an Iranian embassy or the alternative Ministry route for residents of Canada.

1. If in Iran, apply in person through Police+10 or online through Sana.
2. If outside Iran, follow the nearest Iranian mission's process.
3. If in Canada, use the alternative Ministry of Foreign Affairs process linked by IRCC because Iran has no embassy in Canada.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Iran and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

14. Morocco

Document: Fiche anthropométrique for Moroccan citizens; Bulletin no. 3 for foreign nationals

Where to apply: Local police for citizens, or the central criminal-record service in Rabat for foreign nationals.

1. Use the document and office that match your citizenship and whether you are inside or outside Morocco.
2. Citizens abroad may use a Moroccan mission or an authorized proxy to local police.
3. Foreign nationals abroad should route the application through their country's diplomatic mission accredited to Morocco.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Morocco and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

15. Colombia

Document: Background Verification Certificate

Where to apply: The IRCC-designated provider after IRCC issues a file number and request letter.

1. Submit the immigration application first and wait for IRCC's file number and instructions.
2. Contact the provider named on IRCC's current Colombia page and provide the requested ID and consent form.
3. Upload the provider's confirmation email; the provider sends the certificate directly to IRCC.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Colombia and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

16. Mexico

Document: Constancia de datos registrales

Where to apply: The Fiscalía General de la República after IRCC instructions, or an authorized Visa Application Centre route.

1. Submit the immigration application and wait for the IRCC instruction letter and, where required, supporting letter.
2. Apply through the FGR route or an eligible Visa Application Centre exactly as the letter directs.
3. Provide the required fingerprints, photographs, identification and file details, then follow the specified delivery process.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Mexico and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

17. Haiti

Document: Police certificate

Where to apply: The Direction centrale de la police judiciaire (DCPJ) in Port-au-Prince.

1. Obtain the IRCC letter and assemble the identity, civil-status, photographs, fee receipt and fingerprint documents listed by DCPJ.
2. Apply in person at DCPJ if in Haiti.
3. If abroad, have a representative apply with fingerprints taken by local police or a Haitian consulate.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Haiti and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

18. Tunisia

Document: Bulletin no. 3

Where to apply: A local police station, the Tunisian Ministry of the Interior online service, or the consular reception office for some overseas applicants.

1. Choose the local, online or consular route that applies to your citizenship and residence.
2. Provide the national identity document, birth certificate and applicable fee.
3. Submit the issued Bulletin no. 3 with any required translation.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Tunisia and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

19. Brazil

Document: Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais issued by the Brazilian Federal Police

Where to apply: The Brazilian Federal Police online service or a Federal Police office.

1. Apply online if you have the Brazilian identity and tax numbers required by the service.
2. If you cannot apply online, attend a Federal Police office.
3. Submit the national Federal Police certificate.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Brazil and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

20. Somalia

Document: Police Certificate, only if IRCC requests one

Where to apply: The local police authority for applicants in Somaliland or Puntland.

1. Do not obtain a Somali certificate unless IRCC asks for one.
2. If requested and you are in Somaliland or Puntland, contact the local police authority.
3. If the stated process is unavailable for your circumstances, follow IRCC's instructions rather than substituting another document.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Somalia and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

21. Sudan

Document: Certificate of Good Conduct (Feesh)

Where to apply: The Ministry of Interior's Fingerprint Directorate or, from abroad, through a Sudanese embassy.

1. In Sudan, apply in person with identification and a passport photograph; fingerprints are recorded on the certificate.
2. Outside Sudan, have a complete set of fingerprints taken, signed and stamped by local police.
3. Take the fingerprint package to the nearest Sudanese embassy for forwarding.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Sudan and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

22. Ethiopia

Document: Certificate of Good Conduct

Where to apply: The Ethiopian Federal Police Commission Forensic Investigation Department.

1. Submit the immigration application first and wait for IRCC's request letter.
2. In Ethiopia, apply in person with the letter, identification, photographs, fingerprints and fee.
3. From abroad, send the required documents and original police-taken fingerprints or use a legally authorized representative.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Ethiopia and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

23. Syria

Document: Police certificate, only if IRCC requests one

Where to apply: The Criminal Records Branch in Syria or a Syrian embassy abroad.

1. Do not obtain a Syrian certificate unless IRCC asks for one.
2. If requested and in Syria, apply to the responsible Interior Ministry criminal-record authority with identification or residence proof.
3. If abroad, follow the nearest Syrian embassy's process.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Syria and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

24. Democratic Republic of the Congo

Document: Extrait du casier judiciaire

Where to apply: The Direction Générale de la Police Judiciaire in Kinshasa.

1. In the DRC, apply in person to the judicial police.
2. Outside the DRC, first have documents verified by a DRC embassy, then mail the request to the judicial police.
3. Include identification, certified fingerprints, two photographs and any requested birth record and fee.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Democratic Republic of the Congo and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

25. Vietnam

Document: Judicial Certificate No. 2 or Criminal Record Certificate No. 2

Where to apply: The provincial Department of Justice, local public-service portal, or National Center for Judicial Records.

1. Apply to the Department of Justice or public-service portal responsible for your registered residence.
2. Follow the separate Hanoi process if applicable.
3. If you no longer live in Vietnam, apply in person or by mail to the National Center for Judicial Records.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Vietnam and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

26. United Kingdom

Document: Police Certificate

Where to apply: The National Police Chiefs' Council Criminal Records Office (ACRO).

1. Apply through ACRO's official police-certificate service.
2. Provide the identification, address history, photograph and payment requested by ACRO.
3. Submit the ACRO Police Certificate to IRCC.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for United Kingdom and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

27. Côte d’Ivoire

Document: Extrait de Casier Judiciaire Bulletin No. 3

Where to apply: The government online service for citizens, Foreign Affairs for non-citizens, or an Ivorian embassy or consulate abroad.

1. Citizens in Côte d’Ivoire apply online with the required birth record and fee.
2. Non-citizens in Côte d’Ivoire apply through Foreign Affairs with residence and birth records.
3. Applicants abroad contact the nearest Ivorian embassy or consulate and document their period and purpose of residence.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Côte d’Ivoire and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

28. Bangladesh

Document: Police Clearance Certificate

Where to apply: The Bangladesh Police online police-clearance service.

1. Create the online request through Bangladesh Police.
2. Submit the identity, address and payment information requested by the portal.
3. Upload a scan of the original certificate showing its seal and signature.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Bangladesh and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

29. Sri Lanka

Document: Police Clearance Certificate

Where to apply: The Sri Lanka Police online service.

1. Apply online through Sri Lanka Police.
2. Provide the residence, identity and passport information required by the service.
3. Submit the issued certificate according to the IRCC checklist.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Sri Lanka and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

30. Jamaica

Document: Police Record

Where to apply: The Jamaica Constabulary Force or, from abroad, the Jamaican High Commission or JCF overseas process.

1. If in Jamaica, apply through the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
2. If abroad, follow the Jamaican High Commission or JCF overseas-applicant route.
3. Complete the fingerprint and identification requirements for the route selected.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Jamaica and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

31. South Korea

Document: Criminal (Investigation) Records Check Report

Where to apply: A South Korean police station, the official online service for eligible nationals, or a South Korean embassy or consulate.

1. Korean nationals must request the version whose scope says "For permission of foreign country immigration and stay."
2. Foreign nationals apply at a police station with a foreign-affairs division or at a South Korean mission.
3. If there is a criminal or investigation history, include the declarations, decisions and completion records IRCC requests.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for South Korea and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

32. Lebanon

Document: Criminal Record No. 2

Where to apply: An eligible gendarmerie territorial brigade or, from abroad, through an eligible relative with power of attorney.

1. In Lebanon, apply at an eligible brigade with identity documents, fiscal stamps and the fee.
2. From abroad, authorize a spouse, adult child, parent or sibling in Lebanon.
3. Give the representative the power of attorney, passport and residence copies, and a letter detailing addresses, work or school and exact residence dates.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Lebanon and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

33. Nepal

Document: Police Clearance Certificate

Where to apply: The Nepal Police Online Police Clearance Registration System.

1. Start the request through Nepal Police's official online system.
2. Provide the identity, passport and residence information requested.
3. Download or collect the issued certificate and submit it as directed by IRCC.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Nepal and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

34. Egypt

Document: Criminal Record

Where to apply: A local police station in Egypt or an Egyptian embassy or consulate abroad.

1. In Egypt, apply in person at the local police station.
2. Complete fingerprinting and return to collect the result.
3. Outside Egypt, apply through the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Egypt and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

35. Iraq

Document: Police certificate, only if IRCC requests one

Where to apply: A Criminal Investigation Department in Iraq or the consular section of an Iraqi embassy.

1. Do not obtain an Iraqi certificate unless IRCC asks for one.
2. If requested and in Iraq, apply in person with identification or passport and complete fingerprinting.
3. If abroad, apply through the nearest Iraqi embassy's consular section.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Iraq and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

36. Türkiye

Document: Archive Recorded Criminal Record / Criminal Record Archive Record

Where to apply: A General Prosecutor's Office, the e-Devlet service, a Turkish embassy, or the Ministry of Justice.

1. Request the archived criminal-record version through a prosecutor's office or e-Devlet.
2. If abroad, use a Turkish embassy or mail the request to the Ministry of Justice criminal-record office.
3. Check that the result includes the archived-record search before submitting it.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Türkiye and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

37. Ghana

Document: Police Clearance Certificate

Where to apply: The Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in Accra, in person or through a representative.

1. Residents apply with passport, fingerprint-check form and fee and are fingerprinted at CID headquarters.
2. Former residents provide the nominal-vetting form, photographs, passport page, personal history, fingerprints and fee.
3. A representative may lodge the application at CID headquarters.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Ghana and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

38. Mauritius

Document: Police certificate

Where to apply: The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Port Louis.

1. Citizens prepare original and copied identity and civil-status documents.
2. Foreign residents prepare passport, proof of residence and any additional identity document.
3. Apply to the Director of Public Prosecutions using the document set that matches your status.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Mauritius and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

39. Venezuela

Document: Certificado de antecedentes penales

Where to apply: The Ministry of Interior, Justice and Peace online international-procedures service.

1. Apply online through the official ministry service whether you live inside or outside Venezuela.
2. Use your cédula number and follow the Spanish-language access instructions.
3. Download the issued international-use certificate and submit it as directed by IRCC.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Venezuela and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

40. Burundi

Document: Declaration

Where to apply: The Commissariat Général de la Police Judiciaire in Bujumbura.

1. Prepare identity or passport records, two photographs, an explanation letter and the applicable fee.
2. Apply in person if in Burundi.
3. If abroad, send certified documents or have a Burundi resident apply on your behalf where possible.

Before applying, open IRCC's official police certificate instructions for Burundi and follow the current document and delivery requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ordering a Canadian check for permanent residence before IRCC requests it.
• Using a local, state, provincial or city certificate when IRCC requires a national certificate.
• Requesting the wrong certificate number, such as Vietnam Certificate No. 1 instead of No. 2.
• Applying too early in a country that requires an IRCC letter, file number or designated-provider process.
• Submitting immigration biometrics instead of the separate fingerprints required for a police certificate.
• Uploading a black-and-white copy, certified copy or screenshot instead of a colour scan of the original.
• Leaving out a certified translation when the original is not in English or French.
• Ignoring remarks on a certificate that require court records, explanations or proof that a sentence was completed.

Frequently asked questions

Is a police check the same as a vulnerable sector check? No. A vulnerable sector check is a specific form of screening for qualifying positions involving trust or authority over vulnerable people.

Can I use one police check for every purpose? Not necessarily. The acceptable databases, fingerprint requirement, issue date and delivery method depend on the requesting organization.

Do I need a police certificate for a Canadian study or work permit? Not in every case. Check the program and visa-office instructions. IRCC may request one, particularly if a criminal record was declared. International Experience Canada has its own certificate requirements.

What if a country will not issue my certificate? Follow that country's IRCC page. Submit the explanation or request-letter placeholder IRCC specifies, plus evidence of reasonable attempts if requested. Do not invent a substitute.

How long is a police certificate valid? IRCC's timing depends on whether it is for your current country or a former country. IRCC may request an updated certificate during processing.

Important immigration disclaimer