What is the PCC Validity for Canada Study Permit?

The PCC is an often required document in the application process, as it assures Canadian authorities that you are a law-abiding citizen. But how long is this certificate valid for, and why is it important?

Let's take a closer look at this important aspect and explain how important it is to understand the validity of the PCC for study permit applicants.

What is the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the police or government authorities confirming that the applicant has no criminal record or listing any criminal convictions that the applicant may have. This may be required as part of the immigration process to prove that the person does not pose a security risk to the country they wish to enter.

The countries that generally require a PCC for student visa applications to Canada are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Nigeria.

Who Needs a Police Certificate?

You or a family member over the age of 18 will need to obtain a police clearance, depending on the program you are applying for and if you or they have lived in a country other than Canada for six consecutive months or longer in the past year.

Some scenarios or examples that illustrate different cases where a police certificate is necessary are:

1. A 20-year-old Indian student is applying for a Canadian study permit for a four-year undergraduate program.
2. A 25-year-old student from India is applying for a Canadian study permit for a one-year postgraduate certificate program.
3. A 30-year-old student from China is applying for a Canadian study permit for a two-year master's program.

Some scenarios or examples that illustrate different cases where a police certificate is necessary are:

What is PCC Validity for Canada?

By some principle, it should be valid for one year from the date of issue. If you are applying for a study permit, this may be subject to change, say the PCC is valid for the duration of the study program, which may be longer than one year.

Factors affecting the validity of PCC:

• Changes in the applicant's criminal record
• Specific requirements of the province or educational institution.
• Country-specific guidelines or bilateral agreements that may affect the period of validity.

When Should You Submit the PCC?

The exact time you should file your PCC depends on several factors, including your country of origin and how you filed (online or on paper).

Differences in submission timing based on application method or the student's country of origin:

• In the case of online application, you may need to upload your PCC
• If you are applying in the standard way, on paper, you should attach your PCC with all other applications.
• Some countries have specific requirements regarding when to obtain a PCC, so check your country's guidelines in time.

If You are an Express Entry Candidate

Submitting a police certificate also applies to you if you are an Express Entry candidate when applying for a study permit. Due to the specific processing time, as well as the complete documentation, the PCC should be received before submitting the study permit application. Submit the police certificate within 90 days. 

Look at some special considerations or exceptions for Express Entry candidates regarding the PCC

• The PCC should be valid for as long as is appropriate for the province or educational institution, which may mean more than the standard one-year validity period.
• You can request expedited processing of your study permit application, so it is best to inquire about the deadlines and expedited processing requirements in your particular case
• If you plan to apply for permanent residence in Canada, your PCC must be valid for both the study permit application and the subsequent permanent residence application.

If You are an International Experience Canada (IEC) Candidate

Also, if you are an International Experience Canada (IEC) candidate applying for a study permit, you should submit a police clearance certificate (PCC) as part of your application package. Usually, you’ll need to provide a police certificate when you submit your work permit application.

Unique stipulations or timing considerations for IEC candidates concerning the PCC:

• PCC submissions must be on time to coincide with the study permit application.
• The PCC should be valid for as long as the province or educational institution requires.
• Some provinces or educational institutions may require additional documentation or additional background checks

If You are an Applicant of Other Citizenship or Immigration Program

If you are applying for a Canadian study permit as part of a citizenship or immigration program, you are required to submit a police clearance certificate (PCC) as part of your application.

Common programs and their specific PCC requirements include the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP), Quebec Experience Program (PEK), Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP): PCC may be required for applicants under this program, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), and Family Sponsorship Program: PCC may be required for sponsored applicants.

Documents Required for PCC

Here is the list of all the documents that you must provide to obtain a police clearance certificate:

• Valid passport or identification document (with your details, including a given name)
• Photographs
• Fingerprints
• Your addresses and dates that you lived in the country or territory

Pay a fee

Also, this is what authentication or verification of these documents, if necessary, for the PCC application implies:

1. Notarization for authenticity
2. Legalization at the consulate or embassy of the country where they were issued.
3. Translation into the official language and certification by the translator.

When will IRCC Ask for My Police Certificate?

IRCC may ask you for this document to apply for work permits, visas, and permits, although it is not always necessary. Therefore, you may be expected to meet this requirement depending on factors such as your country of origin, the length of your study program, and whether you have lived in other countries for a long period of time.

Tips on how to prepare in advance for this request to avoid delays in processing:

• Check the IRCC website to see if a police certificate is required from your country of residence or any other country where you have lived for a certain period.
• If you need to submit a police certificate, make sure you get it in time
• Keep a record of your travel history, including the dates and duration of your stay in other countries, as these may be key requirements when applying

Key Takeaways

• A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document that confirms that you have no criminal record or contains your criminal history. It is a mandatory document as part of the immigration process to prove that you do not pose a risk to Canada.
• You or a family member over the age of 18 will need to obtain police clearance, depending on the program you are applying for.
• The validity period is one year from the date of issue
• When you should submit the PCC depends on whether you are a candidate for Express Entry, an International Experience Canada (IEC) Candidate, or an applicant of another citizenship or immigration program
• A valid passport or identification document, a photograph, your fingerprints, and your addresses and dates that you lived in the country or territory are the documents to submit

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is My Police Certificate Good for?

A police certificate is usually valid for one year from the issue date. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as some provinces and territories may have specific guidelines regarding the validity period.

Can I Bring My Spouse Under Student Visa in Canada?

Yes, you may be able to bring your spouse with you to Canada, but you must submit their applications online when you apply for a study permit.

To ensure this, you must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary educational institution or a post-secondary vocational education program in Canada, and your study program must last at least six months.

What is the Canada Study Visa Processing Time?

The average processing time for a Canadian study visa is  7-9 weeks. It may be shorter, but it depends on the number of applications submitted, the country you are applying from, the completeness of the application or the background check.