Security Clearance

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.