March 01, 2025

CIP 159: Express Entry Getting it Right - Police Clearances

35 minutes

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Canadian Immigration Podcast, host Mark Holthe and co-host Alicia Backman-Beharry kick off the Express Entry Getting It Right series by tackling one of the most misunderstood aspects of Express Entry: Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs).

Many applicants mistakenly assume they know when and how to submit police certificates—only to have their applications refused due to errors. Mark and Alicia break down the IRCC requirements, clarify common misconceptions, and provide essential tips to ensure you get it right the first time.

With Express Entry becoming even more competitive and IRCC enforcing strict completeness checks, one mistake could cost you your ITA and delay your PR process.

Key Topics Discussed

Why Are Police Clearance Certificates Important?

The role of PCCs in verifying admissibility under Canadian immigration law.

Who needs to provide PCCs—principal applicants, spouses, and dependent children over 18.

The risk of criminal inadmissibility and how it can impact your PR application.

When and How to Obtain Your Police Clearance Certificate

Understanding the 10-year rule—when police certificates are required.

Why a PCC must be issued after your last stay in a country for 6+ months to be valid.

Special cases:

What to do if you currently live in the country requiring a PCC.

How IRCC handles PCCs for certain high-risk countries (e.g., Mexico).

Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusals

Submitting a PCC issued before leaving the country—why this leads to rejection.

Failing to provide PCCs for dependent children 18+.

Assuming a PCC is valid if it has no expiry date—IRCC’s rules differ from local laws.

Misreporting time spent in a country—how incorrect address history can trigger a PCC request.

Practical Tips to Avoid PCC Pitfalls

Start early! Some PCCs take months to process.

Follow country-specific IRCC guidelines carefully—common pitfalls with the UK, Australia, and South Africa.

If a PCC isn't available before ITA deadline, provide proof of best efforts.

Always submit in full colour—black-and-white scans can lead to refusal.

Double-check official names of the PCC to avoid IRCC rejecting the wrong document.

Key Takeaways

- PCCs are mandatory for Express Entry applicants and must follow IRCC’s strict timing rules.
- Six-month rule: PCCs are needed for any country where you've stayed six months or more in a row in the last 10 years.
- A PCC must be issued after your last departure from the country to be valid.
- Mistakes = Refusal. IRCC will return your application as incomplete if PCCs are missing, incorrect, or outdated.
- Start early! Delays in obtaining PCCs can derail your PR process.

Quotes from the Episode

Mark Holthe:
"Submitting an Express Entry application without the correct police certificate is one of the most common mistakes we see—and IRCC has no mercy when it comes to refusing incomplete applications."

Alicia Backman-Beharry:
"The six-month rule is now in a row—not cumulative. Many people still get confused and risk losing their ITA because they misunderstand this critical requirement."

Links and Resources

Watch this episode on YouTube

Canadian Immigration Podcast

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Disclaimer

This episode provides general information about Canadian immigration and is not intended as legal advice. For personalized assistance, consult an immigration lawyer.

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By Mark Holthe

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