Immigrate Federal Skilled Workers F.A.Q

Police Clearance (Background Check)

Q1: 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 provide a written statement confirming that they refused to issue the clearance.

Q2: Is my legal status in the country from which I am applying relevant?

Canadian policy has been to ignore an applicant's foreign immigration status. However, there have been some refusals on the grounds of criminal inadmissibility where the applicant admitted to having knowingly violated the immigration laws of a foreign jurisdiction.

Q3: What is a security interview?

Sometimes, an interview is held to evaluate security issues such as espionage, subversion or terrorism. These interviews are usually held after a selection interview, and may also be held in cases where a selection interview is waived.

Q4: 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. However, you are required to update the very document at the time of interview and/or prior to visa issuance.

Q5: 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.