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Express Entry guide
Express Entry police certificates: the exact rule
Police certificates are one of the slowest documents in the whole application, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Some countries take weeks. Here's the rule IRCC uses.
Who needs them, and from where
You and each family member 18 or older need a police certificate from every country, except Canada, where you stayed six months or more in a row in the last 10 years. Only time after age 18 counts. An officer can ask for more from any time since you turned 18.
How recent they must be
- Your current country: issued no more than six months before you submit.
- Any other country: issued after the last time you stayed there for six months in a row.
- An older certificate is accepted if those dates work and it isn't from your current country.
How to upload them
Upload colour scans of the original certificates. IRCC says certified true copies get the application rejected. Each certificate goes in the field for its country.
If one is late
If a certificate won't arrive before your 60 days are up, upload a letter of explanation in that country's field, with proof you applied, such as receipts, tracking numbers, or a note from the agency.
Common questions
Do I need a police certificate from Canada for Express Entry?
No. IRCC's rule excludes time spent in Canada.
How long is an Express Entry police certificate valid?
For your current country, it must be issued no more than six months before you submit. For other countries, it must be issued after your last stay of six months in a row there.
Related guides
Sources: IRCC, police certificates for Express Entry; IRCC, Express Entry program delivery instructions, completeness check.