Express Entry and Police Clearence Certificates (PCR)
If you are a skilled worker who wants to immigrate to Canada Express Entry is the primary way to apply. Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications for permanent residence from three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
If you are applying for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system, you will need to provide a Police Clearence Certificate (PCR) from every country or territory where you have lived for six months or more in a row since you were 18 years old. A PCR is a document that shows whether you have a criminal record or not. It helps the immigration authorities to determine if you are admissible to Canada or not. In this blog post, we will explain what a PCR is, how to get one, and what to do if you encounter any issues.
What is a PCR and why do you need one?
A PCR is a document that shows whether you have a criminal record or not. It may also be called a police certificate, a police clearance certificate, a good conduct certificate, a judicial record extract, or other names. It is usually issued by the police or the government of the country or territory where you have lived.
You need a PCR for immigration purposes if you:
- are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class, or
- are applying under a Provincial Nominee Program that requires a PCR.
You don’t need a PCR if you:
- have a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate, or
- are applying under a Provincial Nominee Program that does not require a PCR.
How to get a PCR for Express Entry?
To get a PCR for Express Entry, you need to follow these steps:
- Find out how to get a PCR from each country or territory where you have lived for six months or more in a row since you were 18 years old. You can use the online tool here to find the contact information and the requirements for each country or territory. Each country or territory may have different procedures, fees, and processing times for issuing a PCR. You may need to provide information or documents, such as photographs, fingerprints, or your addresses and dates that you lived in the country or territory. You may also need to provide translations if your PCR is not in English or French.
- Contact the authorities and follow their instructions on how to apply for a PCR. You may need to apply in person, by mail, online, or through a third party, such as a lawyer or an agency. You may need to pay a fee for the PCR or the postage. You may also need to request a letter from the immigration authorities if the country or territory requires one. You can find more information on how to request a letter here.
- Wait for your PCR to be issued and sent to you. The processing time may vary depending on the country or territory and the complexity of your case. You can check the status of your application on the website or by contacting the authorities of the country or territory that issued your PCR.
- Review your PCR and make sure it is accurate and complete. Your PCR should include your name, the name of the authority that issued it, the date of issue, the result of the check, and a reference number. It should also be scanned in colour and not be expired. If there is any error or omission in your PCR, you may need to contact the authority and request a correction or a new PCR.
- Submit your PCR and the reference number in your Express Entry profile. You must include your PCR and the reference number in the personal history section of your profile. You must also upload a copy of your PCR in the document section of your profile.
What are some common issues in obtaining Police Clearence Certificates and how to solve them?
Getting a PCR for Express Entry can be a smooth and straightforward process, but sometimes you may encounter some issues or challenges. Here are some of the common issues and how to solve them:
- Your PCR is not valid or accepted by the immigration authorities: To be valid and accepted by the immigration authorities, your PCR must be issued by the official authority of the country or territory, and it must be less than six months old on the date you submit your Express Entry profile. If your PCR is not valid or accepted, you may need to get a new one or get it re-issued by the same authority.
- Your PCR does not match your Express Entry profile: To avoid any discrepancies or inconsistencies, you must make sure that the information in your PCR matches the information in your Express Entry profile. For example, your name, date of birth, and personal history details must be the same in both documents. If there is any difference, you may need to update your profile or get your PCR corrected by the authority that issued it.
- Your PCR does not cover the required period of time: You must provide a PCR from every country or territory where you have lived for six months or more in a row since you were 18 years old. If you have lived in more than one country or territory during that period, you may need to provide more than one PCR. For example, if you lived in India for eight months and then in the United States for seven months, you will need to provide a PCR from both India and the United States.
- You cannot get a PCR from a country or territory: In some cases, you may not be able to get a PCR from a country or territory where you have lived. This may be because the country or territory does not issue PCRs, or because of a conflict, a natural disaster, or other reasons. If this is the case, you must provide a written explanation and any supporting documents to show why you cannot get a PCR. You can find more information on how to provide an explanation here.
We hope this blog article has helped you understand how to get an PCR for Express Entry and what to do if you encounter any issues. If you need more guidance or assistance, you can contact us to help you with your immigration goals.
Conclusion
Express Entry is a great way to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. One of the key aspects of your Express Entry profile and application is obtaining an ECA.
An Police Clearence certificate is important for Express Entry. The document evaluates foreign education credentials and compares them to the Canadian education system.
Ensure you meet all the requirements for Express Entry and all supporting documentation. Hire an Expert Immigration Lawyer to handle your case and ensure success.
Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer for Express Entry
As you can see, Express Entry is a dynamic and complex system that requires careful planning and preparation. By hiring an immigration lawyer, you can benefit from their expertise and guidance throughout the process. Here are some of the advantages of working with an immigration lawyer for Express Entry:
- An immigration lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes or provide misleading information on your Express Entry profile that could lead to application denial or a five-year ban.
- An immigration lawyer can help you find the proper forms to fill out, guide you through the process, and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
- An immigration lawyer can help you improve your CRS score by advising you on how to improve your language skills, gain more work experience, obtain a higher level of education, get a job offer or a nomination from a province or territory, or add a spouse or common-law partner to your profile.
- An immigration lawyer can help you identify the best program or stream for your occupation and skills, and help you apply for it.
- An immigration lawyer can help you monitor the Express Entry draw schedule and results, and inform you if your category is being targeted or if there are any changes to the minimum requirements.
- An immigration lawyer can help you prepare your application and documents in case you receive an ITA, and ensure that you meet the deadlines and criteria.
- An immigration lawyer can help you spot errors made by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and advise you on the next steps.
- An immigration lawyer can help you appeal an unfavourable decision, and represent you in court if necessary.
Hiring an immigration lawyer is not a requirement for Express Entry, but it can make a big difference in your outcome. An immigration lawyer can save you time, money, and stress, and increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
If you are interested in hiring an immigration lawyer, you can contact us at MM Immigration Law and we will be happy to assist you. We have extensive experience and knowledge in Canadian immigration law, and we have helped thousands of clients achieve their immigration goals. We offer a reasonable fee for our services. Contact us today and let us help you with your Express Entry application. 🍁
Express Entry
Express Entry is the electronic management system for applying for permanent residency. It is not an immigration category but a system to facilitate the selection and processing of Canada’s economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nomination Programs. This system evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, aligning with Canada’s economic needs.
Applicants must first make an “expression of interest” by creating a profile and, if eligible for at least one program, they will enter the Express Entry pool. Candidates from this pool will receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ once they pass the points threshold under a draw. The points threshold is determined according to the latest draw that is held approximately every two weeks.
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Trades
Federal Skilled Worker
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and it is not intended as legal advice. The information is not a substitute for professional legal advice, and it may not be appropriate for you. Do not rely solely on this blog. Always do your own research and due diligence. Immigration laws and regulations can change over time. It is important to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer if you are unsure how to proceed.