Do I Need a Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh for Canadian Citizenship?

[sapphire9425]

Hi everyone,

I am preparing to apply for Canadian citizenship and would like some guidance on whether I need a police clearance certificate (PCC) from my country of origin, Bangladesh. Here’s my situation:

• I lived in Bangladesh continuously from February 25, 1995, to August 26, 2018.
• I moved to Canada in 2018 (as an international student) and have been living here since then.
• I applied for and became a permanent resident (PR) on September 30, 2022, while I was already in Canada. I received my eCoPR and PR card here.
• I submitted a PCC from Bangladesh during my PR application.

Since coming to Canada, I have visited Bangladesh during the following years:

• 2019: 60 days
• 2021: 50 days
• 2022: 30 days
• 2024: 80 days

From what I understand, IRCC may require a PCC if I lived in or stayed in a country for 183 days or more consecutively within the last 4 years. Based on this, I don’t think I need a PCC, but I want to confirm if I’m interpreting the rules correctly.

Has anyone with a similar situation applied for Canadian citizenship, and can you share your experience or advice? Any insights would be much appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

 

[schilz]

I think your interpretation is correct, you can likely submit your application without a PCC.

Keep in mind they could still ask for a PCC, but they would reach out to you during the process if they want it.