Police Certificate for Citizenship Application 2024

[nrthstr1202]

Hi all.

I'm preparing my application for citizenship but am a bit confused about the PCC. Hoping to get advice or clarification from other members and senior members on this.

Background:
I landed as a permanent resident in Canada in February 2021 from the US. I went on multiple short trips since that time and did NOT spend 183 days or more in a row outside of Canada.
Since 4 years ago would be August 28, 2020, for example, it's technically less than 183 days from the date that I became a PR.

Based on the following information from the Canadian government website below, it appears that I would NOT need to submit a PCC since I was in the US prior to becoming a PR, which falls within the past 4 years.

Am I interpreting this correctly that I would NOT need a PCC? Also, does "country of origin" imply "country of residence"?

I would greatly appreciate your insight on this.

Source: Citizenship Guide
Police certificate(s)
You need to provide a police certificate from each country, other than Canada, if you were there

• in the past 4 years
• for 183 days or more in a row
• since the age of 18

Indicate in the chart the name of each country and provide a police certificate.
You don’t need to provide a police certificate if

• you were in your country of origin immediately prior to becoming a permanent resident and landing in Canada, and
• this time falls within the past 4 years

If you can’t get a police certificate, tell us why in the explanation box.
To be valid, the police certificate must be either issued

• after the last time you were in that country, or
• no more than 6 months before the date you sign your citizenship application

 

[nrthstr1202]

I’d like to bump this thread up for any helpful replies. Thank you in advance.

 

[forw.jane]

I’d like to bump this thread up for any helpful replies. Thank you in advance.

Did you submit PCC as part of your PR application?

 

[nrthstr1202]

Did you submit PCC as part of your PR application?

Yes, I did submit a PCC as part of my PR application. If this is the case, would it be necessary to submit one or would I just need to indicate “NO” since I spent less than 183 days within the 4 year period in question in my country of origin prior to becoming PR?

 

[forw.jane]

Yes, I did submit a PCC as part of my PR application. If this is the case, would it be necessary to submit one or would I just need to indicate “NO” since I spent less than 183 days within the 4 year period in question in my country of origin prior to becoming PR?

You can use the same one. The citizenship application has the provision to mention the same. You don't need a new PCC.

 

[nrthstr1202]

You can use the same one. The citizenship application has the provision to mention the same. You don't need a new PCC.

So, I would just indicate that I have not spent more than 183 days in a row outside of Canada in the past 4 years, right?

I, also, thought that the PCC is only valid for 6 months after the date it was issued?

 

[forw.jane]

So, I would just indicate that I have not spent more than 183 days in a row outside of Canada in the past 4 years, right?

I, also, thought that the PCC is only valid for 6 months after the date it was issued?

Yes, no need for PCC. It's valid for 6 months but if you would have spent 183+ days in USA before coming to Canada as PR and that's part of your eligibility days, you can use the PCC submitted as part of your PR application for citizenship application too.

 

[nrthstr1202]

Yes, no need for PCC. It's valid for 6 months but if you would have spent 183+ days in USA before coming to Canada as PR and that's part of your eligibility days, you can use the PCC submitted as part of your PR application for citizenship application too.

This makes sense. Thank you for clarifying and for the info!