Police Certificates

[zuzyk77]

Hello,

I have a question about the Police Certificate for my PR application.

I am from Spain and I have lived in Canada for the past 3 years. In the last 10 years I've traveled about 6 times to the United States, all those times for simple holidays. If I put together all my trips it's about 6-7 months.

Do I need a police certificate from Canada and / or the United States?

I was finally able to get it from Spain and that was a pain, I can't imagine how hard it would be if I had to get it from the United States too...

Thanks

 

[mattjp1]

Hello,

I have a question about the Police Certificate for my PR application.

I am from Spain and I have lived in Canada for the past 3 years. In the last 10 years I've traveled about 6 times to the United States, all those times for simple holidays. If I put together all my trips it's about 6-7 months.

Do I need a police certificate from Canada and / or the United States?

I was finally able to get it from Spain and that was a pain, I can't imagine how hard it would be if I had to get it from the United States too...

Thanks

If more than 6 months, you're in mate.

 

[zuzyk77]

Ah, that really sucks.

Do you know how I can get that living in Canada?

How long does that take? I have about 80 days left to complete my application. I hope I can get that in time.

 

[mattjp1]

Ah, that really sucks.

Do you know how I can get that living in Canada?

How long does that take? I have about 80 days left to complete my application. I hope I can get that in time.

Sorry I'm not sure about this since I didn't have to provide neither a Canada or USA PCC. But I'd say you should start now.

Just my 2 cents, some senior members will probably share their views.

 

[zuzyk77]

Thanks!

Any Senior able to answer my question then?

Thanks a lot.

 

[zuzyk77]

I found this link:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/north-america/united-states.asp

The main questions I’d have are:

- It says it can take more than 60 days, I have 81 days left on my application and I’m gonna try to send everything before the end of the week. What if I don’t receive it on time? Should I submit my application with an explanation letter saying that I’m still waiting for it?
- Has anyone done this before? It doesn’t seem to be clear how to do the whole check thing to pay the fees, is that something they would be able to do at my bank?

Also,

- I looked back at my travel history and I’ve spent 191 days in the states. I realized that on one of the trips I might have added 7-10 days extra by mistake, and in the other ones I used an estimate on the return day because Spain doesn’t stamp your passport when you return. So I could be a few days off there too. Would it be a terrible idea to change my travel history at this poing to make it less than 180 days total?

Thanks

 

[barnicole85]

I would get an FBI check just to cover yourself because they might ask for it. I'm in the same boat, as my travel to the States totaled more than 6 months in the last 10 years.

Apply now, as it does take a long time. I submitted mine in August and still waiting to hear back.

I've already submitted my PR application (in September) and in my LOE attached proof that I've sent an application for the FBI check (receipts and tracking information) and wrote a bit of an explanation.

IRCC haven't asked for the FBI check as yet, but figured that it was good to have it underway and then I can simply add it to the application when I do receive it.

I got my prints done in Vancouver so if you live here as well, I can send you the name.

Hope this helps!

 

[pitico55]

I found this link:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/north-america/united-states.asp

The main questions I’d have are:

- It says it can take more than 60 days, I have 81 days left on my application and I’m gonna try to send everything before the end of the week. What if I don’t receive it on time? Should I submit my application with an explanation letter saying that I’m still waiting for it?
- Has anyone done this before? It doesn’t seem to be clear how to do the whole check thing to pay the fees, is that something they would be able to do at my bank?

Also,

- I looked back at my travel history and I’ve spent 191 days in the states. I realized that on one of the trips I might have added 7-10 days extra by mistake, and in the other ones I used an estimate on the return day because Spain doesn’t stamp your passport when you return. So I could be a few days off there too. Would it be a terrible idea to change my travel history at this poing to make it less than 180 days total?

Thanks

start the process for the USA PCC as soon as possible. today if possible. then wait until 10 -15 days before you ITA expires. upload the proof that you've already requested the PCC and send your application and explain in LOE.
when they start processing your aplication they will aske you to send the PCC and give more time.

check this link:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/intro.asp
"
If you applied for a police certificate, but do not have it by the deadline to submit your online application, write or type your explanation on a blank piece of paper and upload it in the Police Certificate section. You must also upload supporting documents that prove you applied for it, such as a confirmation receipt, payment receipt, delivery notice, tracking number, etc.
"

 

[noscaf2014]

You don't need a police certificate from Canada.
You do need a police certificate from USA. Apply right away as it takes 12-14 weeks in processing.

BTW, You need a police certificate from any country or territory that you have spent six months or more since the age of 18 (NOT in past 10 years).

Good Luck!

 

[zuzyk77]

Thanks for your answers!

I was reviewing all my trips again and I realized that I did add a couple extra days on couple of them.

With that, since the age of 18 I've spent around 175-185 days in the States.

I don't know the exact number because I know the entry date from my passport stamp but I don't remember the exact date I left for some trips.

I think it's actually closer to 175, and that would be less than 6 months. I checked in my application and it seems like I can go back and modify my travel history.

Would that be a bad idea?

 

[OdinNguyen]

Thanks for your answers!

I was reviewing all my trips again and I realized that I did add a couple extra days on couple of them.

With that, since the age of 18 I've spent around 175-185 days in the States.

I don't know the exact number because I know the entry date from my passport stamp but I don't remember the exact date I left for some trips.

I think it's actually closer to 175, and that would be less than 6 months. I checked in my application and it seems like I can go back and modify my travel history.

Would that be a bad idea?

Don't red flag yourself. US and Canada share travel histories. So they know.

 

[pitico55]

Thanks for your answers!

I was reviewing all my trips again and I realized that I did add a couple extra days on couple of them.

With that, since the age of 18 I've spent around 175-185 days in the States.

I don't know the exact number because I know the entry date from my passport stamp but I don't remember the exact date I left for some trips.

I think it's actually closer to 175, and that would be less than 6 months. I checked in my application and it seems like I can go back and modify my travel history.

Would that be a bad idea?

If you want to play it safe, get the PCC. the officer may ask you to get the PCC even if you did not spend 6 months in a country. it's their discretion.

 

[zuzyk77]

Thanks to all for your answers.

I think I'm gonna get the PCC to be safe.

I live in Vancouver and I'm wondering what's the right way to apply for it.

My plan was to get my fingerprints at the police station today, download the form from the FBI website, go to the bank to get the check done (I have no idea how to do this, hopefully they will know with the information from the FBI website?) and send those three things urgent through FedEx with tracking number.

Is that what I need to do?

I saw that there are also FBI approved channelers that I can use, are those faster than doing it by myself?

Thanks!

 

[noscaf2014]

As stated above, better safe than sorry. Apply for the FBI PCC right away by mail. Channeler services are only for US citizens and green card holders (even if you hear otherwise from the Channeler service provider or some members here in the forum). Good Luck!

 

[zuzyk77]

Thanks!

I'm getting all the documents ready right now.

I saw that in the application form there is an option to include a credit card form instead of a check or money order. That sounds like an easier option for me. Has anyone used that before? Do you know if they accept AMEX?

Do you guys recommend Canada Post or FedEx?

Thinking ahead, and assuming I won't get the results before my ITA expires. What documents should I make sure I have to submit along with my LOE once I complete my application? I was going to scan all the forms I'll send to the FBI, and take screenshots of the tracking information once I have that and hopefully a delivery confirmation.

Thank you!