Indian PCC

An Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by Indian authorities that confirms whether or not an individual has any criminal records. It is often required for various purposes like immigration, employment, long-term visas, or residency applications abroad. If you are an Indian citizen living in Canada, you can apply for an Indian PCC through BLS International, which manages passport and consular services on behalf of the Indian government.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to obtain an Indian Police Clearance Certificate while residing in Canada:

1. Who Needs an Indian PCC?

• Indian Citizens living in Canada, applying for permanent residency, long-term visa, or employment abroad.
• Foreign Nationals (e.g., OCI cardholders or former Indian citizens) who previously lived in India and need proof of their criminal record (or lack thereof) for the period they stayed in India.

2. Documents Required for Indian PCC

To apply for a PCC, you will need to provide specific documents based on your nationality (Indian or foreign) and the status of your passport. Here’s a list of the typical documents required:

1. Indian Citizens (Indian Passport Holders)

1. Original Indian Passport:
   • Submit your current Indian passport for physical verification.
   • Provide photocopies of the passport’s first two and last two pages, along with any pages containing visa stamps.
2. Proof of Status in Canada:
   • Permanent Resident (PR) card, work permit, study permit, or visitor visa.
   • Photocopies of both the front and back of your Canadian immigration documents.
3. Proof of Canadian Address:
   • A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or driver’s license showing your current address in Canada (must be recent, dated within the last six months).
4. Photographs:
   • Two passport-sized color photos (2″ x 2″) as per the specifications outlined by BLS International.
5. PCC Application Form:
   • Filled-out Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) application form, available on the BLS International website.
6. Self-Declaration Form:
   • A self-declaration form stating the purpose of the PCC request.

1. Foreign Nationals (Non-Indian Passport Holders)

1. Previous Indian Passport:
   • Copies of your previous Indian passport (if applicable).
2. OCI Card or Visa:
   • Copy of your OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, or long-term visa if you’re a foreign national.
3. Proof of Residence in India:
   • Documentary proof of your past residence in India during the period for which the PCC is being requested.
4. Canadian Passport:
   • Photocopy of your Canadian passport or other foreign passports, along with your proof of residence in Canada.

3. Steps to Apply for an Indian PCC in Canada

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

1. Visit the Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates website and create a user profile.
2. Fill out the PCC application form online, entering all the required details, including the reason for the PCC request (e.g., immigration or employment abroad).
3. Print the filled-out form after completing it.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the necessary documents as outlined in the section above, including your original passport, proof of Canadian residency, photographs, and any other applicable documents.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to BLS International

1. Walk-in Submission: Visit the nearest BLS center in Canada to submit your application in person.
2. Courier Submission: You can also mail your completed application form and required documents to the nearest BLS center.

Make sure to carry original documents for verification if you’re submitting your application in person. Photocopies will also be submitted for processing.

BLS International offices are located in major cities in Canada, such as:

• Toronto: 20 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 1200, Toronto, ON M4P 1A9.
• Vancouver: 2010-777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4.
• Ottawa: 100 Queen Street, Suite 1060, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9.
• Calgary: 736 6th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3T7.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

The fee for applying for an Indian PCC through BLS International in Canada is approximately CAD 44. However, fees may vary slightly depending on the service and consular jurisdiction.

• You can pay the fee through online payment options on the BLS International website or in person at the BLS center using cash, debit, or credit cards.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Once the application is submitted, it will be processed through the Indian consulate or high commission responsible for your jurisdiction in Canada. The processing time may vary based on the complexity of the case, but it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.

4. Tracking Your PCC Application

After submitting your application, you can track its status:

1. Visit the BLS International Canada website.
2. Go to the Track Application section.
3. Enter your reference number provided at the time of submission to check the progress of your application.

5. Receiving Your PCC

Once the Indian Police Clearance Certificate is issued, you will be notified, and the certificate can either be:

• Collected in person from the BLS center where you submitted the application.
• Mailed to you (if you selected courier service at the time of application submission).

6. Important Notes

• Ensure that all your documents are valid and up-to-date.
• Photographs must meet the required specifications, or your application may be delayed or rejected.
• If you are applying from a province outside the jurisdiction of the Indian consulate handling your case, ensure you provide correct details of your current residence.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to get an Indian PCC in Canada?

The processing time is typically 4 to 6 weeks but can vary depending on your location and the workload at the consulate.

Q2: Is the PCC required for Canadian PR applications?

Yes, the Indian PCC is often required for Permanent Residency (PR) applications, long-term visas, or other immigration processes where you must prove you have no criminal background during your stay in India.

Q3: Can I apply for an Indian PCC from Canada if my passport is lost?

Yes, but you will need to provide additional documents like a police report or an affidavit explaining the loss of the passport, along with other required documents.

Q4: Do I need to visit the consulate or can I apply through BLS?

All Indian PCC applications for residents in Canada are submitted through BLS International. You don’t need to visit the Indian consulate directly unless advised otherwise.

Q5: Can I apply for a PCC if I am a foreign national (e.g., OCI cardholder)?

Yes, foreign nationals (OCI cardholders) can apply for a PCC for the period they stayed in India. The process is similar, but you’ll need to provide additional documents like your OCI card or previous Indian passport.