IRCC upholds police certificate necessity for temporary residents. According to recent reports from a number of news sources, Canada has done away with the necessity that temporary residents obtain a police certificate. But this information is not correct. The policy of IRCC concerning police certifications for temporary residents remains unchanged. People who are applying to enter Canada as temporary residents should be aware that they could still need to present a police certificate.

“When you apply as a visitor, student, or temporary worker, we may ask you for a certificate,” the IRCC website explains. Additionally, according to a different portion of the IRCC website, whether you are entering Canada as a visitor, student, temporary employee, or live-in caregiver, you may need a police certificate. This material emphasizes that police certificates are not always necessary for temporary residents, as they are for individuals pursuing citizenship or permanent residency, although they might be in some circumstances. This implies that anyone requesting a temporary entry into Canada should be ready to furnish a police certificate upon request.

Understanding a Police Certificate – What You Need to Know

A police certificate is an official document verifying an individual’s criminal history, provided by the relevant local police authority. It details any criminal records the individual may have. These certificates are known by various names, including “good conduct certificates” and “judicial record extracts.” When the document is issued in a language other than English or French, it must be accompanied by a certified translation. Moreover, this ensures that the information is accurately understood and recognized. The police certificate is crucial for various legal and administrative processes, serving as a testament to an individual’s background.

Reasons for Requiring Police Certificates 

To confirm that a person does not have a criminal record that would prevent them from entering Canada, police certifications are necessary.

Those planning to visit Canada temporarily should anticipate the potential need to submit a police certificate during the admission process. Being prepared for this requirement is advisable.