All you need to know about the documents required for PCC

People who desire to establish a life abroad need a police clearance certificate. A police certificate is a list of all the times a person was detained while residing in a particular place, together with the reasons for it and its outcomes.Even if you have no criminal history in any of the countries where you have previously resided. A police certificate issued by a police authority is required if you are applying for a visa, or a family-based or marriage-based green card from abroad.Here we’ll take a look at the documents required for PCC (police clearance certificate), who needs one, the paperwork needed, how long it takes to process, and other relevant information.

What is a PCC?

Passport holders who want to apply for residency status, a long-term visa, employment, or immigration are given a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) by higher authorities.

Citizens traveling abroad on a tourist visa do not require a police clearance certificate.

The ECR (Emigration Check Required) countries are listed as a group of seventeen nations mentioned below. In these nations, a PCC is mandatory for anyone applying for employment.

1. United Arab Emirates
2. Saudi Arabia
3. Yemen
4. Sudan
5. Qatar
6. Oman
7. Afghanistan
8. Syria
9. Kuwait
10. Bahrain
11. Thailand
12. Lebanon
13. Malaysia
14. Indonesia
15. Iraq
16. Libya
17. Jordan

Who needs a police clearance certificate?

The applicant (a family member) has to send a photocopy of their police clearance certificate to the National Visa Center (NVC) and bring the original or certified copy to their interview for a green card.

Instead of a police clearance certificate, family members applying for a green card from within the US must present police records.

If you are at least 16 years old, regardless of whether you have ever been detained there, you must provide a police clearance certificate from each of the nations listed below (apart from the United States):

• Your country of residency if it’s different from your place of citizenship, and if you’ve spent at least six months there at any time in your life.
• If you have ever resided in your country of citizenship for a minimum of six months.

If you’ have lived in any nation for at least a year and were at least 16 years old.

How to apply for a police clearance certificate?

Offline application for PCC

• The applicant must complete an application form, which is available at the district’s CPRC Center to apply offline for a police clearance certificate.
• The district police website also offers a download link for the application form.
• You can deliver the application form with proper and correct information in person or through a representative.

Online application for PCC

Steps for submitting an online PCC application:

• Sign up for an account on the Passport Seva Portal and login.
• Select the link for applying for a police clearance certificate.
• Fill out and then submit the form.
• Select “Pay and Schedule Appointment” from the menu.
• The payment must be made online mode as it is mandatory.
• Print the application.
• Visit your appointment venue on time with all the necessary paperwork.

Mandatory documents for PCC

• Passport in original form and self-attest the copy of its first and last pages, including the ECR/ECNR page and the observations page (if any).
• If the address in the passport has changed, you must provide address proof.
• If the original language of the PCC is different then a copy of the visa plus an English translation of it is mandatory.

Documents required for PCC for Skilled/Semi-Skilled Workers (individual application)

• Authenticated photocopies of the first and last two pages from the original copy of the old passport.
• Evidence of Address (in case of change of address mentioned in the passport)
• A signed photocopy of the employment contract.
• Copies of current visas

PCC documentation requirements for unskilled or female workers (individuals)

• Old passport original and self-attest photocopies of the first and last two pages.
• Evidence of Address (in case of change of address mentioned in the passport).
• A letter of approval from the relevant Indian Mission or Post, or a photocopy of the employment contract that has been completely attested by the Indian Mission.
• Copies of current visas.

Documents required for PCC for skilled or semi-skilled (through Recruiting Agents)

Skilled or semi-skilled applicants who have a contract with an international employer through a RA must present the following documents –

• Documents required for PCC are attested by the relevant RA, together with copies of the employment contract, a demand letter, and a power of attorney from an international employer.
• Copies of registration certificates generated by the POE.

Applications from women and unskilled applicants (through Recruiting Agents)

The following documentation has to be provided for unskilled people or female applicants who have signed a contract with an international company through a RA-

• Documents mandatory to be submitted include copies of employment contracts, demand letters, and powers of attorney from overseas employers, all of which must be attested by the relevant authorities.
• Copies of registration certificates generated by the POE.

You can obtain a police clearance certificate from the issuing authority of the country you belong to or reside in. For more information, you can visit the official website or visit the PCC issuing authority office.

Status of Police Clearance Certificate

The Police Clearance Certificate status varies from region to region. The minimum duration for processing is 1 month, although it depends on which police station is issuing it from which region. You can check the status by visiting issuing authority or the passport office’s official website.

The applicant would receive an SMS informing them of the clearance’s status in some situations, at which point they must go to the police station with their passports to pick up the certificate.

Key takeaways

• A police clearance certificate (PCC) is an official document issued to passport holders who have applied for immigration, a long-term work visa, or residential status.
• You have to fill out an application form and submit mandatory documents to acquire a PCC. The form can be filled out offline or in online mode. For more details, you can also visit the PCC issuing authority’s official website.   
• The Police Clearance Certificate status varies from region to region. The minimum duration for processing is 1 month, although it depends on where it is being issued from. The applicant might receive an SMS informing them of the clearance status or you can also check the status on issuing authority’s official website. 

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FAQ

Q1. What if the language of my police clearance certificate is not English?

Ans- Submit a police clearance document written in a language other than English must be submitted alongside a certified English translation.

Q2. Is there any age requirement to obtain a police clearance certificate?

Ans- A PCC can be obtained at any age.

Q3. Can a minor apply for a PCC?

Ans- A minor citizen can only obtain a PCC if a foreign authority demands it.