Do You Need a Police Certificate for Canadian Citizenship?

Understanding the background check process for Canadian citizenship helps you prepare properly. This guide explains what IRCC checks, when you might need additional documents, and what to expect. CitizenPass helps you prepare for every step — read on, then start practicing for free.

When you submit a citizenship application, IRCC conducts several background checks on your behalf. You do not need to provide police certificates or criminal record checks with your initial application.

Automatic Checks Include:

1. RCMP Criminal Record Check — Searches the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database for criminal history in Canada
2. CSIS Security Screening — The Canadian Security Intelligence Service screens for security concerns
3. Immigration History Review — Checks your immigration file for compliance, previous violations, or removal orders
4. CRA Tax Verification — Confirms your tax filing history with the Canada Revenue Agency

While not required by default, IRCC may request additional police certificates in certain situations:

From Your Home Country

• If IRCC has concerns about your criminal history abroad
• If there are discrepancies in your application regarding criminal history
• If you lived in a high-risk country

From Other Countries Where You Lived

• If you spent significant time in another country (usually 6+ months)
• If your travel history shows extended stays abroad

How to Respond to a Police Certificate Request

1. Read the IRCC request carefully — it will specify which country's certificate is needed
2. Contact the embassy or consulate of that country in Canada
3. Follow their process for obtaining a police certificate
4. Some countries require fingerprints; others require only personal information
5. Submit the certificate through your IRCC account before the deadline

While not required for citizenship, you may want a Canadian criminal record check for your own records:

RCMP Criminal Record Check

• Done through an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency
• Costs approximately $25-75
• Processing time: 2-4 weeks (standard) or 3-5 days (electronic)
• Shows any criminal convictions in Canada

Local Police Record Check

• Available from your local police service
• May show more detail than the RCMP check
• Costs vary by municipality ($20-65)
• Processing time: 1-4 weeks

Different countries have different processes for issuing police certificates:

No Criminal History

• Background check is routine and fast
• No additional documents needed
• Processing continues normally

Minor Criminal History (Summary Offences)

• May require additional review
• Completed sentences generally do not prevent citizenship
• Disclose everything on your application

Serious Criminal History (Indictable Offences)

• Extended processing time
• May request police certificates from multiple countries
• Consult an immigration lawyer before applying

1. Be honest — Disclose all criminal history on your application
2. Be accurate — Provide correct dates, countries, and details
3. Keep records — Maintain copies of any court documents, discharge papers, or pardons
4. Be proactive — If you anticipate IRCC requesting a police certificate, get one in advance
5. Respond quickly — If IRCC requests additional documents, submit them as soon as possible

While your background check processes, prepare for the citizenship test. Thousands of newcomers have used CitizenPass to pass on their first attempt — completely free to start:

• 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
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• 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
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Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.