Police Certificate from outside Canada

[bellashay 14]

I studied in Canada from September 2012- April 2014. A month before I left (March 2014), I requested for a Criminal Record Check which was name- based. I have no record whatsoever during the duration of my stay.

I've been back in the Philippines since April 2014. Should I still request for a police certificate or is the one that I have right now going to be enough? From what I've read on the RCMP's website, it can take up to 120 days for processing.

I'll greatly appreciate your feedback and replies!

[bellashay 14]

And I forgot to ask, do I need to have my fingerprints taken too?

Sorry if I double posted.

[Ladyluck1 3]

You need a police cert from every country you lived in for more then six months after the age of 16.

Based of research I did as I also lived in two countries but one was before the age of 16 so I only required one. I also read they are only valid for one year, don't know how accurate that is. Doesnt seem to be a country by country thing.

Edited January 23, 2015 by Ladyluck1

[Bjorn&lyne 20]

Yes you do need a police certificate. However, the State Department has listed countries that are exempt, like some Middle East countries as you need to be there in person physically and apply, like UAE and Syria. However, most Western countries you can apply from your home country so you need to do that. My guess is that Canada will issue such as you apply from overseas. Below are links with details about foreign police clearances and Canada in particular, and how to obtain from outside of Canada. I do not think you need gfinger printing at this stage.

"

• Outside Canada: Applicants who are not physically present in Canada must obtain a Certified Criminal Record Check. There is a processing fee of $25 CAN or US equivalent per criminal record and/or vulnerable sector check. Payment must be made by certified cheque or money order to the Receiver General for Canada."

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country/CA.html#policerecords-6

Edited January 23, 2015 by Bjorn&lyne

[bellashay 14]

Thanks for the replies! Should I get it done even before the NOA2 or do I have to wait for it before I start requesting for my police certificate from Canada?

[Bjorn&lyne 20]

Clearances are valid for 6 months from the date you get them. Its gets tricky since it takes a few weeks to a few months to get the clearance. If you get clearance too soon then they might expire before you interview. If you get clearance late you have too delay interview or submit it after interview since at interview you might get issued a 221g asknig for that clearance, meaning the case takes longer to approve. Because you are from Phil your case should move along fast, so if I were you I would apply immediately for clearance. Once you get the NOA2, you will be able to have your interview within 2 months from the NOA2 date, meaning your Canada police clearance will be valid for several more months. At this point, I suspect you will get the NOA2 approval long before you receive the Canada clearance anyways, assuming you already filed and received the USCIS NOA1, so apply for the Canada clearance ASAP. Ask to get it expedited if possible.

Edited January 25, 2015 by Bjorn&lyne