Receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) through Express Entry is a significant milestone, but meeting the 60-day deadline for your permanent residence (PR) application is crucial. One common challenge is obtaining police certificates, which can delay your application if not secured in time.
Express Entry candidates must provide police certificates for countries they’ve resided in for over six months since turning 18, excluding Canada. Obtaining these certificates can vary in time, from days to months, depending on the country.
Starting the process early is key to avoiding delays, as IRCC requires these certificates to assess an applicant’s admissibility based on criminal records.
What to do if you are unable to get a police certificate in time
If you face challenges obtaining a police certificate before the deadline, IRCC offers solutions for Express Entry candidates. Providing a letter of explanation and evidence of efforts made to obtain the certificate can help mitigate the issue.
- Submit a detailed letter explaining the delay.
- Provide evidence of attempts made to secure the certificate before the deadline.
Acceptable evidence includes payment receipts, delivery notices, tracking numbers, or official correspondence explaining the delay from the issuing agency.