How to Get a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to Enter Czechia

To guarantee that the document is accepted by Czech authorities, obtaining a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for usage in Czechia requires a number of processes. This thorough guide will help you navigate the process:

1) Choose the Correct Type of Police Clearance Certificate

The most accurate and commonly used type of PCC for international purposes, particularly for countries like Czechia, is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) Certified Criminal Record Check (Fingerprint-Based Check). Fingerprinting is used in this check to guarantee authenticity and integrity. A simple online name and date of birth check may be sufficient in certain situations, though we do not advise it. It is always advisable to ask the person making the request what is most appropriate in your situation.

2) How to Apply for an RCMP Police Clearance Certificate

Across Canada: 

• Fingerprinting:  To get your fingerprints taken, go to a fingerprinting service that has earned RCMP accreditation.
• Submission: The RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) will receive your fingerprints electronically from the agency for processing.
• Processing Time: After receiving the electronic submission, the RCMP normally completes these requests in 3–7 working days. Nonetheless, extra time ought to be allocated for mailing and any unanticipated delays.

Outside Canada:

Fingerprinting: Obtain your fingerprints at a recognized fingerprinting company in your current country of residency or from a nearby police station.

Submission: Submit your fingerprints for electronic processing to a Canadian fingerprinting business that has earned RCMP accreditation. Certain organizations provide services specifically designed for candidates from abroad.

Processing Time: The RCMP strives to complete these requests in 3–7 days, just as domestic applications. You should take into consideration international mailing times when submitting your request.

Online Name and Date of Birth Checks: Can be a speedier option than fingerprint-based checks, if that is acceptable in your situation. In circumstances where a thorough criminal background is not necessary, this choice might be adequate. These checks are generally accessible through recognized agencies or internet platforms and may frequently be finished in a matter of minutes or hours. Make sure you ask the Czech authority making the request if this kind of check is appropriate for your particular requirements.

3) Authentication and Legalization (Apostille) for Use in Czechia

The Hague Apostille Convention, which Canada ratified in January 11, 2024, streamlines the process of validating documents for use abroad. This implies that the authentication and legalization procedure that was previously required for Canadian documents, including PCCs, meant for use in Czechia has been replaced by an apostille.

How to Get Your PCC Apostilled:

• Notarization: We notarize your PCC prior to apostille.
• Apostille: After that, we send the notarized document for apostille certification to the relevant Canadian government. Depending on where the document originated, either Global Affairs Canada or the appropriate provincial authorities will handle this.

4) Using the PCC in the Czech Republic

After being apostilled, your PCC is accepted in Czechia for official purposes. Employment, immigration, and other legal issues may fall under this category. Make sure you confirm any additional requirements or translations required by contacting the particular Czech government or institution making the PCC request.