Every Canadian immigration application — Express Entry, Provincial Nominee, spousal sponsorship — requires a police clearance certificate from every country you've lived in for 6 months or more since turning 18. For Bangladesh, that means getting a Police Clearance Certificate from the Bangladesh Police (Special Branch/Passport Office).
Most applicants are already in Canada when they need this certificate, so this guide leads with the process for applying from Canada. If you're still in Bangladesh, scroll down to Applying from inside Bangladesh. The certificate is valid for 1 year from issuance from the date of issue — time your application carefully so it doesn't expire before IRCC processes your PR application.
Quick reference
| Detail | From Canada | From Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 7–15 working days online; 3 weeks total including mail | 7–15 working days |
| Cost | BDT 500 + consular attestation fees | BDT 500 (~CAD $6–$8) |
| Validity | 1 year from issuance | 1 year from issuance |
Applying from Canada
This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh remotely. You'll apply through the Bangladeshi embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.
How to apply
Apply online at pcc.police.gov.bd (requires Bangladeshi phone number and someone in Bangladesh to collect) OR mail documents to Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa or Consulate in Toronto. For mail: provide original passport, 2 photocopies, notarized authorization letter attested by High Commission, Canadian immigration proof, and prepaid return envelope.
Documents needed
- Original passport
- Notarized authorization letter (attested by High Commission)
- 2 certified passport photocopies
- Recent photograph
- Proof of legal status in Canada
- Prepaid return envelope
Cost and timeline
Applying from Canada costs BDT 500 + consular attestation fees and takes approximately 7–15 working days online; 3 weeks total including mail.
Tips for applying from Canada
- Direct online application faster than consulate route if you have a Bangladeshi phone number.
- Consulate attestation adds 3+ business days.
- Must designate a specific person to collect from police station in Bangladesh.
Apply for your PCC as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool — don't wait for your ITA. The 7–15 working days online; 3 weeks total including mail processing time means you could burn through half your 60-day ITA deadline just waiting for this one document.
Official portal: https://ottawa.mofa.gov.bd/
Applying from inside Bangladesh
If you're still living in Bangladesh or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
How to apply
Apply online at pcc.police.gov.bd. Requires active Bangladeshi phone number. Submit certified passport copy, authorization letter, NID or birth certificate, and photo.
Documents needed
- Certified copy of passport
- Bangladesh National ID or birth certificate
- Authorization letter from applicant
- Recent photograph
- Active Bangladeshi phone number for online application
Cost and timeline
The Police Clearance Certificate costs BDT 500 (~CAD $6–$8) and takes approximately 7–15 working days to process.
Tips for applying from Bangladesh
- Online option is fastest (7–10 working days).
- Family member in Bangladesh can collect certificate on your behalf.
- High Commission accepts card, bank draft, or money order payments.
Official portal: https://pcc.police.gov.bd/
When to apply
The Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh is valid for 1 year from issuance. IRCC requires it to be valid when you submit your PR application, and ideally when they process it (which can take months). The sweet spot is applying 2–4 months before you expect to submit your PR application.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying too early — if the certificate expires before IRCC reviews your application, you'll need a new one
- Applying too late — waiting until after your ITA means the 60-day clock is ticking while you wait for processing
- Wrong type of certificate — make sure you request the certificate specifically for immigration purposes, not a local background check
- Missing documents — incomplete applications are the #1 cause of delays
- Not checking validity — some countries issue certificates with very short validity periods (1 year from issuance)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCC from Bangladesh if I only lived there for a few months?
IRCC requires a police certificate from every country where you lived for 6 months or more since turning 18. If you were there for less than 6 months, you generally don't need one — but check the specific requirements for your immigration program.
What if my name has changed since I lived in Bangladesh?
You'll need to provide proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) along with your PCC application. The certificate should ideally reflect both your current and previous names.
Can I use a digital copy or does IRCC need the original?
IRCC accepts scanned copies uploaded to your online application. You don't need to mail the original. However, keep the original — IRCC may ask for it during processing.
What if the Bangladesh Police (Special Branch/Passport Office) is very slow?
If your PCC is delayed beyond a reasonable timeframe, you can include a written explanation with your PR application and upload proof that you've applied (receipt, confirmation number, etc.). IRCC may grant an extension in exceptional cases.
Next steps
Once you have your police clearance certificate sorted, make sure the rest of your ITA documents are ready:
- Express Entry Document Checklist — full list of everything you need
- WES ECA Guide — getting your education credentials assessed
- How to Improve Your CRS Score — maximize your points before applying