Step-by-step guide to obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh for Express Entry and other Canadian immigration programs. Covers applying from Bangladesh and from Canada, documents needed, costs, and timelines.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
- Original passport
- Notarized authorization letter (attested by High Commission)
- 2 certified passport photocopies
- Recent photograph
- Proof of legal status in Canada
- Prepaid return envelope
Applying from Canada costs BDT 500 + consular attestation fees and takes approximately 7–15 working days online; 3 weeks total including mail.
- 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.
Tip
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/
If you're still living in Bangladesh or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
Apply online at pcc.police.gov.bd. Requires active Bangladeshi phone number. Submit certified passport copy, authorization letter, NID or birth certificate, and photo.
- Certified copy of passport
- Bangladesh National ID or birth certificate
- Authorization letter from applicant
- Recent photograph
- Active Bangladeshi phone number for online application
The Police Clearance Certificate costs BDT 500 (~CAD $6–$8) and takes approximately 7–15 working days to process.
- 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/
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.
- 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once you have your police clearance certificate sorted, make sure the rest of your ITA documents are ready:
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Always verify information with official IRCC sources and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.