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 Brazil, that means getting a Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais from the Polícia Federal (Federal Police).
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 Brazil, scroll down to Applying from inside Brazil. The certificate is valid for 90 days from issue date 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 Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | Immediate if applying online with CPF; 2–5 business days in-person at police office | Immediate — available for download at time of request |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Validity | 90 days from issue date | 90 days from issue date |
Applying from Canada
This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais from Brazil remotely. You'll apply through the Brazilian embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.
How to apply
If you have a CPF and CIE/Brazilian ID: apply online from Canada through the Polícia Federal portal — same instant process. If you don't have Brazilian ID cards: you must travel to Brazil or authorize a representative with Power of Attorney to apply in person at a Polícia Federal office.
Documents needed
- CPF number (for online application)
- Email address for digital delivery
- If no CPF: Power of Attorney for representative in Brazil
Cost and timeline
Applying from Canada costs Free and takes approximately Immediate if applying online with CPF; 2–5 business days in-person at police office.
Tips for applying from Canada
- Brazilians in Canada WITH a CPF can apply online instantly — easiest PCC process of any country.
- Without Brazilian ID, you must travel to Brazil or use Power of Attorney.
- Certificate must be in color scan; certified/unauthorized copies rejected by IRCC.
- If not in English/French, provide certified translation.
Apply for your PCC as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool — don't wait for your ITA. The Immediate if applying online with CPF; 2–5 business days in-person at police office processing time means you could burn through half your 60-day ITA deadline just waiting for this one document.
Official portal: http://www.pf.gov.br/servicos-pf/antecedentes-criminais
Applying from inside Brazil
If you're still living in Brazil or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
How to apply
Apply online through the Polícia Federal portal. Requires CPF (Brazilian tax ID) and valid photo ID. Automated digital process — certificate available as PDF with digital signature immediately.
Documents needed
- CPF (Brazilian tax ID number)
- Valid photo ID (passport or RG)
- CIE (Foreigner Identity Card) if applicable
Cost and timeline
The Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais costs Free and takes approximately Immediate — available for download at time of request to process.
Tips for applying from Brazil
- Certificate is valid for 90 days from issue date.
- Verify authenticity at pf.gov.br — search 'Validar Certidão'.
- PDF format with digital signature — no notarization needed.
Official portal: http://www.pf.gov.br/servicos-pf/antecedentes-criminais
When to apply
The Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais from Brazil is valid for 90 days from issue date. 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 (90 days from issue date)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCC from Brazil 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 Brazil?
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 Polícia Federal (Federal Police) 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