Police Clearance Certificate from China for Canada PR: Cost, Timeline & Step-by-Step (2026)

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 China, that means getting a Certificate of No Criminal Conviction from the Local Public Security Bureau (PSB) notarized by a Chinese notary public.

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 China, scroll down to Applying from inside China. The certificate is valid for No set expiration from Chinese government. IRCC requires it be issued after your last 6+ consecutive months in China. Original PSB certificate valid 3 months before notarization — must complete notarization within this window. from the date of issue — time your application carefully so it doesn't expire before IRCC processes your PR application.

Quick reference

Applying from Canada

This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your Certificate of No Criminal Conviction from China remotely. You'll apply through the Chinese embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.

How to apply

You must appoint a family member or use a document procurement agency in China. Provide them with a Power of Attorney (notarized by a Canadian notary, then apostilled through Global Affairs Canada). Your representative then: (1) visits the PSB Exit-Entry Administration in the city where you last lived, (2) obtains the No Criminal Record Certificate, (3) takes it to a Chinese Notary Public Office for the notarized English/French translation, and (4) mails the notarized certificate to you in Canada.

Documents needed

• Copy of passport (photo page)
• Power of Attorney (notarized by Canadian notary, then apostilled by Global Affairs Canada)
• Proof of residence dates in China (visa stamps, lease, employment letter)
• Contact details and ID of your representative in China
• Mailing address in Canada for receiving the notarized certificate

Cost and timeline

Applying from Canada costs Government fees: Free. Practical costs from Canada: CAD $150–$300 for Power of Attorney notarization + apostille. If hiring a China-based agency: CAD $615–$1,000 total. and takes approximately 4–8 weeks total (PSB 3–5 days + notary 2–3 weeks + international shipping 1–2 weeks).

Tips for applying from Canada

• There is NO online portal and NO direct embassy application — this is done in-person at China's PSB.
• Canada ratified the Apostille Convention on January 11, 2024. Your Power of Attorney must be apostilled, not just notarized.
• The notarized certificate from the notary office is the ONLY version IRCC accepts — not the basic PSB letter.
• Express Entry gives you 60 days after your ITA to upload police certificates. Start this process BEFORE you receive an ITA.
• Processing depends on your representative's city — major cities (Beijing, Shanghai) tend to be faster.

Official portal: https://ca.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsyw/

Applying from inside China

If you're still living in China or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.

How to apply

Visit the Exit-Entry Administration of your local Public Security Bureau (PSB) with passport and temporary residence registration. Apply for 'No Criminal Record Certificate.' Once issued (3–5 business days), take it to a Chinese Notary Public Office for verification and notarized English/French translation. The notarized 'Notary Certificate of No Criminal Convictions' is the only version IRCC accepts.

Documents needed

• Valid passport
• Temporary residence registration (TRRF) or proof of 6+ months residence
• Completed PSB application form (varies by city)

Cost and timeline

The Certificate of No Criminal Conviction costs Free from government (PSB and notary office do not charge). If using a document procurement agency: CAD $615–$1,000. and takes approximately 3–5 days at PSB + 2–3 weeks at notary office = 2–4 weeks total to process.

Tips for applying from China

• CRITICAL: The basic PSB certificate ALONE will be rejected by IRCC. You MUST get the notarized version from the notary office.
• Rules vary by city — contact your local PSB Exit-Entry Administration to confirm the exact process.
• The certificate covers the area where your hukou is registered, not necessarily where you currently live.

Official portal: https://ca.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsyw/

When to apply

The Certificate of No Criminal Conviction from China is valid for No set expiration from Chinese government. IRCC requires it be issued after your last 6+ consecutive months in China. Original PSB certificate valid 3 months before notarization — must complete notarization within this window.. 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 (No set expiration from Chinese government. IRCC requires it be issued after your last 6+ consecutive months in China. Original PSB certificate valid 3 months before notarization — must complete notarization within this window.)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a PCC from China 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 China?

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 Local Public Security Bureau (PSB) notarized by a Chinese notary public 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