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 Colombia, that means getting a Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales from the Policía Nacional de Colombia.
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 Colombia, scroll down to Applying from inside Colombia. The certificate is valid for 5 years from date of issue 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 Colombia |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | Online (existing): 5–10 business days. First-time in-person: 5–10 business days. | Instant for online retrieval; 5–10 business days for first-time |
| Cost | Free certificate + USD $17 apostille (consulate fee) | Free for certificate. USD $17 for apostille. |
| Validity | 5 years from date of issue | 5 years from date of issue |
Applying from Canada
This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales from Colombia remotely. You'll apply through the Colombian embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.
How to apply
Two options: (1) ONLINE: If obtained within last 5 years, request through Colombian Consulate website — fully digital, no office visit. (2) IN-PERSON: First-time applicants must visit Colombian Consulate (Toronto or Montreal) with original citizenship card.
Documents needed
- Colombian national ID number
- For first-time: original citizenship card (must present in person)
- For first-time: 2 recent color photos (3.5×4.5 cm)
- For first-time: 2 Colombian references with addresses
Cost and timeline
Applying from Canada costs Free certificate + USD $17 apostille (consulate fee) and takes approximately Online (existing): 5–10 business days. First-time in-person: 5–10 business days..
Tips for applying from Canada
- Online option available if you've obtained one within last 5 years.
- First-time applicants cannot use online option — must visit consulate.
- Consulate applies apostille automatically for immigration use.
- Contact Toronto or Montreal consulate for appointments.
Apply for your PCC as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool — don't wait for your ITA. The Online (existing): 5–10 business days. First-time in-person: 5–10 business days. processing time means you could burn through half your 60-day ITA deadline just waiting for this one document.
Official portal: https://canada.embajada.gov.co/
Applying from inside Colombia
If you're still living in Colombia or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
How to apply
Apply online at antecedentes.policia.gov.co. If obtained within last 5 years, retrieve existing certificate online (instant, free). First-time applicants must appear in person at Colombian Consulate with original citizenship card.
Documents needed
- Colombian national ID number
- For first-time: original citizenship card
- For first-time: 2 recent color photos (3.5×4.5 cm)
- For first-time: names/addresses of 2 references in Colombia
Cost and timeline
The Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales costs Free for certificate. USD $17 for apostille. and takes approximately Instant for online retrieval; 5–10 business days for first-time to process.
Tips for applying from Colombia
- Certificate valid 5 years — check if you already have one on file.
- Online option free and instant for existing records.
- Apostille included in consular processing fee.
Official portal: https://antecedentes.policia.gov.co:7005/WebJudicial/
When to apply
The Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales from Colombia is valid for 5 years from date of issue. 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 (5 years from date of issue)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCC from Colombia 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 Colombia?
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 Policía Nacional de Colombia 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