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 Iran, that means getting a Certificate of No Criminal Record from the NAJA (Iran Police) / Iranian Interests Section at Embassy of Pakistan.
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 Iran, scroll down to Applying from inside Iran. The certificate is valid for Not officially specified — confirm with NAJA 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 Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | Up to 4 months (varies significantly) | 2–3 weeks (may extend if applicant was ever charged) |
| Cost | Rls 35,000 + fingerprinting costs in Canada (CAD $50–$100) | Rls 35,000 (Iranian Rials) |
| Validity | Not officially specified — confirm with NAJA | Not officially specified — confirm with NAJA |
Applying from Canada
This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your Certificate of No Criminal Record from Iran remotely. You'll apply through the Iranian embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.
How to apply
Step 1: Submit online application through Iran Foreign Ministry website. Step 2: Get 2 sets of ink and roll fingerprints on RCMP C216 cards (black ink) at an RCMP-accredited agency in Canada. Step 3: Mail printed confirmation + fingerprint cards to the Iranian office at Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C. (3517 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008). Note: There is no Iranian embassy in Canada — all consular matters go through Washington.
Documents needed
- 2 sets of RCMP C216 ink and roll fingerprint cards (black ink only)
- Printed PDF confirmation from Iran Foreign Ministry online application
- Copy of valid passport
- Original photo ID
Cost and timeline
Applying from Canada costs Rls 35,000 + fingerprinting costs in Canada (CAD $50–$100) and takes approximately Up to 4 months (varies significantly).
Tips for applying from Canada
- No Canadian embassy in Iran and no Iranian embassy in Canada — application goes through Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.
- Only RCMP-accredited fingerprint providers accepted.
- Allow 4+ months from submission to delivery — plan well ahead of ITA deadline.
- Certificate must be translated to English/French within 1 month of issue.
Apply for your PCC as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool — don't wait for your ITA. The Up to 4 months (varies significantly) processing time means you could burn through half your 60-day ITA deadline just waiting for this one document.
Official portal: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates/how/iran.html
Applying from inside Iran
If you're still living in Iran or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
How to apply
Apply in person at POLICE+10 centers or Iranian Police headquarters in Tehran. Present original photo ID (Shenasnameh or National Card), 2 photos (3×4 cm, white background), passport copy, and fee. Certificate processed by Department of Penal Records & Amnesty.
Documents needed
- Original Iranian identification (Shenasnameh or National Card)
- Valid passport (copy of first page)
- 2 photographs (3×4 cm, white background)
Cost and timeline
The Certificate of No Criminal Record costs Rls 35,000 (Iranian Rials) and takes approximately 2–3 weeks (may extend if applicant was ever charged) to process.
Tips for applying from Iran
- Non-Iranian residents apply through Alien Bureau at Ministry of Interior.
- Certificate must be collected in person.
- No fingerprints required — just ID and photos.
Official portal: https://police.ir/
When to apply
The Certificate of No Criminal Record from Iran is valid for Not officially specified — confirm with NAJA. 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 (Not officially specified — confirm with NAJA)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCC from Iran 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 Iran?
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 NAJA (Iran Police) / Iranian Interests Section at Embassy of Pakistan 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