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 Japan, that means getting a Certificate of No Criminal Record (犯罪経歴証明書) from the Prefectural Police Headquarters / National Police Agency.
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 Japan, scroll down to Applying from inside Japan. The certificate is valid for Typically valid 1 year (specific validity not stated in Japanese sources) 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 Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 2–3 months from submission at embassy/consulate | 2–3 months from submission |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Validity | Typically valid 1 year (specific validity not stated in Japanese sources) | Typically valid 1 year (specific validity not stated in Japanese sources) |
Applying from Canada
This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your Certificate of No Criminal Record (犯罪経歴証明書) from Japan remotely. You'll apply through the Japanese embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.
How to apply
Apply in person at Japanese Embassy in Ottawa or Consulate-General (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary). Must appear in person. Obtain NPA-approved fingerprint sheet and application form at the consulate. Submit with IRCC reference letter.
Documents needed
- NPA-approved fingerprint sheet (available at consulate)
- Police Certificate Application Form (available at consulate)
- IRCC reference letter
- Valid passport
- Proof of residence in Canada
Cost and timeline
Applying from Canada costs Free and takes approximately 2–3 months from submission at embassy/consulate.
Tips for applying from Canada
- MUST appear in person — cannot mail application.
- Must pick up certificate in person (cannot be mailed to you).
- Consulates available in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa.
- Allow 3+ months total including scheduling — start early.
Apply for your PCC as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool — don't wait for your ITA. The 2–3 months from submission at embassy/consulate processing time means you could burn through half your 60-day ITA deadline just waiting for this one document.
Official portal: https://www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/police_certificate.html
Applying from inside Japan
If you're still living in Japan or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
How to apply
Apply in person at local Prefectural Police Headquarters. In Tokyo: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Headquarters. Submit completed application form, designated fingerprint sheet (NPA-approved format), and IRCC reference letter.
Documents needed
- NPA-approved fingerprint sheet (provided by police)
- Police Certificate Application Form
- IRCC reference letter requesting police certificate
- Valid passport
Cost and timeline
The Certificate of No Criminal Record (犯罪経歴証明書) costs Free and takes approximately 2–3 months from submission to process.
Tips for applying from Japan
- Must apply in person — cannot submit by mail.
- Processing takes 2–3 months — plan well ahead.
- Must pick up certificate in person at police station.
Official portal: https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/
When to apply
The Certificate of No Criminal Record (犯罪経歴証明書) from Japan is valid for Typically valid 1 year (specific validity not stated in Japanese sources). 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 (Typically valid 1 year (specific validity not stated in Japanese sources))
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCC from Japan 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 Japan?
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 Prefectural Police Headquarters / National Police Agency 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