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 Turkey, that means getting a Police Clearance Certificate (Adli Sicil Kaydı) from the Ministry of Justice / Public Prosecutor's Office.
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 Turkey, scroll down to Applying from inside Turkey. The certificate is valid for 6–12 months (no official fixed validity) 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 Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | e-Devlet: Instant. Power of Attorney: 10–15 business days. | Instant — available for immediate download |
| Cost | e-Devlet: Free. Power of Attorney: USD $100–$300+ for lawyer fees + embassy authentication. | Free |
| Validity | 6–12 months (no official fixed validity) | 6–12 months (no official fixed validity) |
Applying from Canada
This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your Police Clearance Certificate (Adli Sicil Kaydı) from Turkey remotely. You'll apply through the Turkish embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.
How to apply
Two options: (1) e-Devlet: If you have an active account, access from Canada at turkiye.gov.tr and download instantly. (2) Power of Attorney: Authorize Turkish lawyer with Special Power of Attorney authenticated by Turkish Embassy in Canada to apply on your behalf.
Documents needed
- For e-Devlet: Turkish ID number and active credentials
- For POA: Passport certified by Turkish Embassy, Power of Attorney, lawyer in Turkey
Cost and timeline
Applying from Canada costs e-Devlet: Free. Power of Attorney: USD $100–$300+ for lawyer fees + embassy authentication. and takes approximately e-Devlet: Instant. Power of Attorney: 10–15 business days..
Tips for applying from Canada
- e-Devlet account can be created at Turkish consulate in Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver).
- If you can access e-Devlet, this is instant and free — no embassy visit needed.
- POA must be authenticated by Turkish Embassy before sending to Turkey.
- e-Devlet document has barcode verification for authenticity.
Apply for your PCC as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool — don't wait for your ITA. The e-Devlet: Instant. Power of Attorney: 10–15 business days. processing time means you could burn through half your 60-day ITA deadline just waiting for this one document.
Official portal: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/adli-sicil-kaydi
Applying from inside Turkey
If you're still living in Turkey or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
How to apply
Apply via e-Devlet portal at turkiye.gov.tr. Log in with Turkish ID number and e-Devlet password (obtainable from post offices). Search 'Adli Sicil Kaydı' and download instantly.
Documents needed
- Turkish national ID number
- e-Devlet account credentials
Cost and timeline
The Police Clearance Certificate (Adli Sicil Kaydı) costs Free and takes approximately Instant — available for immediate download to process.
Tips for applying from Turkey
- Certificate printable with unique barcode for verification.
- e-Devlet accounts available at Turkish post offices.
- One of the fastest PCC processes — instant and free.
Official portal: https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/adli-sicil-kaydi
When to apply
The Police Clearance Certificate (Adli Sicil Kaydı) from Turkey is valid for 6–12 months (no official fixed validity). 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 (6–12 months (no official fixed validity))
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCC from Turkey 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 Turkey?
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 Ministry of Justice / Public Prosecutor's Office 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