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 the United Kingdom, that means getting a ACRO Police Certificate from the ACRO Criminal Records 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 the United Kingdom, scroll down to Applying from inside the United Kingdom. The certificate is valid for Check with issuing authority 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 the United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 10 working days standard; 2 working days express | 10 working days standard; 2 working days express |
| Cost | £68 GBP standard (~CAD $120); £121 GBP premium (~CAD $210) | £68 GBP standard (~CAD $120); £121 GBP premium (~CAD $210) |
| Validity | Check with issuing authority | Check with issuing authority |
Applying from Canada
This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your ACRO Police Certificate from the United Kingdom remotely. You'll apply through the British embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.
How to apply
Apply online at acro.police.uk — same process as from within the UK. Fully online, no consulate visit needed. Endorser can be anywhere in the world.
Documents needed
- Valid passport or UK travel document
- Proof of previous UK address
- Endorser details (name, occupation, contact)
- Payment method (credit/debit card)
Cost and timeline
Applying from Canada costs £68 GBP standard (~CAD $120); £121 GBP premium (~CAD $210) and takes approximately 10 working days standard; 2 working days express.
Tips for applying from Canada
- Fully online process — no need to visit UK consulate or embassy.
- Endorser does NOT need to be in the UK.
- Request is posted to your mailing address — provide Canadian address.
- Express service (2 working days) recommended if on a deadline.
Apply for your PCC as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool — don't wait for your ITA. The 10 working days standard; 2 working days express processing time means you could burn through half your 60-day ITA deadline just waiting for this one document.
Official portal: https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/police-certificates
Applying from inside the United Kingdom
If you're still living in the United Kingdom or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
How to apply
Apply online at acro.police.uk. You must provide an endorser who has known you for 2+ years, is not a family member, is 18+, and works in a designated occupation (professional, government, education, healthcare, etc.).
Documents needed
- Valid passport or UK travel document
- Proof of UK address (dated within last 3 months)
- Endorser details (name, occupation, contact, relationship)
- Payment method (credit/debit card)
Cost and timeline
The ACRO Police Certificate costs £68 GBP standard (~CAD $120); £121 GBP premium (~CAD $210) and takes approximately 10 working days standard; 2 working days express to process.
Tips for applying from the United Kingdom
- Process is identical whether you're in the UK or Canada — fully online.
- Endorser can be located anywhere in the world.
- Specify 'immigration to Canada' as purpose.
Official portal: https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/police-certificates
When to apply
The ACRO Police Certificate from the United Kingdom is valid for Check with issuing authority. 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 (Check with issuing authority)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCC from the United Kingdom 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 the United Kingdom?
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 ACRO Criminal Records 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