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 Vietnam, that means getting a Police Clearance Certificate from the Department of Justice / Ministry of Justice.
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 Vietnam, scroll down to Applying from inside Vietnam. The certificate is valid for 6 months 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 Vietnam |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 10–15 working days at DOJ + international mail transit (total: 4+ weeks) | 10–15 working days standard; 5–7 working days expedited |
| Cost | VND 200,000 (~CAD $12–$14) | VND 200,000 (~CAD $12–$14) |
| Validity | 6 months from date of issue | 6 months from date of issue |
Applying from Canada
This is the most common scenario — you're already in Canada and need to get your Police Clearance Certificate from Vietnam remotely. You'll apply through the Vietnamese embassy, consulate, or an authorized service provider.
How to apply
Vietnamese Embassy in Canada CANNOT issue this certificate — you must apply directly to Vietnamese authorities. Options: (1) Authorize family member in Vietnam with notarized Power of Attorney to apply on your behalf. (2) Mail application to District Department of Justice where you last resided. (3) Return to Vietnam to apply in person.
Documents needed
- Certified passport copy
- Certified copy of Vietnamese Citizen ID (notarized)
- Household registration (if obtainable from abroad)
- Application form
- Power of Attorney (if authorizing family member) — notarized
Cost and timeline
Applying from Canada costs VND 200,000 (~CAD $12–$14) and takes approximately 10–15 working days at DOJ + international mail transit (total: 4+ weeks).
Tips for applying from Canada
- IMPORTANT: Vietnamese Embassy in Canada cannot issue this certificate.
- Most practical option: authorize family member with Power of Attorney.
- Vietnamese Consulate in Canada can only help with translation/legalization, not issuance.
- Mailed certificates may require consular legalization in Canada.
Apply for your PCC as soon as you enter the Express Entry pool — don't wait for your ITA. The 10–15 working days at DOJ + international mail transit (total: 4+ weeks) 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/vietnam.html
Applying from inside Vietnam
If you're still living in Vietnam or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
How to apply
Apply at Department of Justice office in district of permanent residence or through the National Center for Judicial Records. Can also apply online through Public Service Portal.
Documents needed
- Certified copy of Citizen ID card
- Household registration (if available)
- Prescribed application form
- Proof of payment
Cost and timeline
The Police Clearance Certificate costs VND 200,000 (~CAD $12–$14) and takes approximately 10–15 working days standard; 5–7 working days expedited to process.
Tips for applying from Vietnam
- Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu Lý Lịch Tư Pháp Số 2) required for Canada immigration — includes all convictions.
- Online submission may qualify for discounted rate.
- Vietnamese address and ID card required.
Official portal: https://dichvucong.gov.vn/
When to apply
The Police Clearance Certificate from Vietnam is valid for 6 months 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 (6 months from date of issue)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a PCC from Vietnam 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 Vietnam?
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 Department of Justice / Ministry of Justice 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