Step-by-step guide to obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate from Vietnam for Express Entry and other Canadian immigration programs. Covers applying from Vietnam and from Canada, documents needed, costs, and timelines.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
- 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
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).
- 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.
Tip
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
If you're still living in Vietnam or plan to visit before your ITA deadline, applying in person is faster and usually cheaper.
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.
- Certified copy of Citizen ID card
- Household registration (if available)
- Prescribed application form
- Proof of payment
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.
- 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/
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.
- 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once you have your police clearance certificate sorted, make sure the rest of your ITA documents are ready:
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Always verify information with official IRCC sources and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.