All You Need to Know About Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for NRIs

The process of obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can be intricate for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) planning to relocate abroad. Whether for employment, long-term residence, or immigration purposes, the PCC is a crucial document. Here, we break down everything you need to know about obtaining a PCC, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

What is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the police authorities. It certifies that the applicant has no criminal record and covers the entire period of the applicant’s residence in a particular locality. The PCC details any arrests, along with the reason and nature of each case, if applicable. It is essential for Indian citizens planning to move abroad for extended periods for work, residency, or immigration purposes. However, Indian tourists traveling for leisure do not require a PCC.

Why Do You Need a PCC?

For Indian passport holders, obtaining a PCC is mandatory when applying for:

• Long-term visas
• Employment overseas
• Immigration or residency status

The certificate serves as proof that the individual has no criminal history, ensuring their eligibility for the above purposes. Notably, a PCC is not required for those traveling on tourist visas.

Eligibility Criteria for PCC

• To be eligible for a PCC, you must:
• Be an Indian citizen
• Have resided in India for six months or more
• Have a clean criminal record
• Be eligible to apply for a US visa or green card (specific criteria may vary based on the issuing authority's jurisdiction and the purpose of the PCC)

Note: Effective from May 17, 2021, the PCC service for Indian Nationals has been outsourced to VFS Global.

APPLICATION FROM USA:

If you are currently residing in the United States, you can obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from your local Indian consulate. This streamlined process is specifically designed to accommodate NRIs, letting the consulate issue the PCC based on a thorough passport check, certifying that you have no criminal record or involvement with the Indian police.

Standard Procedure for Obtaining PCC from the Indian Consulate

The typical procedure for obtaining a PCC from the Indian consulate involves several key steps:

1. Application Submission: Submit your application for the PCC to the local Indian consulate. 

• Create a Login ID
• Fill Online Application
• Enclose Supporting Documents.
• Make the required payment.

1. Passport Verification: The consulate will conduct a detailed passport verification process. This step ensures that all the information provided in your application matches the records held by the consulate.
2. Police Authority Check: As part of the verification process, the consulate will communicate with the police authorities in the areas of India where you previously resided. This step is crucial to confirm that there are no criminal records or police cases registered against you during your stay in those regions.
3. Issuance of PCC: Once the consulate receives clearance from the relevant police authorities, they will issue the PCC. This certificate will officially state that you have no criminal history and are eligible for the purposes stated in your application, such as long-term residence, employment, or immigration.

Alternative Method for Obtaining PCC

Given that the standard procedure can sometimes be time-consuming due to the need for coordination between the consulate and the police authorities in India, there is an alternative method to expedite the process:

• Request Assistance from Friends or Relatives: You can ask friends or relatives residing in India to assist with obtaining the PCC directly from the relevant police authorities. They can approach the police station in your previous area of residence and request the certificate on your behalf. This certificate must include the dates of your stay in that locality and confirm that you have not been involved in any police case during that period.

By using either the standard procedure or the alternative method, NRIs residing in the United States can efficiently obtain a PCC, ensuring that all necessary documentation is in place for their long-term plans abroad.

Documents Required for Indian Police Clearance:

When applying for a PCC, the following documents are typically required:

1. Original Passport

2. Proof of USA Residence Address

3. Photocopy of Passport Pages

4. Copy of Valid Visa/Green Card – Self-attested (Notary for SFO)

5. Indian Embassy Miscellaneous Services Form

6. Personal Particulars Form (required for SFO, Chicago, and Indian Embassy in Chicago)

7. Proof of US Visa Status

Fees for PCC:

1. Embassy of India, Washington DC Passport Holders: Fee: $25 + ICWF Contribution: $2
2. RPO or Other Indian Embassy/Consulate Passport Holders: Fee: $40 + ICWF Contribution: $2

Validity of Indian Police Clearance:

The validity of a PCC varies depending on its purpose:

1. USA Green Card Interview: Typically valid for 12 months
2. Australia PR: Generally valid for 12 months
3. Canada PR: Typically valid for 6 months (Note: If you have moved back to India and stayed there for more than six months since the last issuance, a new PCC is required.)

PCC Processing Time:

1. Same Day In-person: If your passport was issued by the embassy, the PCC is issued immediately if you visit in person.
2. 4-5 Days by Postal Mail: If your passport was issued by any consulate in the USA or an Indian Embassy in your current country of residence, the PCC is typically issued within 4-5 days by mail.
3. 6-8 Weeks: If your passport was issued in India, the embassy will send a police verification request to the Indian Regional Passport Office (RPO), taking approximately 6-8 weeks to complete.

Conclusion:

Obtaining a PCC is an essential step for NRIs planning to move abroad for long-term purposes. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, fees, validity, and processing time, you can apply with ease. At Documitra, we provide expert assistance to help you with every step, ensuring a hassle-free experience. For personalized guidance and support in your PCC application, reach out to Documitra today. Let us help you make your relocation journey smoother and more efficient.