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Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check your eligibility

Express EntryApplyStep 11 of 12

BlockedLast 10 years, 6+ months · RequiredYou are here

11. Police certificates

You need a certificate from every country where you spent six months or more in a row during the last ten years, from age eighteen onward, not counting time in Canada.

Waiting on: Submit your application (60 days)

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 11 of 12 · RequiredClose

Police certificates

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepPolice certificates: how to get themcanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

You need a certificate from every country where you spent six months or more in a row during the last ten years, from age eighteen onward, not counting time in Canada. Each country has its own process, and some take months, so start the slowest ones first.

Why it's required: A missing certificate is one of the most common reasons a complete application is delayed.

Approximate costVaries by countryOften $25 to $100 each, plus translation.

Approximate time2 weeks to 6 monthsStart before you're invited if you can.

Documents you'll need

A list of every address for the last ten years
Fingerprints, for some countries
Certified translations into English or French

Before this step

BlockedSubmit your application (60 days)

Finishing this unlocks: Decision