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First visit? Here's how the map works.

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 you can be a sponsor

Family sponsorshipChecksStep 7 of 9

BlockedLast 10 years, 6+ months · RequiredYou are here

7. Police certificates

The person being sponsored needs a police certificate from every country where they lived for six months or more in a row since turning 18, over the last ten years.

Waiting on: Submit both applications together

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 7 of 9 · 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

The person being sponsored needs a police certificate from every country where they lived for six months or more in a row since turning 18, over the last ten years. Canada is excluded.

Why it's required: Some countries take months to issue one, and a few require you to apply in person or through an embassy. Start these early; they are the usual reason a family file stalls.

WindowLast 10 yearsFrom age 18, for stays of six or more consecutive months.

CanadaExcludedIRCC runs its own checks for time spent in Canada.

Documents you'll need

A list of every country lived in since age 18
Addresses and dates for each stay
Identity documents each country's police force asks for

Before this step

BlockedSubmit both applications together

Finishing this unlocks: Decision