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Form Guide

PCC Application - Police Clearance Certificate Application

Reviewed by Eric Provencio, Founder of VisaMind·Last verified Feb 20, 2026

Guide generated from official sources when available. Always confirm requirements on the authority’s official site.

PCC Application is an official BoI form titled "Police Clearance Certificate Application".

Quick answers

Is there a filing fee for PCC Application?
There is no BoI filing fee for PCC Application.
What forms are filed with PCC Application?
The forms needed with PCC Application depend on your case type. Review the instructions for your situation.
What documents do I need for PCC Application?
You'll need: the current edition of pcc application, police certificates or clearance letters as required, court dispositions or rehabilitation evidence if applicable. Review the instructions for complete requirements.
Do I need to file PCC Application?
You need PCC Application if your application package requires it. Complete it together with your main application.
What does PCC Application do?
PCC Application provides supplementary information or documentation required by your main application.
How long does PCC Application take to process?
Most PCC Application cases are processed in 5–24 months depending on category (USCIS) (as of February 2026). e-Visa and Regular Visa: 3 to 5 days. Check your category at the official processing times tool.
Does filing PCC Application grant work authorization or lawful status?
No. Filing PCC Application does not by itself grant work authorization or lawful status. It is a supporting/procedural filing and does not create an immigration benefit by itself.

Overview (What is Form PCC Application?)

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Formally requests a change in immigration status or benefit. Form PCC Application Documents eligibility for the requested benefit. Check the official PCC Application instructions for required disclosures and supporting documents.

Context and workflow

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May require supporting documents and evidence. Processing time for PCC Application varies by case type and current workload — always check the official BoI processing time tool

Where it fits in the workflow

  • Central application in the immigration process for this benefit
  • May require supporting documents and evidence
  • Processing leads to a decision on the requested benefit

Who uses it

Complete disclosure and supporting evidence are required. Rehabilitation and mitigating evidence may be considered where applicable

When it is used

  • When the official instructions indicate this form is required
  • As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
  • Oci — PCC may be required for OCI application
  • When filing PCC Application alongside SURRENDER-CERTIFICATE (PCC sometimes needed alongside citizenship surrender)

Requirements snapshot

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  • Used when an immigration application requires disclosure of character or criminal history.
  • Complete disclosure and supporting documentation (police certificates, court dispositions) are required.

Failure prevention (What causes Form PCC Application rejections?)

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Substantive weaknesses

  • Insufficient supporting evidence
  • Inconsistencies between forms and documents
  • Failure to address all eligibility criteria
  • To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.

What you need (What do you need for Form PCC Application?)

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  • The current edition of PCC Application
  • Police certificates or clearance letters as required
  • Court dispositions or rehabilitation evidence if applicable
  • Identity documents consistent with the record being disclosed
  • Supporting documentation for any waiver or exception claimed
  • Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
  • Copy of your filed or approved OCI-APPLICATION (PCC may be required for OCI)

Checklist (What is the Form PCC Application checklist?)

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  • Download the current PCC Application and instructions from the official BoI website
  • Review the PCC Application instructions for required disclosures and supporting documents
  • Gather police certificates, court dispositions, and rehabilitation evidence as required
  • Complete all required sections of PCC Application
  • Sign, date, and submit PCC Application with all required supporting evidence
Example receipt notice for PCC Application

Example receipt notice for PCC Application

Processing times

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CategoryProcessing time
e-Visa and Regular Visa3 to 5 daysas of February 2026
  • Processing time for PCC Application under "e-Visa and Regular Visa": 3 to 5 days (as of February 2026).
  • Processing times for PCC Application vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
  • Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
  • Processing times for this form vary by BoI office and current workload. Verify current processing times with BoI.

Where to file

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Submit your application at the designated BoI office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

Submit application

Submit your application at the BoI office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.

Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official BoI website before submitting. For related guidance, see Form SURRENDER-CERTIFICATE.

Official PCC Application page

Fees

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There is no BoI filing fee for Form PCC Application.

Form sections (What sections does Form PCC Application have?)

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Personal Information

Applicant details.

  • Full name and date of birth
  • Indian passport number (or foreign passport for non-citizens)
  • All addresses in India for the past 1-5 years

Purpose

Why the PCC is needed.

  • Destination country
  • Purpose (immigration, employment, study)
  • Requesting authority

Supporting Documents

Required attachments.

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of address for each listed residence
  • Request letter from embassy or immigration authority (if applicable)

Strategy tips

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Strategy: Review the official instructions and include all required documents.

Mistake severity

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Mistake typeSeverityHow to avoid
Incomplete or incorrect informationDelayDouble-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.

Examples (What are examples for Form PCC Application?)

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  • Strong application: Applications with complete, organized supporting documents
  • Strong application: Submissions that address all form sections thoroughly
  • Strong application: Filings that anticipate and address potential concerns
  • An applicant in the Oci category files PCC Application as part of their immigration process

Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form PCC Application?)

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  • Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
  • Rehabilitation and mitigating evidence can be considered
  • Incomplete or inaccurate disclosure can have worse consequences than the underlying record

Scenarios

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An Indian-origin person living in Delhi applies for a Police Clearance Certificate through the Passport Seva portal for immigration to Canada.

PCC issued within 3-7 working days after police verification. Document is valid for 6 months.

Apply through the Passport Seva portal and attend the appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra. Processing is fast for applicants with no adverse records.

An applicant who previously lived at multiple addresses in India applies for PCC but only lists their current address.

PCC issued only for the current address. Immigration authorities in the destination country may require PCCs covering all previous addresses.

Provide all addresses where you lived for 1+ year. Some immigration processes require comprehensive clearance covering your entire residence history in India.

A foreign national who resided in India for 3 years applies for a PCC from the FRRO for use in their home country immigration process.

PCC issued by FRRO within 2-4 weeks after verification with local police.

Foreign nationals apply through the FRRO, not the Passport Seva portal. Processing may take longer due to additional verification steps.

Next steps

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  • Await receipt confirmation from the agency
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
  • Keep copies of all submitted materials

Verification

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This guide is derived from official BoI instructions for PCC Application and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official BoI website.

FAQs

Does PCC Application guarantee approval of my case?

No. PCC Application has specific limitations. Filing this form alone does not guarantee any particular outcome. Review the official instructions for complete details.

Do I need to file PCC Application if I'm only updating my address or contact information?

Address or contact updates may be handled through a dedicated form or through your online account, depending on the agency's procedures. PCC Application may not be required for simple address changes. Review the official instructions for complete details.

What is PCC Application?

PCC Application is the Police Clearance Certificate Application.

Where can I file this form?

Check the official instructions for current filing addresses and methods.

Is there a filing fee for PCC Application?

There is no USCIS filing fee for PCC Application.

Can I file PCC Application together with other forms?

Depending on your eligibility category, PCC Application may be filed concurrently with other forms. Review the official instructions to see which forms can be submitted together in your situation.

Can I request a fee waiver for PCC Application?

Fee waivers may be available for certain applicants who demonstrate financial hardship or meet specific criteria. Not all forms are eligible for fee waivers. Review the official instructions for PCC Application and the BoI fee waiver policy to determine whether your situation qualifies.

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

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