What are the Clearance and Security Policies when Immigrating to Canada?

The principal applicant and all accompanying dependents over the age of 18 must submit a police clearance for any country within which they have resided within 10 years, while over the age of 18, prior to the submission of an immigration application from Canada.

Submitting Clearances

Depending on the location to which the application is being submitted, clearances may generally be submitted later in the Ccanada immigration application, with the exception of most posts dealt with in the one-step application procedure.

Difficulties with Obtaining Clearances From Certain Countries

In general, applicants should assume that clearances must be obtained. However, various posts may be willing to waive the requirement for such clearances if a clear obstacle to obtaining it can be demonstrated.

Additional Background Clearances

In addition to any security clearances which may have been obtained, background clearances are done in certain cases. They are conducted in order to eliminate the possibility of an applicant being a security threat, even if he or she does not have a criminal record. The background clearance does not involve the active participation of the applicant and little can be done to expedite the process.