Police certificates
Who needs them: you and each family member aged 18 or older.
From where: each country or territory where you spent 6 months or more in a row since turning 18.
How to get one: usually from the local police or government. You may need photos, fingerprints, past addresses and a fee. IRCC lists how to get a certificate for each country on its police certificate page.
Language: if it's not in English or French, send the original with a translation from a certified translator.
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Start right away | Some countries take weeks or months |
| Include every country | Missing one is a common reason for delay |
| Check the name on it | It should match your passport, or explain any difference |
| If you can't get it in time | Include proof you asked for it and a written explanation |
Fingerprints for a police certificate aren't the same as your biometrics. You may need to do both.
Immigration medical exam
Who needs one: you and your family members, even those who aren't coming with you.
Who does it: only an IRCC-approved panel physician. Your own doctor can't do it, so find one on IRCC's list. You pay the costs.
What to bring: check IRCC's list. It usually includes your passport or ID, and any glasses or medical reports you have.
You may not need another medical exam
IRCC has extended a temporary public policy until October 5, 2029. You may be exempt from another exam if all of these apply:
- you've applied, or are applying, for permanent or temporary residence
- you already live in Canada
- you completed your previous medical exam in the last 5 years
- that exam showed low or no risk to public health or public safety
If that's you, include your previous medical exam number in your new application.
What if your medical shows a problem?
Medical inadmissibility is possible, but having a health condition doesn't automatically mean refusal. The concerns are danger to public health or safety, and in some cases excessive demand on health or social services. Some applicants, such as sponsored spouses and dependent children, are exempt from the excessive demand rule. If you get a letter, reply by the deadline and get advice. See procedural fairness letters.
Your order of steps
- List every country where you've lived for 6 months or more since age 18.
- Request police certificates.
- Book your medical exam, if you need one.
- Keep receipts and proof of every request.
- Upload everything in your application.
FAQs
Do I need a police certificate from my home country if I left at 16?
Certificates are generally for time since you turned 18. Check the details for your situation, and follow any request IRCC sends you.
How long is a police certificate valid?
IRCC checks that it's recent and meets its rules. Follow your application's instructions, and get a new one if IRCC asks.
How long is the immigration medical valid?
Your results are normally used for a limited period, and IRCC tells you if you need a new exam. In-Canada applicants may rely on an exam from the last 5 years if they meet the rules above.
Do my children need a medical exam?
Yes, family members need one, even if they aren't coming with you.