Police Cert - Vancouver

[Lights 56]

How do I go about getting my police clearance or certificate? I've never step foot in a police station before…

Do I just go to the head office of the VPD and ask for a clearance letter? Show them my ID and they'll issue me one? or do I need to make an appointment?

Thanks!

[vegasbound 83]

No appointment necessary.

Just go to your local police station (in your case, the VPD station closest to your home) and ask for a Canadian Police Certificate for immigration/visa purposes. Bring your driver's license and some money. Not sure about VPD but RCMP only takes cash or debit.

Then wait for like 10 - 20 min depending on how busy they are.

If you are afraid of going into a police station for whatever reason, you can also go to a Commissionaires location near you.

*You do not need to do a fingerprint check if you do not have a criminal record.*

[Flames9_RN 358]

It is best to phone...Every police force and every RCMP station can do things differently. Some will do it on the spot, some take a few days, some longer..........Ensure the check is completed in ALL names you have used (been married before, changed ur name) and ensure they used CPIC . Normally it is the easiest of all documents to obtain

[Lights 56]

Just to make sure, is this what I should be asking for?

http://vancouver.ca/police/organization/records-checks-fingerprinting/index.html

I see PIC but not CPIC.

[Flames9_RN 358]

http://vancouver.ca/police/assets/pdf/police-information-check-vs-criminal-record-review-program.pdf

[Lights 56]

http://vancouver.ca/police/assets/pdf/police-information-check-vs-criminal-record-review-program.pdf

Thank you! Do you know if there's generally a wait for it? or do they print it out and give it to you immediately?

[Flames9_RN 358]

Like I said above--every station is different................................

[pro_star 52]

You don't need the vulnerable sector screening - I asked Vancouver about that myself.

[Lights 56]

In case anyone was wondering which they should go to…

I went to the local police department and there was a huge line. I was on my break and couldn't risk getting back to work late, so I decided to skip the police department. The next day, I tried the commissionaires and there was only a family in front of me. It took them 5 minutes to get done and I was up. I asked for the CPIC and told them it was for immigration purposes. They took my information and said that my records will be sent to me within the next few days. While I was waiting, I was talking to the lady at the front desk. I told her that there was a large line up at the police department and she said that's not unusual. I was also surprised that the fee was only $45.00 when the police department charges $70.00 for the same record.

Just an thought on where to go if you anyone else was deciding.