Police Clearance

[bsd058 296]

So my wife and I submitted the I-130 petition. I expect to wait another 3.5 months before I hear anything (based on processing times for the past 3 months). I need to know when I should apply for my Criminal Background Check/police clearance. It can take up to 2 months according to the RCMP website. Also, anyone know how long they last for once they are issued? Thanks.

Edited July 8, 2012 by bsd058

[canadian_wife 1,829]

Montreal will accept them for up to a year.

I got my issued in June, submitted it to NVC in March and in May, when we had our interview, the CO asked for an updated copy.

I'd wait, you can get it now but you may have to renew it if your case takes too long

Good luck

[SF2007 48]

Here is what is provided on Montreal's website:

Police certificates from each country in which the applicant has resided for one year or longer. The

certificate(s) must be issued within one year of the date of the visa appointment. NOTE: An applicant

must present a police certificate from his/her country of current residence and country of nationality, if

residence in such country exceeds 6 months

I would recommend you apply when you get closer to your estimated NOA.

Edited July 9, 2012 by SF2007

[Jen and Mikey 13]

Here is what is provided on Montreal's website:

Police certificates from each country in which the applicant has resided for one year or longer. The

certificate(s) must be issued within one year of the date of the visa appointment. NOTE: An applicant

must present a police certificate from his/her country of current residence and country of nationality, if

residence in such country exceeds 6 months

I would recommend you apply when you get closer to your estimated NOA.

lol do you have that on permanent copy and paste

[Tom & Stacy 3]

So my wife and I submitted the I-130 petition. I expect to wait another 3.5 months before I hear anything (based on processing times for the past 3 months). I need to know when I should apply for my Criminal Background Check/police clearance. It can take up to 2 months according to the RCMP website. Also, anyone know how long they last for once they are issued? Thanks.

Look for a Commissionaries office in your area. They are located across Canada.

http://www.commissionaires.ca/

They submit the request for the criminal record check electronically and I got milne back through the mail in less than 10 days! Costs about $85 but it was worth it to me to get it back ASAP. This way, you can get it closer to when your expect your NOA2 to show up.

[bsd058 296]

Thanks for all of the responses.

I think I will just wait to get back to Canada in August (when I will be returning from the US) and then apply for my police certificate. That way, near the beginning of August I should have about 2.5 months before my I-130 is adjudicated (maybe longer) and once the certificate is issued, I should only have to wait another couple of weeks or so for NOA2.

I doubt that my visa process will take longer than a year after I receive the police certificate. If it does take longer than expected, I can always request another one. I just wanted to make sure they were not only valid for something ridiculous like 3 months.

Thank you again. The responses were very helpful.

Edited July 10, 2012 by bsd058