How to get a China police certificate for Express Entry (No Criminal Record Certificate)
If you lived in China and you are applying through Express Entry, you may need a police certificate from China as part of your permanent residence application. The challenge is that China’s process is often handled locally (city-by-city) and may require in-person steps or a representative. Planning early matters because Express Entry applications have deadlines, and police certificates can take time to obtain.
Why a China police certificate can be difficult to obtain from abroad
Many applicants struggle because the process is not fully standardized across China. Procedures can differ depending on the city, and applicants often need either to apply in person or appoint someone to apply on their behalf. If you lived in more than one city, you may need to confirm which local office handles your record and what documents they require.
What IRCC expects you to submit for China
IRCC’s country guidance for China explains that applicants may need a “No Criminal Record Certificate” from the local police and then a notary-issued document called a “Notary Certificate of No Criminal Convictions” with a notarized translation. The notary office may keep the original police certificate and issue the notary certificate package for you to use in your immigration application.
In general, IRCC also requires you to upload a colour scan of the original police certificate(s) and include a certified English or French translation if the document is not in English or French.
Official government source (China): IRCC – How to get a police certificate (China)
China citizen living in China: typical steps
If you are a citizen of China and you currently live in China, IRCC notes you must apply at either a notary public office or your local police station (usually connected to the address on your hukou booklet). The exact steps depend on the city.
Get an official request document from a foreign-related notary public office (where available).
- Apply for the No Criminal Record Certificate at the local police station (or an online platform if your city offers one).
- Return to the notary office to request the Notary Certificate of No Criminal Convictions (with notarized translation), bringing the documents they require.
China citizen living outside China: applying through a representative
If you are a citizen of China and you live outside China, IRCC notes that many places allow you to appoint an immediate family member to apply for you. The local office rules still matter, so the family member should confirm the exact checklist with the city office handling your record.
Your representative may need their national ID, a signed notarized authorization letter, their original hukou booklet, and your required documents (as requested by the local office).
Non-Chinese citizen: where to request the certificate
If you are not a citizen of China and you lived in China for more than 180 days, IRCC states you can request the certificate from the Exit-Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau in your city. As with other cases, the city may allow a representative, and the process can vary.
When to start (Express Entry timing)
IRCC recommends requesting police certificates as soon as your Express Entry profile is in the pool, because they can take a long time. If you receive an Invitation to Apply, you normally have 60 days to submit your complete PR application.
If you cannot get your China police certificate by the deadline, IRCC allows you to upload a letter of explanation plus proof you made your best effort (for example: receipts, tracking numbers, or a written explanation from the issuing authority/agency about delays). An officer will review this, and your application can still be rejected if they are not satisfied you made a best effort.
Official government source (Express Entry): IRCC – Express Entry police certificates
Practical tips to reduce delays
- Confirm your record location: If you lived in multiple Chinese cities, ask which local authority will issue the certificate and what they require, because procedures differ by city.
- Plan for notarization and translation: IRCC’s China guidance includes a notary certificate step and a notarized translation as part of the process.
- Keep evidence: Save receipts, emails, courier tracking, and written responses—these help if you must submit proof of best effort.
- Be careful with paid help: If you pay anyone for immigration advice (not just document help), IRCC expects paid representatives to be authorized.
Do you need an immigration representative?
No. IRCC states the government treats applicants equally whether they use a representative or not. If you do choose help, make sure any paid representative is authorized under Canadian rules.
Official government sources: IRCC – Do I need a representative? and IRCC – Check if a representative is authorized.
FAQ
Do I need a China police certificate for Express Entry?
Usually, yes—IRCC requires police certificates for PR applications when you have lived in another country for the required period, and Express Entry applicants must include police certificates when applying for permanent residence.
What if I can’t get the police certificate from China at all?
You must show proof you requested it from the correct authorities and provide a letter explaining your efforts. IRCC notes this is not a guarantee they will accept your application without the certificate.
How recent does my police certificate need to be?
For the country where you currently live, IRCC requires it to be issued within 6 months of submitting your PR application. For other countries (like China, if you no longer live there), it generally must be issued after your last stay of 6 months in a row or longer.
Can a family member apply for me in China?
IRCC’s China instructions say many places allow you to appoint an immediate family member (or a representative) and list typical documents like ID and a notarized authorization letter, but requirements still depend on the local office.
Reality check
A China police certificate for Express Entry is doable, but it can be slow and inconsistent because the process depends on local rules in China. The safest approach is to start early (even while you are still in the Express Entry pool), keep proof of every request, and follow the IRCC China instructions closely. If you feel pressured to pay for “guaranteed” results or a fake job/document, step back—document problems can lead to refusal and long-term issues.
