Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): A police clearance certificate is an official document provided by Indian Police to the Indian Passport holders who have applied for a long term visa or employment visa or residential status for immigration. Individuals who hold tourist visas are not eligible to get a PCC (police clearance certificate). Sometimes, this certificate is also provided by any authorised Indian Government authority. In India, we receive the certificate from the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
Basically, a police clearance certificate is proof that the individuals do not have any criminal records and any violation act registered against him/her. Arrest, criminal proceedings and conviction are included under the criminal records, which are usually verified by the police. Individuals who are demanding for PCC document need to submit their fingerprints and other required personal information to get a clearance.
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PCC acts as a result of a background check of the person by the police or any government official of the country. The main purpose of getting a police clearance certificate is:
- To apply for vocational positions
- To get an immigration certificate or visa to other countries
- To satisfy an organisation request
Police Clearance Certificate Application Form
To apply for a police clearance certificate follow the below-given steps:
- Go to the official website of Passport Seva Online Portal
- Click on Register now and register yourself by providing the required details
- A login ID and password will be generated after registration
- With login ID, login to the Passport Seva Online Portal
- Click on “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate”
- Fill all the details and submit the form
Police Clearance Certificate Payment Process
After submission of the application form, applicants have to pay the application fee and schedule the appointment with Passport Seva Kendra. At all PSK/POPSK/PO, online payment is mandatory to book an appointment
- Click on ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’ link given on the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” screen
- The payment can be done through any of the online modes such as:
- Credit/Debit Card
- Internet Banking
- SBI Bank Challan
- Now click on “Print Application Receipt” to get a printed form of receipt for future reference containing Application Reference Number (ARN)/Appointment Number.
- Now, applicants can visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)//Regional Passport Office (RPO) on the day of the appointment booked, carrying the original documents.
Points to be Noted
- Carrying hardcopy of the application receipt is not mandatory as the applicant will receive an SMS on this registered mobile number, with appointment details.
- Only for emergency/medical cases, preapproved categories, the applicants can directly visit the Passport Seva Kendra without taking an appointment
- For minor applicants (age less than 4 years) a passport size photo is required with white background
- If the applicant does not visit the Passport Seva Kendra on the day of the appointment or within 90 days form submission of the application form, he/she has to apply again to get the appointment.
Verification of a PCC Application
Once the application for a Police clearance certificate is submitted, a field inquiry is conducted by the local police and the PCC will be sent to the registered email id on the defined period. Applicants will receive an electronically signed PCC in their registered mail id, after the police record is verified and clearance is given at the time of field enquiry/verification.
Documents Required for Police Clearance Certificate
- Current Address Proof
- Self-attested copy of Employment Contract with the foreign employer.
- Copy of Visa
- Old Passport Copy
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Validity
It is not necessary to have a validity period mentioned in the police clearance certificate. The validity of the PCC document may vary based on the requirement and purpose of the individual. In different countries, the validity of the certificate is mentioned differently.
Usually, in India, PCC is valid for 6 months. But it completely depends on the government officials to which application is submitted. Individuals above 18 years of age are eligible to get the PCC document.
Police Clearance Certificate Application Status
To check the status of the application for a police clearance certificate, follow the below steps:
- Go to the official page of Passport Seva Kendra (https://portal1.passportindia.gov.in/)
- At the home page, click on the “Track Application Status” link
- Select Application type from the dropdown “Passport/PCC/IC/GEP”
- Mention the File number as per received after the submission of the application form
- Mention your date of birth
- Click on Track Status
- The status of your application will appear on the screen
PCC for Foreign Nationals in India
Foreign nationals residing in India can apply for Police Clearance Certificate through the e-FRRO portal. After the submission of the application, the applicant cannot leave India until the certificate is issued. Before the approval of the application, the police verification will be conducted as per the filing location of the application. This process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on the various conditions of government officials.
Applicants Living Outside India
Applicants of India, who are living outside India, can approach the Indian Diplomatic Post/Mission, in person and apply for PCC. The officials there have legal power over the applicant’s residence. They can make a decision as per their own rules and regulations.
FAQ’s on Police Clearance Certificate
Question 1.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
Answer:
A police clearance certificate is an official document provided by Indian Police to the Indian Passport holders who have applied for a long term visa or employment visa or residential status for immigration. Basically, PCC is proof that the individuals do not have any criminal records and any violation act registered against him/her.
Question 2.
Who can apply for PCC?
Answer:
An individual applying for a Private Job, to show his employer or a person emigrating from India to another country to comply with Embassy requirements for Visa or an organization for employee recruitment can apply for PCC.
Question 3.
How to check the status of an application for PCC?
Answer:
Go to the Passport Seva Kendra> click on Track Application Status > select PCC from the dropdown > mention file number and date of birth > click on track status. The status of your application will appear on the screen for the Police Clearance Certificate.
Question 4.
How to get Police Clearance Certificate?
Answer:
Go to the official website of Passport Seva Kendra, register yourself with a valid mail id. Fill the application form and submit the details. Pay the fees and schedule an appointment date as per your convenience to submit the essential documents to the nearest PSK. Go to the nearest PSK center on the scheduled date and submit the documents. Police verification will be done by the officials with your personal presence. After the verification procedure is done you will receive an SMS and mail regarding the same. Collect PCC from the center or you may also get the option to get it delivered to your address.