When applying for a passport, particularly for employment, residency, or long-term Visas in foreign countries, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is often a mandatory requirement. This certificate ensures that an individual has no criminal record or legal case pending in their country of residence. In India, the PCC plays a significant role in the passport issuance process, verifying the applicant’s legal standing. In this blog, we’ll dive into the details of the PCC Full Form, its application process, and its importance in passport services.
More About PCC & Its Purpose
The police or regional passport office issues the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), an official document. It certifies that the applicant has no criminal charges or pending cases registered in the Indian judiciary. The PCC is typically required in the following scenarios:
- For obtaining a work visa or long-term visa abroad.
- For employment purposes in foreign countries.
- For immigration or residency purposes in countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
- For obtaining citizenship or residency in another country.
| PCC is not required for people traveling abroad on tourist visas, as it is specifically meant for those with longer-term stays. |
Features & Benefits
Here are the features and the benefits of the PCC, highlighting its significance in the passport application process:
- Proof of Good Conduct: PCC assures that the person has no criminal background or pending legal cases.
- Mandatory for Foreign Employment: Many countries require a PCC as part of their visa processing for jobs.
- Facilitates Immigration: For emigration purposes, including residency applications or obtaining citizenship in some countries, individuals must obtain a PCC
- Verification for Study Abroad: Some educational institutions may require a PCC from international students to ensure their good standing.
- Essential for Reissue and Renewal: In certain cases, a PCC is needed even during the reissue or renewal of passports, especially if a person has lived abroad for extended periods.
Eligibility for PCC
The Police Clearance Certificate can be applied by:
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Possess a valid Indian passport.
- Have no criminal record.
- Resided in India for at least six months.
- Provide valid proof of address.
- Ensure the address on the passport matches the current address in supporting documents.
Documents Required for PCC
Before filling out the application form there are a few documents you need to submit. However, the form is available on the Passport Seva Website. These are some of the documents that are required to fill out the application:
- Passport number, issue, and expiry date.
- Country for Police Clearance Certificate.
- Full name, surname, date of birth, and gender.
- City of residence and marital status.
- Citizenship type.
- Employment type and educational qualification.
- Family details (father/mother/guardian’s full name).
- Residential address details.
- Contact details (mobile, phone, email).
- Permanent address (if different from residential).
- Two local references (names, address, phone).
- Criminal proceedings (if any).
- Self-declaration.
- Place and date of form filling.
Here are the documents needed for various categories:
| Category | Required Documents |
| Skilled/Semi-Skilled Workers | Old passport (self-attested copies of first, last pages, ECR/non-ECR page) Present address proof Employment contract (self-attested) Valid visa (English) |
| Women Workers (30+ years) | Present address proof Old passport (self-attested pages) Employment contract (self-attested) Valid visa (English) |
| Workers via Recruiting Agent | Old passport (self-attested pages) Present address proof Registration certificate (Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs) Employment contract, demand letter, power of attorney (attested) |
| Unskilled/Women via Recruitment Agent | Employment contract, demand letter, power of attorney Registration certificate (Protector of Emigrants) |
| Non-ECR Countries Applicants | Employment/Residence proof or long-term visa Address proof Old passport (self-attested pages) |
Note: Make sure that the documents you submit are clear, complete, and up-to-date to avoid delays.
Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Online Method
Follow these steps to apply for a PCC online:
1. Go to the Passport Seva Portal and sign up.
2. Register, then log in with your credentials.
3. Fill out the application form and submit it.
4. Go to ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’ and select ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’.
5. Complete the payment using a debit/credit card, internet banking, or SBI challan.
6. Print the application receipt and note down the appointment/reference number.
7. Bring all required documents to your appointment.
PCC For Indians Staying Outside India
The Embassy will issue the PCC to Indian nationals only after it receives the Fresh Police Verification report from India.
The steps to apply for PCC for Indians staying outside India are as follows:
1. Visit the Passport Seva at the Indian Embassies and Consulates website.
2. Select your country or region for the PCC application.
3. Click on ‘Register’ and complete the form with details like name, date of birth, and email.
4. Log in using your registered credentials.
5. Choose ‘Police Clearance Certificate’ to start a new application.
6. Print the completed form to receive your Application Reference Number (ARN).
7. Visit the processing center or embassy with all the required documents.
8. To find the nearest center, click on ‘Embassy/Consulate Connect’ on the website.
PCC For Foreigners Staying In India
If foreigners have resided in India for over 12 months, they must obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for purposes other than a tourist visa. PCC is necessary for:
- Residential stays
- Employment
- Long-term visa applications for immigration
Documents required for PCC for foreign nationals:
- National identity number
- Proof of permanent address (or rent agreement if the address has changed)
- Original passport with self-attested photocopies
- Self-attested photocopy of employment contract with a foreign employer
- Copy of valid visa (translated into English)
Additional details:
- PCC issuance may take up to a month for foreign nationals or NRIs.
- Fees vary depending on the processing authority, and delays may occur due to bureaucratic processes, unexpected events, or incomplete document submission.
Track the Status of PCC Application
You can easily track the status of your PCC application through the following steps:
1. Go to the official Passport Seva Portal.
2. Select ‘Track Application Status’.
3. Choose the application type from the options: Passport, PCC(Police Clearance Certificate), IC(Identity Card ), or GEP(Global Entry Program).
4. Enter your 13-digit file number and your birth date.
5. Click on ‘Track Status’ to view the latest update on your PCC application.
Note: You can also track your Passport Police Verification Status using the same steps.
Validity of the Police Clearance Certificate
The validity of the PCC is generally 6 months from the date of issue. However, some countries may have specific requirements, so always check the visa or immigration guidelines for your intended destination. Ensure that your PCC is still valid at the time of visa application or immigration proceedings.
Conclusion
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a crucial document for individuals traveling abroad for employment, long-term residency, or study. Whether you’re applying for a work visa or emigrating, obtaining a PCC ensures that you are legally compliant and have no criminal record. By following the simple online and offline procedures for applying, and ensuring you submit the right documents, you can easily secure your PCC. Regular tracking of the application status will help ensure timely issuance, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Always remember to check the latest guidelines on the Passport Seva Kendra website and ensure that your documents are valid to avoid unnecessary delays.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is PCC Required for Passport?
A. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is required to verify the applicant’s criminal record status and is crucial for passport issuance.
Q. When Do You Need PCC for Passport?
A. PCC is required for passport renewals, emigration to specific countries, and for job or visa applications abroad.
Q. What Documents Do I Need for PCC?
A. Documents include original passport, proof of address, application receipt, and photographs.
Q. Can PCC Be Done Online?
A. Yes, PCC can be applied for online through the Passport Seva portal.
Q. How Much Time Does PCC Take?
A. PCC usually takes 7-10 working days after police verification is completed.
Q. How Long is a PCC Valid?
A. PCC is generally valid for six months from the date of issuance, though it may vary by purpose.
Q. How to Get PCC in One Day?
A. For urgent requirements, you can opt for Tatkal services, though same-day issuance is not guaranteed.
Q. Can I Get PCC from a Local Police Station?
A. Some states allow PCC to be obtained from the local police station, but typically, it’s processed through the passport office.
Q. What is Checked in PCC?
A. PCC checks include criminal records, identity verification, and address proof to confirm the applicant’s background.
Q. After How Many Days is Police Verification Done for a a Passport?
A. Police verification usually begins within a few days of submitting the passport application.
Q. After Police Verification, How Much Time for Passport?
A. After successful police verification, passports are typically dispatched within 1-2 weeks.
