Last updated on April 11th, 2022
I was not asked to provide PCC while filing my citizenship application. However, my wife was asked to provide one. So here is her account of how she got the Indian PCC for Australian citizenship application.
Once I prepared Australian citizenship application, I was asked to provide a list of supporting documents. Police Clearance Certificate a.k.a. PCC was one of them. If you were out of Australia for 12 months or more and if you stayed in any country for 90 days or more, you need to provide PCC for each such country.
Please note that this has nothing to do with whether you are the primary or secondary applicant. Since I was in India for more than 6 months after I got my visa and stayed in India for 6 more months after my validation trip, I had to provide PCC.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to manually calculate PCC eligibility. Once you file your citizenship application, the system will tell you whether you need to provide one.
PCC Online Application
One important thing to know before applying for PCC is that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of the PCC application.
Indian PCC can only be applied through VFS Global in Australia. Getting Indian PCC is a two-step process. First, you need to complete an online application form on the Indian embassy site – https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/. You need to register on the site first before you can fill the application form.
The online application is divided into 7 sections:
1. Passport details. One tricky detail here is File number. Don’t worry, you will find it on the last page of your passport, below the address and starts with PN.
2. Applicant details
3. Family details such as the name of your parents and/or spouse
4. Your permanent address in India and current residential address in Australia with contact details. If you don’t have Indian phone number active, provide a number of your parents or sibling. You also need to select relevant police station for your address in India.
5. A simple yes/no about your criminal background
6. A Review of Details which will be printed on your PCC letter
7. Review of the entire application form
Tip
Use the address mentioned on your Indian Passport as the permanent address in the application unless it is changed. This will avoid any unnecessary queries and delays in processing your PCC.
At any point during application, you can save the application and resume later. Once you submit the application, you need to download the form, print and sign it. Along with the application, you need to manually fill and sign below 2 documents:
1. PCC Checklist – This is simply a checklist of documents that you need to submit along with the PCC application. Just tick the ones which are relevant to you and sign at the end.
2. Personal Particulars form – You need to provide your name, address, permanent India address and current Australian address. You also need to provide the name of the police station near your permanent address in India. This is same as what you chose in the online application form.
You also need to give name, address and contact details of two references who can vouch for your addresses. I provided one reference for each address – one for Indian address and one for Australian address. It’s a good idea to let both references know that you provided their contact details in the PCC form, though usually they won’t be contacted.
Apart from the documents, you need to provide two passport size photographs. You can try to take photos as per VFS guidelines but I prefer Australia post. It costs a little but I prefer the peace of mind over money.
How To Submit Documents
Once I had these two documents ready along with the application form, I had two options:
1) send them via Australia Post or courier or,
2) submit them in person
Though VFS recommends sending them via express post or courier, I didn’t do so for two reasons:
1) It adds an unnecessary delay in the process and,
2) If there is any query about any of the document, there might be a delay in going back and forth with VFS. In the worst-case scenario, your application might be rejected altogether.
Maybe I am paranoid, but I like to play safe. So I chose to visit the VFS office in person.
Visiting VFS Facility
To visit the VFS office, you need to book an appointment. So once I had everything ready, I went to VFS Online Booking system to book an appointment.
Booking an appointment is simple. All you need is a passport number and your contact details. Once the booking is confirmed, I downloaded and printed the appointment letter.
I carried below documents for my appointment to the VFS Melbourne centre:
1. Latest Indian passport
2. Signed application form
3. Signed PCC checklist
4. Personal particulars form
5. Two photographs (I carried the photographs separately without pasting them on the form)
6. Appointment letter
Depending on your VFS centre, you might be asked to submit the passport. So keep in mind that if you have a citizenship interview scheduled, you might not have a passport for the interview. In such a case, it is better to reschedule the interview. Since you must carry all the documents in original and passport is one of the important documents, you will be asked to reschedule your interview if you don’t have the passport with you. In my case, I had just submitted the citizenship application so I had plenty of time to submit PCC.
Tip
If you submitted the passport for PCC and have citizenship interview scheduled in the near future, either reschedule the interview or call DIBP explaining your circumstances. This will help you avoid problems during the citizenship interview.
Cost of Indian PCC
Indian PCC cost varies slightly depending on many factors:
1) How are you going to submit an application – in person or by courier?
2) How are you going to collect documents – in person or by courier?
3) How do you pay – cash, credit card, debit card or postal order?
4) Do you need SMS notification?
5) Which state do you live in?
In my case, I opted to submit in person and collect by courier. Also, I opted for SMS notifications. Since I paid with a debit card, it cost me approximately 67$ AUD (66.82 AUD to be exact). You can find out how much it will cost using the online calculator.
Indian PCC Processing Time
You may receive PCC within 5 – 45 working days according to VFS website. One of my friend’s wife got her PCC in just 2 days as her Indian passport was renewed from Australia. In my case, it took a little more than a month to get my PCC.
To conclude, PCC is a time-consuming process. But the good thing is that you don’t need PCC before submitting citizenship application. That way you can save time and have PCC ready by the time case officer asks for it.
Freqently Asked Questions
Since I received so many questions on this article, I could see that a lot of people are not clear about certain aspects of this process. Hence I decided to get in touch with various VFS offices to clarify some of these questions. Below are some of the answers I received from them.
In Personal Particulars form, what should be the Permanent address in question 8(a) and what should be the Residential address in question 8(b)?
The permanent address should be your Indian address and the residential address should be your current Australian address.
What needs to be filled for Question 9 if I haven’t lived at the current residential address for one year?
There seem to be different interpretations by different VFS offices. So I will mention their responses as is.
Adelaide VFS: If you have not lived at the current address in Australia for more than a year, please fill your previous address in 9A (you will need 3 photos and two personal particulars form).
If in the 9A address you have not lived for more than a year, please fill the previous address in 9B (you will need 4 photos and 3 personal particulars form). (This is by far the most logical answer!)
Melbourne VFS: Form says you need to fill the additional form but a single form would suffice. Please do not fill additional forms. (My most favourite answer – no fuss!)
Sydney VFS: Keep Q9 blank. (WTF! Didn’t expect this. I guess they don’t want any hassle)
In Personal Particulars form, if I lived on the address given in question 9(a) for more than a year, do I still need to provide another address in question 9(b)?
No
Should I paste the photos on the form or should I send them with the application?
Melbourne VFS: No need to paste the photos. We will paste it for you.
Sydney VFS: You can either paste the photos or send them with the application. Either way is fine.
Do I need to send original passport along with the application or I can send a photocopy? I am not comfortable sending original passport via post.
You must send the original passport. Photocopy or prints are not acceptable, even if they are attested by the notary. On the other hand, all the centres except VFS Melbourne are accepting in-person applications at the moment. So if you are not comfortable sending via post, book an appointment and visit in person.
In Personal Particulars form, should the references in question 10 be from India or Australia?
You need to provide two references from India who are not your parents or siblings. References can be your uncle/aunt, neighbours or friends.
So that was my experience of getting Indian PCC and it was relatively smooth compared to the other stories I heard. What was your experience? Did you face any delays or multiple round-trips for PCC? Let me know in the comments below.
Read other articles in this series:
- My Journey To Australian Citizenship : Getting Eligible
- My Journey To Australian Citizenship : Gathering Documents
- My Journey To Australian Citizenship: Citizenship Application
- My Journey To Australian Citizenship : Citizenship Test Preparation
- The Australian Citizenship Test: My Experience
- Virtual Citizenship Ceremony: An Incredible Experience
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FAQs
Is Indian PCC required for Australian citizenship? ›
You need an overseas penal clearance certificate if, in the last 10 years: you lived or travelled overseas since the age of 18 years, and. the total time you spent overseas adds up to 12 months or more, and. the total time you spent in any one country adds up to 90 days or more.
How long does it take to get PCC from Indian Embassy in Australia? ›Processing may take minimum 6 months. In case of damaged passport minimum processing time required is 2 months.
How can I get police clearance from India in Australia? ›- In Person : Level 12, Suite 4, 55 Swanston St Melbourne Vic-3000.
- By Post : PO Box 23057 DOCKLANDS VIC 3008.
- Working Hours : 8.30 AM to 3.00 PM (Mon to Fri)
- Phone No : 03 9956 3830.
After receipt of PCC application in the Consulate, PCC will be issued only after receipt of fresh police verification which may take approximately 6 – 8. Applicant should fill online PCC application on https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in.This will generate the Application Reference Number (ARN) and PDF file.
How can I apply for PCC from outside India? ›Foreign nationals residing outside India may apply for a PCC by contacting the jurisdictional Indian Diplomatic Mission/Post based on their residence in person. Please feel free to reach out to me for further advice or information on Indian Police Clearance Certificates.
How can I get NRI Police Clearance Certificate? ›Note: For foreign nationals, Police Clearance Certificate needs to be obtained from the District Police or the FRRO at the place of residence in India. Copies of such a certificate may be attested by the Indian Mission on production of the original.
How much time does Indian PCC takes? ›What is the processing Time? PCC can be issued only after receipt of a 'Clear' report from Police authorities in India which is to be made available in the system by the concerned Passport office. This process may take 8 weeks.
How can I take appointment for PCC in India? ›Intended Applicants can book the appointments to the nearest Operational PSK/POPSK. Refer Latest News Section for Operational PSK and POPSK List. In case of emergency/medical cases and if none of the PSKs are operational, applicant may approach the concerned Passport Office.
What are the documents required for PCC in India? ›- Electricity bill.
- Telephone bill.
- Water bill.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Voter ID/Election Commission Photo ID card.
- Bank account details: Passbook (photo) of your current bank account.
- Rent Agreement: The Rent Agreement must be in the name of the tenant by the landlord for more than a year.
You can apply for the certificate online through the Ministry of Interior's website and/or their smartphone app MOI UAE available on iTunes and Google Play.
Can I get PCC from any Passport office in India? ›
Intended Applicants can book the appointments to the nearest Operational PSK/POPSK. Refer Latest News Section for Operational PSK and POPSK List. In case of emergency/medical cases and if none of the PSKs are operational, applicant may approach the concerned Passport Office.
How Much Does Indian PCC cost in Australia? ›To submit an application for PCC, there are various forms to be submitted. The complete application is to be sent at VFS office located within the state. THE APPROXIMATE FEE FOR PCC IS AUD 65.
Do I need to submit original passport for PCC? ›The applicant is required to submit a valid current original foreign Passport & copies with his application. The applicant has to submit his/her original Passport on which he/she traveled/stayed in India. The Passport must be having the immigration stamps (entry/exit) from India.
Which PCC is required for Australia PR? ›PCC (Police Clearance Certificate): PCC is required from all countries that you live in the past 10yrs for more than 12months. English language test result: Upload a copy of your test result of ILETS or PTE. Skill Assessment letter: It is required to prove your education and work experience.
Can I get a police clearance anywhere? ›Yes, if you have all the requirements. You will certainly need Barangay Clearence first to confirm your address and you will only get that if you are resident in the barangay of application.
Is PCC from local police station valid? ›If you take it from local police station while your residence history is of multiple states in India, CIC can reject your application saying that PCC for the remaining states has not been provided. Hence, take PCC from PSK which represents your history in the entire country.
Is visa required for PCC? ›Those applying for long-term visas or permanent residence will have to obtain their PCC. The certificate may be obtained by submitting a form at PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) under your Passport Office or PO jurisdiction. Destination nations may ask for a PCC for minors as well.
What is PCC in Passport Seva Kendra? ›Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is issued to Indian Passport holders in case they have applied for Residential Status, Employment or Long term visa or for immigration. PCC cannot be issued for persons going abroad on Tourist Visa.
Can I get PCC in one day in India? ›PCC can be issued only after receipt of a 'Clear' report from Police authorities in India which is to be made available in the system by the concerned Passport office. This process may take 8 weeks.
How do I get a 2022 police clearance? ›- Go to NPCS Website. ...
- Register for an Account. ...
- Log in to the NPCS Portal. ...
- Complete the Application Information. ...
- Set an Appointment. ...
- Select the Payment Option. ...
- Go to the Police Station for Photo and Fingerprint Capture.
How long is PCC valid for? ›
Police certificates are generally considered to be valid for one year from date of issue. Please be sure to check your document checklist and instruction guide.
Can we reschedule PCC appointment? ›Appointment rescheduling/cancellation for an application are allowed up to three times only within a year of the first appointment date.
What is the procedure of PCC? ›Indian nationals residing in India
Complete the online application form, pay the fee and schedule an appointment to submit the documents to the nearest PSK. Submit the documents at PSK: You must personally submit your documents. Police verification: Personal presence is mandatory.
Police certificates
We may ask you to provide a police certificate (also called a penal clearance certificate) from every country you lived in. If we ask you for one, it will usually be if you are over 17 and lived in any of the listed countries, including Australia, for at least 12 months in the past 10 years.
Depending on your Australian visa application type and your personal circumstances, you may be required to provide a police clearance certificate with your Australian visa application so that the Australian Government can determine whether you are of good character.
How long will it take to get PCC in India? ›PCC can be issued only after receipt of a 'Clear' report from Police authorities in India which is to be made available in the system by the concerned Passport office. This process may take 8 weeks.
Do I need to submit original passport for PCC? ›The applicant is required to submit a valid current original foreign Passport & copies with his application. The applicant has to submit his/her original Passport on which he/she traveled/stayed in India. The Passport must be having the immigration stamps (entry/exit) from India.
What is the validity of Indian PCC? ›The PCC is valid for a period of 6 months and can be applied before if there is any expectation of its requirement for PR or renewal of work permit/study permit, etc.
How can I get Australian police clearance online? ›- Complete the Online Application Form. You will need to fill in details such as all names you have been known by, 10 years of residential address history, date and place of birth and contact details.
- Upload Identification Documents. ...
- Receive your National Police Certificate.
Your police check doesn't have a define validity or expiry date, but it is common for a requesting organisation to look at the date in which your check was issued, and determine whether they will accept it (commonly they may require one no older than 3 months, 6 months or 1 year old for example).
How Much Does Indian PCC cost in Australia? ›
To submit an application for PCC, there are various forms to be submitted. The complete application is to be sent at VFS office located within the state. THE APPROXIMATE FEE FOR PCC IS AUD 65.
Does the purpose in PCC matter? ›It shouldn't matter. As long as it is valid as per all their requirements, the "purpose" of it should not matter at all.
For what purpose PCC is required? ›Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is issued to Indian Passport holders in case they have applied for Residential Status, Employment or Long term visa or for immigration. PCC cannot be issued for persons going abroad on Tourist Visa.
What are the documents required for PCC in India? ›- Electricity bill.
- Telephone bill.
- Water bill.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Voter ID/Election Commission Photo ID card.
- Bank account details: Passbook (photo) of your current bank account.
- Rent Agreement: The Rent Agreement must be in the name of the tenant by the landlord for more than a year.
- Go to NPCS Website. ...
- Register for an Account. ...
- Log in to the NPCS Portal. ...
- Complete the Application Information. ...
- Set an Appointment. ...
- Select the Payment Option. ...
- Go to the Police Station for Photo and Fingerprint Capture.
Intended Applicants can book the appointments to the nearest Operational PSK/POPSK. Refer Latest News Section for Operational PSK and POPSK List. In case of emergency/medical cases and if none of the PSKs are operational, applicant may approach the concerned Passport Office.
Can I get PCC from local police station? ›How to Get a PCC from a Local Police Station? You can select the nearest police station when making a PCC application. Then, follow the mentioned steps to get your PCC with ease. Visit your nearest police station.
What is PCC process? ›The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued to an individual by the Indian Police or an authorised Indian Government official. It identifies any criminal records that an individual may have against their name and provides a clearance certificate if such records are clear.
What is needed for police clearance? ›The certificate confirms whether you have a criminal record or not. You must provide your full name, surname, date of birth and identity document or passport to the police at the police station where your finger prints will be taken.