Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Study Abroad : Requirements, Fees, Processing Time

Planning to study abroad as an Indian student? Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is one of the most important documents that might be required. The PCC states that you have no criminal record and that you are suitable for abroad education or living abroad for educational purposes. Such a certificate is requested by many countries as part of the student visa process.

The Police Clearance Certificate is a document for investigative purposes to verify the clearing of the accused from any criminal antecedents and the intent to stay outside the country. The PCC certificate is very much applicable to visa, job, and immigration. Students who want to study abroad inquire: Is a PCC required for a student visa? Yes, it is, but not all countries ask for it. Some countries ask for the PCC as a background check to ensure that you are safe and do not have any security issues. 

PCC regulations vary when it comes to persons under the age of 18. Some students also require a PCC. PCC refers to the Police Clearance Certificate. It is necessary for the study abroad.

To obtain a PCC, students have to produce ID and address proof documents at the police station and fill in the application form. It is very much essential to know the PCC rules for those students who want to go for studies abroad.

PCC Certificate: Highlights 

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Indian Students?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document from India that shows you have no criminal record. It is needed for student visas in countries like Ireland, Spain, and New Zealand. It is also needed if you apply for residential status, job, or long-term visa in other countries. But PCC is not given for tourist visas.

Read: What is PCC for Ireland Visa?

Why do Indian students require a PCC when studying abroad?

PCCs are also issued in several countries by universities or institutes to verify that the candidate does not have a criminal record. Some countries in Europe and Oceania require only an original PCC issued within six months. However, in India, the PCC is issued by the Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) located in the States. The applicants may apply at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) functioning under the Ministry of External Affairs. If special verifications are needed, these may be provided by local police stations as well. ​

Documents Required for PCC

The Police Verification documents required for a Police Clearance Certificate are given below:

• Original passport with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages (Both ECR and Non-ECR page)
• Present address proof
• Documentary proof of applying for residential status, employment (copy of employment contract), or a long-term visa for immigration
• Sponsorship declaration by the sponsor (for dependent family members)

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate Online?

To get a police background check, people go to a Passport Seva Kendra with the right paperwork. If you’re a student, here’s how to request one through the internet:

• To begin, sign up on the Passport Seva website.
• Once registered, use the ID you got to access the Passport Seva website.
• Next, select the option to request a police background check.
• Now, complete the form with everything needed, subsequently send it off.
• To book a time, select ‘pay and schedule appointment,’ then complete your payment online. You can pay using a MasterCard or Visa, internet banking, or an SBI Bank Challan.
• To get a printed copy of your application receipt, which includes your reference or appointment number, simply select the 'print application receipt' option.
• Rach at the Passport Service Center or Regional Passport Office where you scheduled time with all your original paperwork. 

Application for a Police Clearance Certificate at a Police Station

It is important to know the steps in obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate:

An applicant must make a personal appearance at the police station of the area concerned to which the applicant desires to obtain the police clearance certificate. Submit the required documents for PCC in India, along with the PCC form. Usually, a Police Clearance Certificate application form would include some or all of the following information:

• Name
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Occupation
• Father's Name
• Mother's Name
• Spouse Name
• Permanent Address
• Present Address
• Length of time the applicant has been residing at the present address
• Passport Details
• Country of Application

Pay the fees and answer whatever queries the officer may ask.