Like any other document, it won’t be easy for foreigners to obtain a police clearance certificate (PCC) from India. A PCC can be required for multiple purposes like employment, proving residency, and emigration. However, it is just a documented proof of an individual’s criminal record in India. And foreigners may face problems.
These problems can be associated with the issuing authority, which is the district police authorities eventually. However, anyone can apply for it from the Regional Passport Office or RPO. This office mainly simplifies the application procedure because it helps in getting it with the passport. For sure, passport is a must to emigrate or travel abroad. And this proof cannot be issued until the police verification is done. So, this procedure does not need a separate request to be raised for the PCC. It goes hand-in-hand.
Overall, the procedure to apply for this document has multiple steps. Here, you can easily get through the main steps.
Steps for Foreigners to Obtain a PCC from India
For foreigners also, this police clearance certificate will be issued from the district police authority.
Step 1: Determine the Issuing Authority
However, it completely depends on your current or previous residential status in India. You need to find it from the given list: https://www.meity.gov.in/list-state-wise-links-raising-complaints-stateut-police.
This certificate is mainly required for those foreign natives who live in India for 182 days previously. Simply put, if you as a foreigner live in this country, the District Police or the Passport Office under the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible to issue it. You can apply with it.
If you have shifted back from India, the only authority that can help you to obtain a police clearance certificate is the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your country. You may contact and discover the procedure to apply.
For reference, you can consider this format of the certificate to be delivered.
Embassy of India Name of the Country
Application for Miscellaneous Services
Service Required:
1. Full Name (as per passport) :
2. Name of Father :
3. Name of Mother :
4. Name of Spouse and Nationality :
5. Date of Birth :
6. Place of Birth :
7. Address in India :
Tel No. in India :
8. Address in KSA :
Tel No./Mobile No. in KSA :
9. Details of current passport
Passport No. : Date of Issue :
Place of Issue : Valid Until :
I solemnly affirm that I owe allegiance to the sovereignty and integrity of India and that the information given above is correct and nothing has been concealed and I am aware that it is an offence under the Passports Act, 1967 to knowingly furnish false information or suppress material information.
Place: ___________________________________ Date : Signature/Thumb Impression of Applicant
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Step 2. Required Documents
Before you apply, you need to get yourself ready with certain important documents. These docs will be supporting proofs to your application. Overall, you should have these papers:
- Completed Application Form: This is an application form, which can be available on the website of the authority also. Here is the list of all websites of Indian embassy: https://igod.gov.in/int/INMISS/organizations to inquire. You may find it under miscellaneous passport services. Once found, click and download the form.
- Identity Proof: Copy of original passport and Indian visa (if applicable). If the passport is issued recently or less than a year, submit the previous passport.
- Residence Proof: It should any proof of current and past addresses in India (utility bills, rental agreements, etc.).
- Biometric Card: It is often required, which can be obtained from local police or Indian Embassy.
- Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph should be affixed on the form.
Step 3: Application Submission
Now that you have all papers with application form ready, submit it online or visit the embassy on the scheduled date and time. Physically, you should have a duly filled application form and supporting papers to support for verification. Once submitted, pay out the applicable charges. The fee will vary, which will be according to the issuing authority and location.
Step 4: Processing Time
As far as the processing time is concerned, it can vary. Typically, it may take a few weeks to a month, which completely depends on the completeness of your application, supporting documents, and the workload of the issuing authority.
Step 5: Collecting the Certificate
Now comes the delivery time. Once processed, you may collect this document in person as per the prompt or instructions received. If you have hired a consultant, it can be received through courier. So, you can choose your way.
As received, verify the details on the certificate if they are accurate.
Step 6: Legalization (if required)
Some countries have a provision to get the PCC legalized or apostilled so that it can be proved valid. So, you need to hire a consultant who provides apostille services from the Ministry of External Affairs. An applicant cannot apply for attestation directly. So, hire a consultant for the PCC legalization or attestation.
Conclusion
Obtaining a police clearance certificate from India requires complete details as how to apply and where to apply. The step by step procedure has been mentioned to make it easier for natives, NRIs, and foreigners who want to get the police clearance certificate from India. You may use the guidelines shared in this blog and remember the processing time and instructions related to legalization requirements.
