How long does it take to get a China Police Clearance Certificate?

Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the city, number of cities involved, and whether notarization or legalization is required.

Can I apply for a China PCC from overseas?

Yes. Most former residents can apply remotely by authorizing a local representative in China.

Is fingerprint required for a China Police Certificate?

Fingerprint requirements vary by city and destination country. Some cases require fingerprint verification.

How long is a China PCC valid?

Most immigration authorities consider a China PCC valid for 6 months from the date of issue, but requirements vary by country.

China Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Immigration & Visa Applications (2026 Guide)

6 Steps to Obtain Your China Police Certificate (PCC)

Initial Inquiry & Basic Information

Tell us which Chinese city you stayed in, your length of stay, visa type and destination country. We will assess feasibility, confirm the cities involved and provide an estimated processing time.

Confirm the Plan & Service Fee

After you confirm the quotation and processing route, you may pay the service fee via international transfer. We will immediately start preparing the necessary application documents for your China PCC.

Provide Supporting Documents

With our guidance you will prepare the required supporting documents, such as a power of attorney, scans of your current and previous passports, police registration forms, and other documents requested by local authorities.

Submission by Our Local Partner

Our local partners will submit your application in person at the relevant Public Security Bureau / Exit-Entry Administration, and closely follow up with the police office until the certificate is issued.

Certificate Issued & Details Checked

Once the Police Certificate is issued, we will send you a scanned copy (and English translation, if needed) for your confirmation, to ensure that all personal details and dates are correct before proceeding with notarization or legalization.

International Courier Delivery

The final original Police Certificate together with any notarial certificate, apostille or consular legalization will be sent to you by DHL / UPS or another trackable international courier to the address you provide.

Service Fee & Processing Time

Our China Police Certificate service fee usually starts from USD 450. The final price depends on the number of cities involved, your visa and residence history, and whether notarization, Hague apostille or embassy / consular legalization is required.

In most cases the overall processing time is around 2–8 weeks. After understanding your situation and the requirements of your destination country, we will provide a more precise time estimate for your case.

Want to know the cost and timeline for your own case? Fill out the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Additional insight: why a China Police Certificate is so important

A China Police Certificate (PCC) is frequently requested for immigration, work permits, permanent residency, citizenship, overseas employment, and academic admissions. It is considered a core part of background checks by immigration authorities, visa centers, and employers. Because procedures and document formats vary across local Public Security Bureaus and notary offices in China, many applicants experience delays or rejections simply because the certificate does not fully meet the destination country’s technical requirements.

Designing the right approach based on your destination country

We review your personal situation, residence history in China, passport and visa records, and the specific requirements of the authority you are applying to. Based on this, we recommend the most appropriate route, including whether your PCC needs to be translated, notarized, apostilled, or fully legalized by a consulate. With our guidance, you can submit a China Police Certificate that aligns more closely with the expectations of immigration offices, embassies, and employers overseas.

Complete Guide to China Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

What Is a China Police Clearance Certificate?

A China Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also known as a China Police Certificate or No Criminal Record Certificate, is an official document issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB). It confirms whether an individual has any criminal record during their stay in China. This document is commonly required for immigration, permanent residency, work visas, citizenship applications, overseas employment, and academic admissions.

Who Needs a China PCC?

You may need a China Police Certificate if you lived in China for six months or longer under a student visa, work visa (Z visa), residence permit, or long-term stay. Immigration authorities such as IRCC (Canada), Home Affairs Australia, UKVI, and USCIS often require police certificates from every country where you previously resided.

What If You Lived in Multiple Chinese Cities?

If you resided in more than one city in China, separate certificates may be required from each city depending on local PSB policies. Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chengdu and others may have different document requirements and processing routes.

Required Documents

Passport copy (current and previous)
China residence permit copy
Visa history records
Residence registration records (if available)
Power of Attorney (for remote applications)
Fingerprint form (if required)

Validity of China Police Certificate

Most immigration authorities consider a China PCC valid for six months from the issue date. However, specific validity rules depend on the immigration office or embassy reviewing your application.

China PCC for Different Countries

Applicants commonly use China PCC for Canada Express Entry, Australian Skilled Migration, UK Skilled Worker visa, US immigration processing, and other global visa categories. Each country may require translation, notarization, apostille, or consular legalization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to obtain a China PCC?

Typically 2–8 weeks depending on complexity and city.

Can foreigners apply remotely?

Yes, most applications can be handled remotely via authorized representation.

Do I need to return to China?

No, in most cases returning to China is not necessary.

Is notarization or apostille required?

For immigration or overseas submission, notarization or legalization is often required.