Police Check: Applying For An Indian Background Check In Australia

how to apply for indian police check in australia

If you are applying for an Australian visa, you may be required to obtain an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). This document is issued by the Indian authorities and verifies an individual's criminal record in India. It is also sometimes requested by employers as part of their pre-employment screening. The application process for an Indian PCC can be completed online through various platforms, such as iVACS Australia and Worker Checks, and requires the submission of specific documents and personal information. The PCC confirms that the applicant has not been involved with the Indian police and has no criminal history in India.

Characteristics Values
What is an Indian Police Clearance Certificate? An official document issued by the Indian authorities that verifies an individual’s criminal record and provides a clearance if no such records are found.
Who needs an Indian Police Clearance Certificate? Indian and foreign nationals residing or have resided in India may require an Indian PCC. Foreign nationals can apply for a PCC for the period of their employment or studies in India.
When is an Indian Police Clearance Certificate needed? When applying for an Australian visa, especially for citizenship and permanent residency. It is also required for employment, immigration, and long-term visas.
Where to apply for an Indian Police Clearance Certificate? Indian nationals residing in India can apply for a PCC online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website. Indian nationals residing outside India can apply for a PCC in person at the Indian Diplomatic Mission/Post with jurisdiction over their residence.
How to apply for an Indian Police Clearance Certificate? The application process can be done online through websites like iVACS Australia and Worker Checks. Applicants need to fill out a form, provide necessary documents, and make the required payments.
Indian Police Check cost AUD 99

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Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

An Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a crucial document for individuals applying for an Australian visa. It is an official document issued by the Indian authorities that verifies an individual's criminal record and provides clearance if no records are found. This document is necessary for various purposes, including visa applications, employment, immigration, and long-term visas. It is also often required for those seeking Australian citizenship and permanent residency.

The Indian PCC confirms that the applicant has not been involved with the Indian police and has no criminal history. It is issued only to individuals over 18 years old, and foreign nationals can apply for a PCC for the period of their employment or studies in India. However, Indian nationals travelling abroad for tourism purposes do not need a PCC.

The application process for an Indian PCC varies based on nationality and place of residence. Indian nationals residing in India can apply for a PCC online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website. Indian nationals living outside of India, including Indian students in Australia, can apply for a PCC in person at the Indian Consulate, High Commission, or Indian Diplomatic Mission/Post with jurisdiction over their residence. Foreign nationals residing in India can apply for an FPCC online through the e-FRRO portal.

When applying for an Indian PCC, applicants need to provide their passport, which must be valid for at least six months. Minors can only apply for a PCC if required by a foreign government. The processing time for a PCC depends on when clearance is obtained from the relevant police authorities in India.

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Application process

The Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the Indian authorities to verify an individual's criminal record and provide clearance if no records are found. It is often required when applying for an Australian visa, particularly for citizenship and permanent residency. The application process for an Indian PCC varies based on nationality and place of residence. Here is the detailed application process for an Indian PCC from Australia:

  • Indian Nationals Residing in India: Indian citizens currently living in India can apply for an Indian PCC online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website. They need to complete the application form and provide relevant documents, including a valid passport with at least six months of validity.
  • Indian Nationals Residing Outside India (including Australia): Indian citizens living in Australia or other foreign countries can apply for an Indian PCC in person at the Indian Diplomatic Mission/Post with jurisdiction over their residence. The application process involves submitting the PCC application form and providing necessary documentation, including a valid passport. Minors can apply for a PCC if required by a foreign government, and both parents must sign the application form and submit supporting documents.
  • Foreign Nationals Residing in India: Foreign nationals living in India can apply for an Indian PCC online through the e-FRRO portal. They need to follow a similar process of completing the application form and providing the required documents, including a valid passport.
  • Foreign Nationals Residing in Australia: Foreign nationals living in Australia, including international students and workers, can obtain an Indian PCC through the Indian Consulate or High Commission in Australia. They can also use online services like iVACS Australia and Worker Checks, which offer streamlined processes for obtaining the PCC. These services typically involve completing an online application, uploading required documents, and making secure payments. The processing time for the PCC depends on the coordination with Indian government agencies and can vary from 5 to 15 working days or longer.

It is important to note that the Indian PCC is different from the Australian National Police Check or Certificate (NPC), which is a separate process involving the Australian Federal Police and is used for different purposes within Australia.

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Required documents

To apply for an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Australia, you must be a non-resident of India currently living in Australia. The PCC is issued by an authorised official of the Indian government or the Indian police and verifies an individual's criminal record in India. It is required for various purposes, including visa applications, employment, immigration, and long-term visas.

The application process for an Indian PCC varies based on nationality and place of residence. Here are the requirements for different scenarios:

Indian nationals residing in India:

Indian nationals who are in India can apply for a PCC online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website.

Indian nationals residing outside India:

If you are an Indian national living outside of India, you can apply for a PCC in person at the Indian Diplomatic Mission/Post with jurisdiction over your residence.

Foreign nationals residing in India:

Foreign nationals living in India can apply for an FPCC (Foreigners' Police Clearance Certificate) online through the e-FRRO portal.

Indian students living in Australia:

Indian students residing in Australia can obtain their PCC through the Indian Consulate or High Commission in Australia.

General requirements for the PCC application:

  • A valid passport with a validity period of at least six months.
  • Ensure that the names on all your documents match. If you have changed your name, provide the necessary documentation.
  • Provide your permanent address in India and your current Australian address.
  • Include all relevant documents as per the PCC Checklist.
  • Payment: The application fee is subject to revision, and iVACS Australia can provide an estimate. The NPC application costs $56, and including fingerprints increases the cost to $113. Worker Checks offers the service for $99.

Additional requirements for minors:

Minors can apply for a PCC if required by a foreign government. Both parents need to sign the application form and submit supporting documents.

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Fingerprinting

Indian nationals residing in India can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website. Those living outside India, including in Australia, can apply for a PCC in person at the Indian Diplomatic Mission/Post with jurisdiction over their residence.

Indian students living in Australia can obtain their PCC through the Indian Consulate or High Commission. The Indian PCC is a crucial document for individuals applying for an Australian visa, especially for citizenship and permanent residency. It is also necessary for employment, immigration, and long-term visas.

In Australia, a National Police Certificate (NPC) is a summary of your offender history in the country. It is sometimes required for visa applications, employment, volunteering, and occupation-related licensing and registration. Fingerprint checks are included in some NPC applications.

If you need to supply fingerprints as part of your NPC application, you can make a booking for Livescan or ink fingerprinting. You will need to include the original fingerprints with your application form. The total cost of an NPC application with fingerprints is $113. Fingerprint checks take at least 15 working days, and sometimes up to 30 business days.

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Processing times

The processing time for an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) depends on several factors, including the issuing authority, the complexity of the check, and the need for any additional investigations. Here are the details:

Application Submission and Processing:

Firstly, the time taken to submit your application and initiate the processing can vary. If you choose to apply through a service like iVACS or Bharat Suvidha, they offer streamlined processes and expert guidance to ensure a quick and correct submission. These services can save you time and guide you through the entire procedure, from filling out the application to submitting it.

Processing Timeframe:

The actual processing time for a PCC can vary from a few weeks to a couple of months. This duration depends on the workload of the issuing authority and the complexity of your specific case. The issuing authorities include the Indian Consulate, Indian High Commission, or Indian Diplomatic Mission/Post, depending on your place of residence and nationality.

Additional Investigations:

In some cases, the processing time may be extended if the issuing authority needs to conduct further investigations. This could include confirmation of identity, clarification of common names, verification of licenses or permits, or obtaining other information from police contacts. These additional steps can add to the overall processing time.

Validity of PCC:

It is important to note that an Indian PCC does not typically specify a validity period. Generally, it is considered valid for six months from the date of issuance. However, this duration can vary depending on the authority handling the application and the purpose for which it is required.

Tracking Your Application:

Some services, like VFS Global, provide an application acceptance email with a reference number and a tracking link. This allows you to monitor the status of your application and stay updated on its progress.

Receiving Your PCC:

Once your application is approved, you will receive your Indian PCC. You can choose to have it delivered to your address in Australia or pick it up in person at the Indian mission, depending on your preference.

Please note that the above information provides an overview of the processing times and related details. The actual timeframe may vary, and specific steps may differ based on your individual circumstances and the authorities involved.

Frequently asked questions

An Indian PCC is an official document that verifies an individual's criminal record in India and provides clearance if no records are found. It is often required when applying for an Australian visa, especially for citizenship and permanent residency. It may also be requested by employers as part of pre-employment screening.

You can apply for an Indian PCC through iVACS Australia or Worker Checks, which are private organisations that assist with the application process. Alternatively, Indian students living in Australia can obtain their PCC through the Indian Consulate or High Commission. The application process typically involves submitting the required documents, paying the application fee, and providing personal details such as your name, address, and passport information.

You will typically need to provide a valid passport and ensure that all your identity documents match the details provided in your application. Additional documents may be required, such as proof of address or change of name documentation if your name has changed.

The processing time for an Indian PCC depends on the authorities in India and can vary. Worker Checks, for example, estimates a turnaround time of 5 to 15 working days, while iVACS mentions that you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.

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