Manik Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Jul 15, 2025
Indian students applying for higher education, employment, or long-term residency abroad are often required to submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as part of their visa or admission process. The PCC clearance certificate is issued by Indian authorities to confirm that the applicant has no criminal record and is eligible to travel or migrate for legitimate purposes.
The police clearance certificate passport process is applicable only to Indian passport holders who are seeking a long-term visa, residential status, or employment abroad. It does not apply to those traveling on a tourist visa.
The application for a passport police clearance must be submitted online through the Passport Seva portal. The process includes document submission, fee payment, and police verification based on the applicant's current address. To avoid delays, applicants must ensure that all required documents for PCC are current and correctly formatted.
Purpose of PCC
The police clearance certificate serves as proof that the individual does not have any pending criminal charges or police records. It is typically required for:
- Higher education abroad
- Employment abroad
- Residency or long-term stay permits
In particular, Indian passport holders traveling to countries classified as Emigration Check Required (ECR)—currently 17 countries where entry and employment laws are less stringent—must obtain a PCC police clearance before departure.
Check Out: Study Abroad
Steps to Apply for PCC (Online via Passport Seva)
Indian passport holders applying for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for higher education, employment, or long-term residency abroad must apply online through the Passport Seva portal. The process involves application submission, document verification, and police verification before the PCC clearance certificate is issued.
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to apply for a police clearance certificate online:
1. Register on the Passport Seva Portal
Visit the Passport Seva Online Portal and click on the “Register” link to create a login ID using your email and mobile number.
2. Log In to Your Account
Use the registered login ID to sign into the portal.
3. Select ‘Apply for Police Clearance Certificate’
Click on the “Apply for Police Clearance Certificate” link to begin your application.
4. Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the PCC form by entering all required details. The form has the following six sections:
- Passport Type
- Applicant Details
- Family Details
- Address Details
- Other Details
- Self Declaration
Validate the details carefully before submitting. Once submitted, the application cannot be edited. A unique Application Reference Number (ARN) will be generated. You may also save the form and return to it later.
5. Pay the Fee and Schedule Appointment
Click on View > Pay and Schedule Appointment to proceed. Select “Online Payment” and choose your appointment quota (Normal or Tatkaal, if eligible). Then:
- Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)
- The system will display the earliest available date
- Complete the payment to book the appointment
#Note: Tatkaal appointments can only be rescheduled once. For normal appointments, rescheduling is allowed up to three times.
6. Print or Save the Application Receipt
After payment, an appointment confirmation screen will appear. Click on “Print Application Receipt” to save or print a copy containing the ARN and appointment number.
#Note: Carrying a printed receipt is not mandatory. The SMS with appointment details is also accepted.
7. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra on Appointment Day
Go to the selected PSK or RPO with all original passport police verification documents. Your biometric data and documents will be verified here.
Also Read: Student Visa for Study Abroad
Required Documents for PCC
The documents required for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) depend on whether the applicant's personal details or current address differ from those listed in the existing passport. Applicants must ensure all documents are accurate, valid, and self-attested for smooth processing of the passport police verification.
Case 1: If Personal Details or Address Have Changed
If any of the following details in the PCC application are different from your current passport:
- Given name
- Parent’s name
- Date or place of birth
Then you must apply for a passport re-issue before applying for PCC.
For address changes or spouse name addition (post-marriage), reissue is not needed, but you must submit valid proof.
Mandatory Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Original passport | Must be submitted with self-attested copies of:– First two and last two pages– ECR/Non-ECR page– Observation page (if any) |
| Present address proof | One of the documents listed in the table below |
| Marriage certificate | Only if spouse's name is being added (not required for passport reissue) |
Accepted Proof of Present Address (Any One)
| S. No. | Document Type | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water Bill | — |
| 2 | Telephone Bill (Landline or Postpaid Mobile) | — |
| 3 | Electricity Bill | — |
| 4 | Income Tax Assessment Order | — |
| 5 | Voter ID (Election Commission Card) | — |
| 6 | Gas Connection Proof | — |
| 7 | Employer Certificate (Public Limited Companies only) | Must be on letterhead with sealComputer printouts not accepted |
| 8 | Spouse’s Passport Copy | Must mention applicant’s name as spouseAddress must match current |
| 9 | Parent’s Passport Copy (for minors) | First and last pages only |
| 10 | Aadhaar Card or e-Aadhaar | Valid as both PoA and PoI |
| 11 | Registered Rent Agreement | — |
| 12 | Bank Account Photo Passbook | Only from Scheduled Public/Private/Regional Rural Banks |
Case 2: If Personal Details and Address Are the Same
If your name, address, and other particulars have not changed from what is listed in the passport, then only the following is required:
Mandatory Document
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Original passport | Self-attested copies of:– First two and last two pages– ECR/Non-ECR page– Observation page (if any) |
Check Out: Required Documents for Applying to US Universities
PCC Processing Time
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is issued only after a ‘Clear’ report is received from the police and uploaded by the Regional Passport Office (RPO). This entire process may take up to 8 weeks.
Estimated Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Police verification & report generation | 4–6 weeks |
| Uploading by RPO | ~2 weeks |
| PCC issuance by Consulate | Within 1 week after upload |
There is no guarantee of issuance within 8 weeks, as the timeline depends on the clearance report from the authorities.
Important Notes:
- PCC applications must be submitted at BLS International. The Consulate no longer accepts direct applications.
- Walk-in applications are faster than postal ones.
- No provision for emergency PCC.
- PCCs are either couriered (if paid) or kept at the BLS office for collection.
- PCC is valid for 6 months and can be applied for in advance if needed for PR, work permit renewal, or study visa.
- Police clearance certificate status can be tracked online. Frequent queries are discouraged due to processing volume.
Also Check: UK Student Visa Processing Time in 2025
How to Track PCC Status?
Applicants can track the status of their Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) application using the Passport Seva portal. The portal provides real-time updates on various stages of the passport police verification process, such as "Under Review," "Pending Police Verification," or "Ready for Collection."
Steps to Track Police Clearance Certificate Status
- Visit the Passport Seva website.
- Click on "Track Application Status."
- In the form:
- Select Application Type as "Police Clearance Certificate"
- Enter your File Number (printed on your receipt)
- Enter your Date of Birth (in DD-MM-YYYY format)
- Click “Track Status” to view the current update.
How to Obtain a PCC from a Local Police Station?
While most applicants apply for a police clearance certificate passport via the Passport Seva portal, some may be required to obtain it directly from their local police station.
Who Needs to Apply via Local Police Station?
| Applicant Type | Situation |
|---|---|
| Individuals without a passport | For university or embassy requirements |
| Embassy-specific requests | When consulate demands local PCC |
| Rejections or delays at Passport Seva | As an alternate route |
| Character certificate needs | For residence verification, not travel |
Documents Required
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Application form (to SHO) | Handwritten or typed |
| Valid ID proof | Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID |
| Address proof | Utility bills, Aadhaar, rent agreement |
| Passport copy (if available) | — |
| University or embassy letter | To justify PCC need |
| 2 passport-sized photographs | — |
| Self-declaration or affidavit | Stating purpose and residence |
| Local reference / notary proof | May be asked by some stations |
Fee and Format
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | ₹100–₹500 (varies by state); often paid in cash |
| Format | Issued on police letterhead, signed by SHO |
| Includes | Name, address, duration of stay, criminal check status |
| Processing time | Same day to 7 days |
Local Police vs Passport Seva PCC
| Aspect | Local Police Station | Passport Seva |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Local police (SHO) | Passport Office + Police |
| Format | Manual on letterhead | Digitally printed |
| Fee | ₹100–₹500 (varies) | ₹500 fixed |
| Time | 1–7 days | 3–7 working days |
| Use | Local/employer/embassy | Primarily visa/immigration |
Steps to Apply
- Visit nearest police station
- Request and fill out PCC form
- Attach ID, address proof, and photographs
- Submit form and pay the fee
- Undergo residence and background verification
- Collect PCC after approval
Read: Financial Documents Required For Study Abroad Applications
Changing Personal Details in Passport for PCC
To apply for a police clearance certificate passport, your passport must have accurate and up-to-date personal details. In several cases, a passport reissue is mandatory before you can proceed with the PCC police clearance process.
When Is Passport Reissue Required?
You must reissue your passport before applying for PCC if:
- Your name, date of birth, or parent's name has changed
- You’ve changed your address, and it's not updated on your passport
- Your passport is expired, about to expire (within 6 months), or damaged/lost
- Pages are exhausted for future visa stamps
Changes That Require Passport Reissue
- Change in name, date of birth, or gender
- Update in address or parent’s name
- Lost, expired, or damaged passport
- No blank pages left in the passport booklet
Changes That Don’t Require Passport Reissue
- Change in appearance (e.g., hairstyle, weight, facial hair)
- Temporary relocation, such as moving to another city for college
- Updates in contact information (phone/email) or educational qualifications
Note: If only your address has changed or your spouse’s name needs to be added, reissue is not mandatory. You can simply submit valid proof of address or marriage certificate during the passport police verification process.
Steps to Apply for Passport Reissue (Online)
- Register/Login on passportindia.gov.in
- Select “Apply for Reissue of Passport”
- Fill in the form and specify the reason (e.g., name change, damage, etc.)
- Pay the fee and schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
- Visit the PSK with:
- Old passport (original + self-attested copies)
- Documents supporting changes (e.g., affidavit, address proof)
- Police verification (required in most reissue cases)
- Receive the new passport by Speed Post
Passport Reissue Fee (Normal)
| Type | 36 pages | 60 pages (Jumbo) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal (10-year validity) | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 |
| Tatkaal (expedited) | ₹3,500 | ₹4,000 |
PCC Validity
In India, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue. However, the validity period may vary depending on the destination country or the specific institution requesting the certificate.
Key Considerations:
- Always check with the embassy, university, or immigration authority to confirm how recent the PCC must be.
- Some countries accept older PCCs if the applicant has not returned to India since its issuance.
- Reapplying for a police clearance certificate passport may be necessary if your certificate expires before submission.
PCC Validity by Country
| Country | Typical Validity | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | ≤ 6 months | Must be valid at the time of PR or work permit application. |
| Australia | ≤ 12 months | Must be recent; required for most visa categories. |
| UK | ≤ 6 months | Must be valid for specific visa types and immigration steps. |
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is essential for Indian citizens applying abroad for education, employment, or immigration. Depending on the case, applicants must apply either through the Passport Seva Kendra or the local police station, following the correct passport police verification process and submitting all required documents for PCC.
The typical pcc clearance certificate is valid for 6 months, though this may vary by country. Always check the police clearance certificate status online and ensure your passport details are accurate before applying.
For a smooth process, follow official steps, submit accurate passport police verification documents, and apply for the police clearance certificate online only through recognized platforms.
FAQs
Ques: What is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) used for?
Ans: A police clearance certificate is used to verify that an individual has no criminal record. It is often required for international travel, higher education, employment, immigration, or long-term visas.
Ques: How long is a Police Clearance Certificate valid in India?
Ans: A PCC clearance certificate issued in India is typically valid for 6 months, but this may vary depending on the requirements of the destination country or institution.
Ques: Can I apply for a Police Clearance Certificate online?
Ans: Yes, you can apply for a police clearance certificate online through the official Passport Seva portal. The process includes submitting the application, documents, paying the fee, and scheduling an appointment.
Ques: Do I need to reissue my passport before applying for PCC?
Ans: A passport reissue is required if your personal details (like name, DOB, or address) have changed, or if your passport is expired, damaged, or nearing expiry. These updates must be done before applying for the police clearance certificate passport.
Ques: What are the required documents for PCC in India?
Ans: Common documents required for police clearance certificate include your original passport, address proof (e.g., Aadhaar, utility bill), photographs, and a filled application form. Additional documents may be needed for local police PCCs.
Ques: How do I track the status of my PCC application?
Ans: You can check your police clearance certificate status online by logging into the Passport Seva portal and using your file number and date of birth under the "Track Application Status" section.
Ques: Can I get PCC from the local police station instead of Passport Seva?
Ans: Yes, a PCC police clearance can be obtained from the local police station in cases where the applicant does not hold a passport, or if the embassy specifically requests it.
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