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Got an ITA while between countries: handling Indian and US PCCs before the 60-day deadline

Canada • Express Entry • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • Police Clearance Certificate (India)

    Apply immediately; from the US it can be done via the nearest Indian consulate, in person or by mail.

  • Police Clearance Certificate (USA)

    Required for 6+ months of US residence; apply in parallel with the Indian PCC.

  • PCC application acknowledgement

    If the actual certificate hasn't arrived by day 59, upload the acknowledgement and send the certificate later by webform.

Step-by-Step

Scenario: ITA received while the applicant is temporarily in India but normally lives in the US — needing PCCs from both countries, with a US flight before the 60-day submission window closes.

What group members advised:
  1. Apply for both PCCs immediately. Don't sequence them — start India and US clearances in parallel the day the ITA lands.

  2. The acknowledgement is an acceptable stopgap. If a PCC hasn't arrived by the submission deadline, upload the application acknowledgement/receipt with your e-APR, then submit the actual certificate via webform when it arrives.

  3. AOR locks the application. Once you submit and receive the Acknowledgement of Receipt, the details are locked — moving to the US after AOR does not create a new PCC requirement. If possible, wait for AOR before relocating.

  4. Indian PCC from the US is handled through the nearest Indian consulate — either visit in person or mail the documents and receive the PCC back by mail.


The practical takeaway: the ITA clock is the binding constraint. Start both PCCs on day one, use acknowledgements if certificates lag, and time your travel so the application reaches AOR before you change countries.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Apply for all required PCCs the day you receive your ITA — in parallel, not sequentially.
  • Tip: An application acknowledgement can stand in for a delayed PCC at submission; send the real certificate later via webform.
  • Tip: After AOR your application details are locked — relocating after AOR doesn't trigger a new PCC requirement.
  • Tip: Indian PCCs can be obtained from abroad through Indian consulates, in person or by mail.

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