In India, a non-criminal certificate is a document that certifies that an individual does not have a criminal record. It is also known as a “good conduct certificate” or a “character certificate.”
Non-criminal certificates are often required for various purposes, such as applying for a job, enrolling in an educational institution, obtaining a visa or passport, and so on. The certificate is issued by the local police department or the concerned government agency after verifying the individual’s criminal history.
To obtain a non-criminal certificate, an individual may need to submit a written request and provide certain documents, such as identity proof and proof of residence. The process may vary depending on the issuing authority and the specific requirements of the individual. It is important to follow the required procedures and provide accurate information when applying for a non-criminal certificate in India.
It is a document attesting that an individual does not have any criminal convictions or records in their nation. When a person wishes to work, remain, start a family, or obtain a residence visa, they often need to produce this document to the immigration department abroad.
Depending on the country and the application method (online/in-person), processing times range from days to weeks.
See also: Police clearance certificate: Details you must know
What is an Indian non-criminal certificate?
The District Superintendent of Indian Police will give a “Non-Criminal Certificate” or “Police Clearance Certificate” to the applicant, which attests to the following:
- The applicant’s citizenship is Indian.
- The individual whose picture has been included in the Indian PCC application form is the applicant.
- According to district police records, the applicant has not been charged with a crime and is not the subject of any active criminal investigations.
- The applicant has not received any negative information that would exclude him or her from receiving a visa or permission to immigrate.
Non criminal certificate: Who needs a certificate of Indian non-criminality?
All Indian nationals who want a visa for travel to or emigration from a foreign country must provide a PCC issued by India. Along with a current Indian passport and any other required documentation, the PCC must be presented to the relevant embassy or consulate. When Indian nationals living or working abroad desire to apply for foreign citizenship or permanent resident status in a foreign nation, the PCC may also be required.
Who is authorised to grant an Indian non-criminal certificate?
The PCC may only be issued by the district’s superintendent of police, where the applicant resides permanently.
Non criminal certificate: Application process
A free application form is accessible at the Security Branch, District Police Office and must be filled out in order to apply for a police clearance certificate. The properly completed application form may be submitted either directly by the applicant or by a representative (having an authority letter duly signed by the applicant).
Non criminal certificate: Fee
Against a valid receipt, a one-time fee of Rs 300 must be submitted to the Incharge Security Branch. The application form must be submitted with a copy of the receipt.
Non criminal certificate: Documentation needed
Along with the application form, the following papers are required:
- A copy of a current Indian passport
- If the applicant’s current address differs from that listed on their valid passport, they must submit a copy of any of the following papers as evidence of residency.
- In addition to the one attached to the application form, include two more copies of your most recent passport-size photo.
Non criminal certificate: How to set up an electronic signature for the non-criminal certificate
Completing and signing a non-criminal certificate might take a lot of time with conventional, manual signature procedures. You can effortlessly write, fill out, email, and sign documentation using a thorough drag-and-drop editor using signNow’s user-friendly eSignature tool.
- To add a digital signature to a non-criminal certificate, abide by the following instructions:
- Select the desired document, then launch the editor.
- To enter text into the required fields once the form has been opened, click text in the top toolbar.
- Date and annotate the page using the same toolbar.
- Select the eSignature method by clicking Sign () > Add Signature > Save and sign.
- Correct any spelling errors before clicking DONE in the editor’s upper-left corner.
Non criminal certificate: Benefits of having a good conduct certificate
Pertaining to domestic work duties
The candidate must have a Certificate of Good Conduct verifying that they have not had a criminal record within the last five years in order to work as an au pair, babysitter, caregiver, childcare provider, housekeeper, or teacher. Therefore, if you want to apply for one of these positions, please don’t forget to include the Certificate of Good Conduct.
For the sake of your prospective employment
Use the fact that you have no criminal history in your own country to your advantage while seeking work. Your future employers might use the Certificate of Clearance as a strong character reference.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for a non-criminal certificate, and who is not?
Application for a certificate of no criminal record is not open to everyone. Only individuals who possess an invitation letter issued by the consulate, immigration, or government office are allowed to apply in order to prevent the certificate from being misused.
How lengthy is the application process?
The complete application procedure takes less than 4 weeks, whether or not a criminal conviction record is discovered.