Last Updated:September 15, 2026
Supervised by Yuki Shiraishi (Immigration Consultant)
What Are Police Certificates and Japanese Criminal Record Certificates?
In Canada, police certificates and criminal record certificates are required to prove that an applicant has no criminal history in processes such as immigration and visa applications, employment (especially in government, education, healthcare and security-related positions) and permanent residence applications. These documents are an important indicator of an applicant’s safety and trustworthiness, and the Government of Canada and employers use them as a basis for risk assessment.
Police Certificate
A police certificate is an official document showing that an individual has no criminal record. It is usually requested for employment, visa applications and immigration applications, and is used to prove the individual’s trustworthiness and clean legal standing. Police certificates are issued by the relevant police authority or embassy, depending on the country where the applicant lives or the applicant’s nationality.
Criminal Record Certificate (犯罪経歴証明書)
A criminal record certificate (犯罪経歴証明書) is an official document that records whether or not an individual has a criminal history. It is used to prove the individual’s legal background for employment, visa applications, immigration procedures and similar purposes. You apply for it at a police station in Japan, and it details the applicant’s criminal record.
How to Apply for a Police Certificate (in Canada)
01Obtain the police certificate application form and fingerprint form
Visit a Consulate-General of Japan (在日本国総領事館) to obtain the documents required for the application. You will receive an explanation of how to fill out the forms and how to have your fingerprints taken. There are Consulates-General of Japan in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. For their locations, please refer to this link: Consulates-General of Japan in Canada (在カナダ総領事館)
02Have your fingerprints taken at a fingerprinting centre
Go to a Canadian police station or a location that offers fingerprint services, such as the Commissionaires, and have your fingerprints taken. You will need to bring your passport and one other piece of ID. This may also be required for visa applications and certain types of permit applications.
03Submit the completed form and fingerprint documents to the Embassy of Japan in Canada
Submit the completed form and fingerprint documents to the Embassy of Japan in Canada (在カナダ日本国大使館). You must go in person. Applications through a representative or by mail are not accepted.
You must attend this procedure in person. Applications through a representative or by mail are not accepted. Be sure to bring the original fingerprint form with your fingerprints taken, the application form and a valid passport.
How to Apply for a Criminal Record Certificate (in Japan)
01Submit documents and have your fingerprints taken at a police station
To submit documents and have your fingerprints taken at a police station or related agency, you will need the following. First, bring the application form specified by the police station. Next, you will need ID to prove your identity (for example, a driver’s licence, a passport or a copy of your certificate of residence (住民票の写し)). In addition, prepare a document showing your name that was issued by a public authority of the country or region where the certificate will be submitted. It is important to confirm the specific items required with the relevant agency in advance.
02Receive your criminal record certificate
The procedure usually takes about one to two weeks. Please check with the police station directly about how to receive the certificate.
Please note that, as a rule, the document becomes invalid once it has been opened. The validity period differs depending on the visa category, so it is important to obtain the certificate at the right time.
Immigration Consultant
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she worked for six years in New York as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency, while also studying in an MBA program at the City University of New York. After returning to Japan, she managed the visa center of the same travel company, handling various international visa applications for foreign clients.
Looking to obtain permanent residence or a visa?
Consult with us now!
Applying for permanent residence or a visa to Canada on your own can be overwhelming due to the large number of required documents, and you may feel uncertain about whether everything is correct. However, if you're serious about immigrating to Canada, we strongly recommend seeking the support of an immigration consultant. There are many pathways to obtaining permanent residence, depending on factors such as your age, occupation, and family status. With the help of an expert, you can ensure that you plan the right approach tailored to your specific situation.
A professional immigration consultant will help solve your concerns
Get a free Counseling now
From immigration planning to application submission,
everything is completed with shiraishi Visa JP Canada
Consulting with an immigration consultant makes the process clearer and much smoother. You’ll feel more confident with document submissions and procedures, significantly reducing the risk of mistakes. Take the first step toward your Canadian dream with the guidance of an expert.
A service that makes you think,
“I’m glad I asked this person for help”
As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant,
you can rely on our expertise with complete security.
We handle everything—from designing a tailored plan for obtaining permanent residence, visa application preparation, document creation, and handling the entire visa application process, to reporting the results.
Zero Anxiety About Obtaining Permanent Residence
Our knowledgeable staff in visa matters are here to address your concerns!
Delivering Carefully Selected Visa Information
We are hosting free webinars!
We will provide you with the latest visa information!