You can apply for an Indian Police Clearance Certificate from USA. A police clearance certificate (PCC) is often required for Indian nationals and NRIs for many purposes, including employment in the US, long-term visas and permanent residency. Learn in this comprehensive guide how to get an Indian police clearance certificate from USA, requirements, processing time, fees, and more.
What is an Indian Police Clearance Certificate?
An Indian PCC is an official document that certifies an individual’s criminal record in India or lack thereof. It is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs or the Indian Police authorities.
It is most commonly obtained for long-term visas, permanent residency and employment in the US. A PCC is not required for short-term visas.
Who Needs an Indian PCC from USA
Indian citizens moving to the US for employment or residency need to obtain an Indian PCC. Similarly, foreign nationals who lived in India may also require a PCC for background check. Commonly it is required by:
- Green Card Applicants
- US Citizenship Applicants
- Immigration applicants
- Individuals seeking employment
- Long-term visa applicants
Check Whether You Need a PCC
Not sure if a Police Clearance Certificate is required for your visa, immigration, employment, or residency process?
Check Your PCC RequirementIndian PCC Documents Required from USA
The precise checklist for required documents depends on the applicant’s category and individual case. In general, the required documents to get a PCC are:
| Document | Required | Notes |
| Valid Indian Passport | Yes | Clear copies |
| US Address Proof | Yes | With current requirements |
| PCC Application | Yes | Accurately completed |
| US Legal Status | If applicable | Visa, Green Card, etc. |
| Indian Address Details | Yes | With details of local authorities/police station |
| Photographs | Yes | Recent |
| Additional Documents | As required | Based on individual circumstances |
How to Apply for Indian PCC from USA
You can apply for an Indian PCC via the Passport Seva Online Portal and submit your physical submission via VFS Global.
Step 1: Application Form
- Visit the passport seva portal. Register or log in if you are already a user.
- Select your Indian Embassy/Consulate based on your US state of residence.
- Select the option of Apply for Police Clearance Certificate. Fill out the application form. Mention the details clearly.
- Submit the form and note the Application Reference Number (ARN).
Step 2: Documentation
Gather the required documents. You might have to notarize/self-attest the documents based on the specific consulate guidelines.
Step 3: Submit via VFS Global
- Visit the VFS Global India USA Portal. Register or log in. Pay the applicable fees.
- Print the VFS Courier Form.
- Mail the application package to the VFS Application Center that covers your US state of residence. Or book an in-person appointment to submit the application package.
Indian Police Clearance Certificate from USA Processing Time
In general, it can take around 1 to 2 months to get Indian PCC from USA after application submission to the VFS Global Center. However, the processing time is subject to change based on the specific case, applicant’s category, and applicant’s history.
Indian PCC Fees from USA
If your Indian Passport was issued by the same Embassy or Consulate jurisdiction you are applying through – Consular Fee: $25 + ICWF Contribution: $2
If your passport was issued by Regional Passport Office (RPO) in India or a different Indian consulate – Consular Fee: $40 + ICWF Contribution: $2
You are a foreign national/ Non-Indian Passport holder – Consular Fee: $40 + ICWF Contribution: $2
Police Verification for Indian PCC
Police verification is generally required for Indian Police Clearance Certificate. However, the exact necessity depends on your recent passport issuance and address details.
When is Police Verification Required?
- Passport Issued in India: If your current passport was issued in India, then a police verification will generally be required.
- Fresh Check: Issued by the authorities for background check.
What if My Indian Address Has Changed?
If your current Indian address has changed, you can still apply for an Indian PCC from USA. You do not have to necessarily apply for change of address on your passport to obtain the police clearance certificate. All you have to do is during the application process, you must declare your current Indian address and provide valid address proof in the application package.
What if I No Longer Have Family Members at the Indian Address?
You can still apply for an Indian PCC even if there are no family members at your Indian address. You can provide contact details and address of two neighbours or relatives nearby who can verify your background in India. Or you can also provide an alternative address where close relatives or acquaintances live.
Common Reasons Indian PCC Applications Get Delayed
Many reasons can delay your Indian PCC application. So, it becomes important for you to consider these:
- Inconsistent Information: This is one of the most common reasons for application delay and even rejection. Your personal information does not match the details on your supporting documents.
- Wrong Jurisdiction: You apply for the police clearance certificate at the wrong application center that doesn’t cover your US state of residence.
- Missing Documents: You do not provide complete documentation.
- Address Mismatch: The provided address is not the correct Indian address.
- Applicant’s History: You have active legal cases, or something comes up in your background check.
Need Help with Indian Police Clearance Certificate?
Navigating the official portals for online application, compiling the right documents and preparing the application package can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is wise to apply for a PCC with Documitra. We have professionals with years of experience handing documentation and Indian Consular Services. From providing you a customized checklist based on your specific case to final submission, we make sure everything is in order.
Need Help Getting Your Indian PCC?
Get PCC Assistance
Q. Can I apply for an Indian PCC while living in the USA?
Yes, you can apply for an Indian PCC while living in the US. You can apply through the Passport Seva Online portal and submit application package via the applicable VFS Global Center.
Q. Do I need an Indian PCC for Green Card Application?
Most likely, to apply for a Green Card, you will be required to submit an Indian PCC. The specified necessity and requirements will depend on your category and individual case.
Q. Can I get an Indian PCC in USA without traveling to India?
Yes, you can get an Indian PCC in USA without traveling to India. You can apply online through the Passport Seva Online portal and submit the physical application package along with the required documents via the VFS Application Center that covers your US state of residence.
Q. What is the validity of an Indian PCC?
In general, for US visa purposes and immigration, Indian PCC remains valid for a year from the date of its issue.
Q. What happens if my Indian address has changed?
You can still apply for an Indian PCC from the US even if your current Indian address has changed. You must declare the address change in the application and provide proof of current address in the application package.
Q. Can Documitra help me with Police Clearance Certificate?
Yes, we certainly can provide complete assistance for Indian PCC. From documentation to application submission, we ensure everything is in order to get your PCC in time.