When should I do with my Criminal Record Checks?

[claudiakee]

Dear all,

My name is Claudia and I am in process of completing the application forms for spousal sponsorship immigration.

I am from Hong Kong originally and have been living in Canada starting two years ago as an international student.  According to the application Kit instruction guide, I will need 2 sets of Criminal record, one from Hong Kong and one from Canada.

What I am wondering is that-----

What is the best time for me to do the criminal record checks in both countries?

Am i supposed to hand in the criminal record checks with my application kit? Or am I supposed to wait until they finished processing my application?

Interestingly, both of the police authorities in the above two countries said that they will send the criminal record check directly to the immigration office instead of sending it back to me. So does that mean I should wait until the immigration office has processed my case? However, the Appendix A from the instruction guide actually indicates that the police certificate to be send back to the applicant, i.e., me.

I am really confused about what to do here and would appreciate any information that is related to my case. Thank you very much!

[scarycemetery]

Send both of the criminal checks in with your application. They should be good for 6 months, but if your application isn't processed by then they will request new ones. But they must be sent in with your application, so as to not delay your processing.

Good luck!

[Kedeisha]

Police checks are valid for 1 year but they cannot be issued over 3 months when CPC-M receives your application.

[scylla]

You don't need to include a police check from Canada - only from Hong Kong.

[PMM]

Hi

You don't need to include a police check from Canada - only from Hong Kong.

And you have to wait for a letter from CIC requesting the Hong Kong police certificate, which you include with your application for the certificate.