Key takeaways
- IRCC names the document the “Certificate of No Criminal Record” (or the “Notification of Non-issuance” if there is a record)
- Chinese citizens in China apply at the local Public Security Bureau or police station tied to their hukou or usual residence, or on the local government service’s website or app
- From abroad, contact the local office in your hukou booklet; Chinese embassies and consulates “cannot issue or obtain hukou-related certificates”
- You need a notarized or certified translation
- IRCC says to make sure the certificate covers “birth to the current date” for Chinese citizens
- IRCC states no fees or processing times
The document IRCC asks for
IRCC’s China police certificate page lists the “Certificate of No Criminal Record, where there is no known criminal record,” or the “Notification of Non-issuance of Certificate of No Criminal Record, where there is presence of criminal record.” IRCC says these are required for permanent residence, citizenship and some temporary residence programs.
IRCC gives no fee, no processing time and no expiry period for the certificate in China. It also gives no national online portal, because the process differs by city.
Chinese citizens living in China
IRCC says you can apply in one of these ways:
- At your local Public Security Bureau.
- At your local Public Security police station. Use the one where your hukou address is, if it is still valid, or where you usually live.
- On your local government service’s website or mobile application.
IRCC says to bring your original national ID card, your hukou booklet, proof of residence and the application form for a Certificate of No Criminal Record. If your hukou was cancelled, you need a Certificate of Residence Cancellation from a local police station.
Chinese citizens living outside China
IRCC says to ask the local office in your household registration (hukou) booklet, where you used to live, how to apply. You may need a scan of your passport or visa and a certificate of overseas residence, such as a US green card or permanent resident card.
IRCC says Chinese embassies and consulates “cannot issue or obtain hukou-related certificates and do not facilitate this process.” They may help with notarization or authentication after the document is issued.
Using a family member to apply for you
IRCC says a family member can apply on your behalf. An immediate family member needs a power of attorney from you. Another person needs a notarized power of attorney from a notary office. Your representative brings their own original ID and hukou booklet, your ID (a copy if you live abroad) and the application form.
If you are not a Chinese citizen
IRCC says that if you lived in China for more than 180 days, you can get your certificate from the Exit-Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau (county level or above). Go to the one in the city where your Foreigner Residence Permit, permanent or temporary, was issued. China issues it only to current or previous Foreigner Residence Permit holders. Some cities need a notarized certificate from a Notary Public office first.
Translation, QR code and coverage period
| Topic | What IRCC says |
|---|---|
| Translation | You need a notarized or certified translation. |
| Coverage period | For Chinese citizens, make sure the certificate covers the period from birth to the current date. |
| QR code | A QR code is recommended by the central government, but certificates without one are also acceptable. |
Do not mix up copies and translations. For Express Entry, IRCC does not accept “certified true copies” of the certificate itself. You upload a colour scan of the original, and you add the translation.
The China page says “birth to the current date.” The Express Entry page says you do not need certificates for any time before you were 18. IRCC does not explain how these fit together. Follow the China wording for the certificate you request, and read the Express Entry page for what IRCC asks for.
Express Entry timing and format
Under IRCC’s Express Entry police certificates page, you and your family members who are 18 years or older need a certificate for every country where you stayed for 6 months in a row or longer in the last 10 years.
| Your situation | What IRCC says |
|---|---|
| China is where you live now | The certificate must be issued no more than 6 months before the date you submit your application. |
| China is another country | The certificate must be issued after the last time you stayed there for 6 months in a row or longer. |
| Format | Upload scanned copies of the original certificate in colour. Certified true copies or unauthorized copies will not be accepted. |
The thresholds differ in wording: China issues to foreigners who lived there “more than 180 days,” and Express Entry asks about stays of “6 months in a row or longer.” IRCC does not connect them.
If you cannot get it, or it is late
If you cannot get a certificate for the full time you spent in China, the China page says to upload a letter stating that you cannot provide it and the reason.
For Express Entry, once you receive your invitation, you have 60 days to submit your application. If certificates are not ready, IRCC asks for a letter of explanation and proof that you made your best effort, such as a confirmation receipt, a payment receipt or a tracking number. IRCC says: “It can take a long time to get police certificates. You should consider asking for them as soon as your profile is in the pool.”
What to do next
- List every country where you stayed 6 months in a row or longer in the last 10 years, after age 18.
- Find out which office handles your case: your hukou city, your usual residence, or the Exit-Entry Administration Department.
- If you live abroad, contact the local office in your hukou booklet. Plan for a power of attorney if a family member will apply.
- Arrange a notarized or certified translation.
- Scan the original in colour and keep every receipt and tracking number.
Read our page for people moving from China, compare with the Philippines NBI clearance and Indian police clearance guides, and use the document checklist generator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the China police certificate called?
IRCC calls it the Certificate of No Criminal Record. If there is a record, it is the Notification of Non-issuance of Certificate of No Criminal Record.
Can a Chinese embassy issue it?
No. IRCC says Chinese embassies and consulates cannot issue or obtain hukou-related certificates. They may help with notarization or authentication after the document is issued.
Does the certificate need a QR code?
No. IRCC says a QR code is recommended, but certificates without one are acceptable.
Do I need a translation?
Yes. IRCC says you need a notarized or certified translation.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
IRCC does not say.
Sources
- IRCC: Police certificates, China (checked October 19, 2026)
- IRCC: Express Entry, police certificates (checked October 19, 2026)
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
