The Canadian government has confirmed that police clearance certificates are not required for individuals entering the country as temporary residents, including those on study permits. This clarification came from Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, during a session of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on Monday.
In response to repeated questions from Indo-Canadian MP Arpan Khanna, Miller stated, “I have never said such certificates are required for temporary residents.” He explained that the government conducts verification through biometrics, such as fingerprints, which are checked against partner and police databases. “We do not, as a routine matter, require [police certificates] for temporary residents,” Miller added, noting that they may be requested if deemed necessary during a security screening process.
Miller also questioned the reliability of police clearance certificates from applicants’ countries of origin, suggesting they could be unreliable. The issue of security checks for temporary residents, including international students, has come under scrutiny following the arrest of individuals linked to the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was killed on June 18 last year in Surrey, British Columbia, and four Indian nationals have been charged in connection with his murder. Two of the accused, Karan Brar and Karamdeep Singh, had entered Canada as students.
This month, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized Canada for allegedly allowing individuals with organized crime links from Punjab to enter the country. “We have been telling Canada, look these are wanted criminals from India, you have given them visas,” Jaishankar said. However, Miller rebutted these claims, stating on May 6, “We’re not lax. And the Indian foreign minister is entitled to his opinion. It’s just not accurate.” He emphasized that there is an elaborate process for screening student visa applicants, ensuring those with criminal records are not allowed entry.
Miller’s statements aim to clarify the Canadian government’s position on the necessity of police clearance certificates for temporary residents, highlighting a focus on biometric verification and stringent security checks to maintain the integrity of the immigration system.
