Planning to relocate overseas? A missing or delayed police clearance certificate in South Africa can derail your entire immigration timeline. Whether you’re applying for a work visa in the UK, pursuing citizenship in Australia or securing employment in America, this document is non-negotiable.

A police clearance certificate from South Africa proves you have no criminal history. Without it, visa applications get rejected and departure dates get postponed. For South Africans emigrating abroad, obtaining this certificate quickly is crucial. The difference between a smooth departure and a visa rejection often comes down to processing speed..

Secure your future abroad. Apply online today and get your South African police clearance certificate in 5 to 7 business days.

Why You Need Police Clearance for Immigration

Also called a SAPS police clearance certificate, criminal check or penal record, it’s recognised internationally and serves as proof of your criminal history status. Immigration authorities worldwide require a police clearance for immigration to assess security risk. This certificate is mandatory for most visa categories and citizenship applications.

You’ll need a police clearance for visa applications to work abroad (police clearance for a work permit), permanent residency, citizenship applications, student visas and overseas adoption.

Countries like the UK, Australia and Canada require a police clearance for employment before granting entry.

Without this document, your application remains incomplete and processing delays can stretch over months.

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate

Here’s what you need to know about how to apply for a police clearance certificate.

Step 1: Gather required documents: fingerprints, completed fingerprint form (full name, surname, date of birth, place of birth, identity number) and a quality copy of your ID or passport.

Step 2: Submit your application. All South African police clearance certificates are processed at the Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. Police Clear submits applications on your behalf.

Step 3: SAPS loads your fingerprints and ID number to check for criminal records.

Step 4: Police Clear collects your completed police clearance certificate from South Africa and couriers it directly to you.

The High Cost of Delays

If your police clearance certificate from South Africa arrives late, you could miss visa deadlines or lose job opportunities.

Many South Africans underestimate police clearance certificate processing times. Applying directly through SAPS can take months: rejected visa applications mean starting over and flight tickets could become non-refundable losses.

Police Clear offers assistance time in as little as five to seven business days.

Police Clearance Certificate Processing Times

Standard police clearance certificate processing time through SAPS can extend beyond several months. Police Clear offers an expedited police clearance service with a 5 to 7 assistance time for applicants with no prior criminal record.

If you have a prior conviction, processing can take 30 working days or longer. Factors affecting time include:

• Application volume at the Criminal Record Centre
• Document accuracy
• Missing or illegible fingerprints
• Criminal history verification

Choose Police Clear for Your Police Clearance Certificate

Police Clear specialises in South African documentation services and is accredited by SAPS, ensuring priority processing at the Criminal Record Centre.

Police Clear can assist with your police clearance certificate from South Africa within 5 to 7 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating police clearance certificates can be daunting. Read on for answers to common questions our customers ask.

How Long Does a Police Clearance Certificate Take to Process?

Through Police Clear, you’ll be assisted with your police clearance certificate from South Africa in five to seven business days if you have no criminal record. Applications involving prior convictions may take 30 working days or longer.

Is a South African Police Clearance Certificate Valid Internationally?

Yes, a police clearance certificate from South Africa is recognised by immigration authorities worldwide for visa applications, work permits and citizenship requirements.

What Police Clearance Documents Do I Need?

You need fingerprints, a completed fingerprint form with personal details and a quality copy of your ID or passport.

Can I Apply if I’m Outside South Africa?

Yes. Police Clear assists international clients who need a South African police clearance certificate while abroad. Documents can be submitted remotely and we courier certificates.

Police Clear: Urgent Police Clearance Certificates

Stop worrying about immigration delays and start planning your new life. Police Clear’s expedited assistance delivers your urgent police clearance certificate urgently.

Accredited by SAPS and proudly South African, Police Clear handles your application from submission to doorstep delivery.

Prove you’re trustworthy with an urgent police clearance certificate. Apply online now or call Police Clear to start your application.