How to Get a Police Certificate – Puerto Rico
If you need to give your fingerprints for a police certificate, this isn’t the same as giving your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for an application.
Names of the documents you need
- Certificado de Antecedentes Penales, and
- an Identity History Summary Request (issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigations – FBI)
Police certificate and IRCC requirements
You must provide a police certificate when you apply for:
- permanent residence
- citizenship
- some temporary residence programs
Check your application package or instructions for details.
How to apply
Apply for a Certificado de Antecedentes Penales at any Puerto Rican Police Department by mail or online.
If applying online, follow these steps:
- Click on Servicios
- Click on Te Podemos ayudar
- Click on Certificado de Antecedentes Penales
- Click on Solicitar Certificado
- Fill out all of the requested information
- If you do not have a Driving License from Puerto Rico, you can submit a photo ID issued by the Department of Public Works (DTOP), a passport, or your birth certificate.
Apply for an Identity History Summary Request by downloading the application form from the Federal Bureau of Investigation website or send a request by mail (see Contact information for the complete address).
You must fill out the applicant information form and obtain a set of your fingerprints.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada does not accept FBI police certificates issued by FBI-approved third party private companies. Only police certificates issued directly by the FBI will be accepted.
Please mail your completed fingerprints card along with a certified cheque or money order for the applicable processing fees, payable to the U.S. Treasury (see Contact information for the complete address).
The FBI will send you a letter with the results of your record check. That letter will be your police certificate. You should send the letter and any attached documents to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office processing your file.
Information and documents you need
- Complete set of fingerprints
- Applicable fees
Special considerations
Do I need to provide a police certificate for Express Entry?
Yes. If you are Invited to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence, you need to upload a police certificate in your Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR). Please follow the instructions above to get your police certificate.
We will not accept police certificates sent by mail for Express Entry applications.
All police certificates must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Contact information
FBI Identification Record Request
FBI, Criminal Justice Information Services Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306
U.S.A
Government of Puerto Rico
Visit the Government of Puerto Rico’s Police website for more information. (in Spanish only).