Did you know that over 976,000 Indian-born people were living in Australia as of 2021?
If you’re one of them and need an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) while in Australia, you’re in the right place.
This guide covers all the essential documents you need, helping you avoid delays and errors.
1) Online Application Form
For Indian Nationals, the journey begins with an online application form.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Visit the official portal to access the form
- Register and create a user ID
- Fill out the form accurately, mentioning:
- The country requiring the PCC (e.g., Australia, USA, UK)
- Purpose of the PCC
- Parents or spouse’s name as per your current passport
- File number from the last page of your current passport
After completing the form online, download, print, and sign it. Remember, no pen or pencil modifications are allowed on the printed form.
Indian Address Verification:
The PCC will be issued only after a fresh police verification at your Indian address. If the address on your application differs from the one on your passport, you will need to submit proof of your current address.
2) Documents For Foreign Nationals
If you’re a foreign national, the process is slightly different. Foreign nationals need to fill out the Miscellaneous Service Application Form manually, available for download. Similar to Indian nationals, foreign nationals must specify the country and purpose for which the PCC is required and ensure the form is filled out accurately.
3) Personal Particulars Form
Both Indian and foreign nationals must submit the Personal Particulars Form along with their application. This form requires details such as your name, address, and personal history. Make sure every detail is accurate, as incorrect information can cause delays.
4) Additional Documents For Indian Nationals
Indian nationals must also submit additional documents based on their specific circumstances:
Indian Address Verification:
Indian nationals need to submit their original passport, which will be retained until the PCC process is completed.
Form J:
If your appearance has changed significantly (e.g., with or without a turban), you must submit Form J, attested by a Justice of the Peace (JP) or Notary.
NSW Residents:
- For residents of New South Wales, all documents must be attested by a Notary Public. A list of NSW notaries is available in the NSW Notary Directory.
5) Additional Documents For Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals must provide a copy of their current passport, attested by a JP or Notary, along with documents showing the purpose of their visit or stay in India. As with Indian nationals in NSW, foreign nationals must have their documents attested by a Notary Public.
6) Photographs
Applicants must provide two recent passport-sized photographs (2×2 inches), adhering to strict specifications. If you’re unsure about the guidelines, IPVSC Centres in Australia offer a paid service that provides photographs according to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. Note that this service may not cater to infants or individuals with special needs.
7) Additional Notes
- The High Commission or Consulate General of India may request more documents if necessary, depending on individual cases.
- For Foreign Passport Holders, applications are accepted only after pre-approval, and PCC issuance is subject to verification from relevant authorities.
Simplify Your OCI Application With Bharat Suvidha
For those looking to avoid common pitfalls and save time, Bharat Suvidha offers a straightforward solution for your OCI application needs.
Here’s how our process works:
1. Sign Up And Provide Details
You only need to sign up and provide your information, such as your Indian address and other necessary details. Our experts will gather the required information, saving you the hassle of searching for forms and filling them out incorrectly.
2. Experts Handle The Application
Once we receive your details, our team will fill out the application on your behalf. We ensure that all the information is accurate to prevent errors and delays, so you can focus on other priorities.
3. Application Lodged Promptly
After a thorough review, we submit your OCI application promptly. You’ll be kept informed throughout the process, with no need to worry about tracking the status.
With Bharat Suvidha’s expertise, your OCI application is handled smoothly, with full transparency and minimal effort from your side.