Planning to apply for a visa, PR, or citizenship in Australia? You’ll likely need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India.
But if you’ve lived in more than one Indian state or been outside of India for a long time, the process may seem more complicated than it really is. Don’t worry; this blog will show you everything you need to know to successfully apply for a PCC India from Australia, even if you have a complicated address history.
Understanding Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India
As a proof that you do not have a criminal record while you were in India, the Indian government issues you a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). It’s required for:
- Applying for Permanent Residency (PR) or citizenship in Australia
- Long-term visas (work, study, or family reunification)
- Employment checks in sensitive sectors
- Immigration for legal purposes abroad
Who Needs a PCC India from Australia?
In the following situations, you will require a PCC India from Australia:
- You’re an Indian citizen residing in Australia.
- You have lived in India for more than six months after turning 18
- You’re applying for immigration, work permits, or residency.
- The clearance must cover all of the states or cities in which you have resided.
Multi-Indian Address Application for an India PCC in Australia
If you’ve moved between different Indian states, your application needs to reflect each address you’ve lived at for more than a year. This is critical because:
- The Indian Police in each jurisdiction may be contacted to verify your history.
- In the case of missing old addresses, there may be delays or rejections.
You may be asked to provide proof of residence for each location (rent agreement, Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bills, etc.)
Can I Still Apply if I've Been Abroad for a Long Time?
Yes. You can still apply for a PCC even if you haven’t lived in India in a long time. Indian officials will normally check the information from your most recent Indian address (or more than one, if you have them).
To improve your chances of a smooth process:
- Make sure your passport reflects your correct address.
- If your passport is old, include supporting documents from your last known address(s) in India.
- Be honest about your travel history and dates.
Documents Required for an India PCC in Australia
If you want to get an Indian PCC from Australia, you usually require the following documents:
- Current Indian passport (original + photocopies)
- An Australian visa is required (a copy of the PR, a student visa, etc.).
- Proof of address in Australia (driver’s licence, utility bill)
- Proof of previous Indian addresses (Aadhaar, voter ID, rental agreements, etc.)
- Completed Indian PCC form in Australia via the Passport Seva portal
- 2 passport-sized photos (as per specifications)
- Application fee payment receipt
How Long Does It Take to Receive India Police Clearance Certificate?
Processing Time:
- Average: 2–4 weeks
- It might take up to six weeks if you have more than one Indian address because the police have to check them all.
To avoid delays:
- Double-check your old address records
- Include supporting documents for each address
- Track your application status via the reference number
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Only mentioning your latest Indian address
- Missing proof for older addresses
- Submitting incorrect photo sizes or unclear documents
- Leaving out travel history details
A Quick Recap – Successfully Applying for India PCC in Australia
- Be transparent with your address and travel history
- Include all previous Indian addresses where you’ve lived long-term
- Provide documentary proof for each
- Track your application and respond promptly to any consulate or police queries
Don't Want to Do It All Yourself?
Applying for an PCC India from Australia can be tricky, especially if you’ve moved around or lived abroad for years. That’s where Bharat Suvidha can help.
We take care of the paperwork, ensure your application is error-free, and manage communication, so you get your India police clearance certificate without stress or confusion.
- 100% online process
- Expert document checks
- No need to queue or visit multiple offices
Start your PCC India from Australia with Bharat Suvidha today!
Here is a simple three-step process for Australian PCCs to Indian PCCs
- Start with a Simple Online Registration
Online registration and uploading of documents are required. We’ll review everything before proceeding.
Step 2: Experts Handle the Application
Once we have your details, our team fills out the application carefully, avoiding mistakes and ensuring everything is done correctly the first time.
Step 3: Application Lodged
After reviewing the form, we’ll share it with you for submission to the relevant authorities, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Note: Bharat Suvidha is a private service provider not affiliated with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Consulates, High Commission of India, or VFS Global.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a PCC India from Australia could appear hard, especially if you’ve lived in multiple Indian states or been away from India for a long time. But with the appropriate help and planning, you can do it. The most important thing is to keep good records, write down all the Indian addresses you need, and start the procedure early so you don’t have to wait.
Our team at Bharat Suvidha is here to help you get the job done well and quickly. There are no lines or confusion, just paperwork done right.
