Planning to bring your parents from India to visit you in Australia? While arranging flights and preparing documents, one question that comes up: “Do my parents need an India police clearance certificate in Australia?”
The answer depends on the type and duration of the visa they are applying for, but Australian immigration may request a PCC in many cases, especially for parents’ visas.
This guide breaks it all down. Whether you’re applying from India or supporting your parents from Australia, we’ll guide you through who needs a PCC, why it’s sometimes required, and how to apply for an Indian police clearance in Australia, the easy way.
An Indian PCC: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
An official document that confirms a person’s criminal history in India is the India Police Clearance Certificate in Australia (PCC). It is often used for immigration, work, and visa purposes.
An Indian PCC could be beneficial for parents travelling to Australia:
- Speed up the visa approval procedure
- Show a clean record and good character
- Respond promptly to immigration inquiries
Therefore, even if it is not necessary up front, asking for the Indian police clearance in Australia in advance can save time if it’s later requested.
Do Parents Need an Indian Police Clearance Certificate to Visit Australia?
A PCC is not usually mandatory for regular visitor visas (like Subclass 600), but in a few cases, the Australian immigration authorities may request it.
Common reasons include:
- If your parents are requesting a long-stay visiting visa, which typically lasts for 12 months or longer
- If there is a history of long stays or prior visa refusals
- If they are older than 75, they might be subject to background and health checks
- If they are applying for the elderly parent visa categories or contributing parent
Important: Although short-term travel does not always require the PCC, it is a good idea to be prepared in case the immigration officer asks for more paperwork.
Who Can Apply for an Indian PCC?
- Indian citizens with a valid Indian passport
- People who live in Australia or want to assist their family in India
- Those who lived in India for six months or more in the past 10 years.
You can help visiting parents from Australia fill out the form, collect documents, and send them to the involved authority.
What Documents are Required for Indian PCC for Parents?
Here are the basic documents your parents will need to apply for India PCC from Australia or from India:
- Current Indian passport (original & copy of back and front pages)
- For ID evidence, Aadhaar card or PAN card
- Recent passport-size photo (as per PCC photograph guidelines)
- Local address proof (in India if applying from there, or your address in Australia if assisting remotely)
- A self-attested application form
- Any visa or invitation document (non-compulsory but might also support request)
Make sure all documents are clear, valid, and translated if required.
How to Apply for an Indian Police Clearance Certificate from Australia (For Parents)
If your parents are in India and you are assisting the process from Australia, the application requires proper documentation and accurate form submission. Here’s how you can assist:
Step 1: Fill Out the Application Online
Begin by filling out the India PCC Australia application form with your parent’s passport and ID details. Make sure the official records match the name, passport number, as well as address.
Double-check for mistakes
Use the latest passport copy
Upload a current photo and signature, if required
Step 2: Collect and Examine Documents
Make sure the paperwork for your parents is complete and ready. Evaluate the ID proof, photo size, and passport copy.
- Create the completed PDF pack.
- If required, provide a cover letter.
- Self-attest the copies.
If your parents require assistance, you can provide them remote guidance or full support through a private assistance agency.
Step3: Submit and Track the Application
Once the Indian PCC form is submitted and the documents are verified:
- The relevant Indian authority processes the application
- A physical copy of the PCC may be issued and either posted or available for collection
- You or your parents can track the status online
Processing time may vary between 7–20 business days, depending on location and police jurisdiction.
How Long Is the Indian PCC Valid?
An Indian Police Clearance Certificate Australia is valid for 6 to 12 months; the rest depends on its need. A PCC older than one year won’t be accepted for Australian visa purposes, so always check visa-specific requirements before submitting.
The Simplest Way to Get PCC India from Australia for Visiting Parents
It doesn’t have to be difficult to assist your parents in getting their Indian police clearance certificate from Australia. You may save time and prevent misunderstanding by leaving the paperwork and process to the Bharat Suvidha.
Here’s how the online support process works:
1. Start Online & Upload Documents
You safely share your parents’ paperwork after registering online. The team makes sure everything is accurate and complete.
2. Experts Prepare the PCC Application
Professionals fill out the form, arrange the photo and signature, and prepare the complete document pack according to official guidelines.
3. Application Lodged & Delivered
After reviewing everything, we will share the completed form with you for submission to the authorities, and the approved PCC will be delivered directly to your doorstep.
Note: As a private service provider, we are independent from the VFS Global group, the Consulate-General of India, the High Commission of India in Canberra, or the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
