Democratic Republic of Congo
If you now live in Canada and previously lived, worked, or studied in Democratic Republic of Congo,
many immigration, employment, and licensing processes will ask you for a Democratic Republic of Congo Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
in addition to your Canadian one. Getting fingerprinted correctly is usually the first step. This guide walks through how that works
while you’re based in Canada, and how Surrey Fingerprint Company can help with the fingerprinting part.
Visit Surrey Fingerprint Company for professional, correctly-formatted fingerprints for your Democratic Republic of Congo police clearance
application. Email info@surreyfingerprint.com
beforehand so we can confirm the exact form and format Direction Générale de la Police Judiciaire (DRC) currently requires.
Why Would Someone in Canada Need a Democratic Republic of Congo PCC?
- Canadian immigration & citizenship (IRCC): if you lived in Democratic Republic of Congo for 6 months or more before moving to Canada, IRCC may require a police certificate from Democratic Republic of Congo as part of permanent residency, sponsorship, or citizenship applications.
- Immigration to a third country: if you are applying to move from Canada to another country (e.g. Australia, the UK, the US, or elsewhere), that country’s character/background check requirements often ask for a clearance from every country you’ve lived in for an extended period, including Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Employment & licensing: some regulated professions and international employers request a background check covering your time in Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Legal, banking, or property matters: some processes back in Democratic Republic of Congo may themselves ask you to complete identity verification via fingerprints while abroad.
The General Process From Canada
Because you’re applying from outside Democratic Republic of Congo, the typical path is: get fingerprinted locally in Canada in the exact
format Direction Générale de la Police Judiciaire (DRC) accepts, then send that fingerprint record to them along with the rest of your
application package.
Contact Democratic Republic of Congo’s issuing authority first
Confirm the current application form, required fingerprint format, fee, and mailing/submission method directly with
Direction Générale de la Police Judiciaire (DRC) — requirements can change, so always check before your appointment.
Get fingerprinted at Surrey Fingerprint Company
Bring valid photo ID and any required form. The fingerprint format usually requested for a Democratic Republic of Congo PCC is:
Ink-and-Roll Fingerprinting (Paper Card). We offer both ink-and-roll and digital fingerprinting on-site.
We complete your card correctly
We take your fingerprints on the correct form, complete any required identity/witness sections, and provide the card or
document ready to send.
Send your package to Democratic Republic of Congo
Mail or submit your fingerprint card along with your application form, ID copies, photos, and fee (as required) to
Direction Générale de la Police Judiciaire (DRC). Use a tracked courier for original documents.
If you live outside the DRC, first apply in person at your nearest DRC embassy. Once the embassy verifies your documents, your request (including an identity document and a full, certified set of your fingerprints) is sent by mail to the Direction Générale de la Police Judiciaire. Confirm with the embassy whether a Canadian certified fingerprinting service is accepted for the certification step.
Mailing address:
Direction Générale de la Police Judiciaire, Direction de l'Identité Judiciaire, 14, av. Kalémie, Commune de Gombe, Kinshasa, DRC (via nearest DRC embassy)
Receive your Democratic Republic of Congo PCC
Processing time is Confirm current timelines with the DRC embassy. Some authorities mail the certificate directly to your Canadian
address; others may require pickup via a consulate or representative.
Source: Official guidance for Democratic Republic of Congo. Requirements can change; always confirm current details on the official page before applying.
the current requirement before your appointment so you don’t need to redo it.
clearance applications can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with
Direction Générale de la Police Judiciaire (DRC) before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get fingerprinted in Surrey for a Democratic Republic of Congo PCC?
Yes. Surrey Fingerprint Company offers both ink-and-roll and digital fingerprinting, and can prepare your fingerprint card or document in the format most commonly requested for Democratic Republic of Congo applications. Contact us to confirm the exact form before your visit.
How long does it take to get a PCC from Democratic Republic of Congo while living in Canada?
Timelines vary widely by country and by how the application is submitted. As a general estimate: Confirm current timelines with the DRC embassy. Confirm current processing times with the issuing authority.
Do I need an original fingerprint card, or is a scan acceptable?
This depends on Democratic Republic of Congo's current requirements — some authorities require original ink cards mailed physically, others accept digital submissions. We'll help you confirm which applies before you leave our office.
Can Surrey Fingerprint Company submit my application to Democratic Republic of Congo for me?
We handle the fingerprinting step. Submission of the full application package is generally your responsibility (or your immigration consultant/lawyer's), unless otherwise noted for a specific country.
Get Fingerprinted for Your Democratic Republic of Congo PCC — Surrey, BC
Email us before your visit so we can confirm the correct form and format for Democratic Republic of Congo.
+1 (604) 825-8882 · info@surreyfingerprint.com