Highlights
- Significant delays in obtaining the Indian PCC have been reported
- An advisory issued by the Indian Consulate in Melbourne suggests the wait time could be two to three months.
- According to the new rules, a PCC can be issued only after getting a police verification report from India.
People in Australia are being advised to apply for an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) well in advance due to significant delays being reported in the issuance of the PCC, as per the recent change in rules.
Tarneit resident Ms Sharma, who wishes to be identified by her last name only, told SBS Punjabi that she applied for the police clearance nearly a month and a half ago but hasn't received anything yet.
“In the first week of September, I received an email from the immigration to provide the Indian PCC within 28 days period for my visa.”
“Taking immediate action, I applied for my PCC the very following day. However, it’s been over a month and a half, and I have not received anything yet.”
Ms Sharma received an email from the immigration to provide the Indian PCC within 28 days Source: Supplied
"I even tried contacting VFS, but no one answered the call. So, I had to apply for an extension to submit the PCC to the immigration department,” says Ms Sharma.
It has been advised that the rules for issuing the PCC have recently changed and it can only be issued after receiving the police verification report from India.
I had to wait for more than two months to receive my PCC
Mr Singh, who is currently in Melbourne and also wants to be identified by his last name only, says he recently received his Indian PCC to extend his tourist visa, and the overall process was very time consuming as the new procedure involved a physical police verification that was carried out at the Indian residential address.
He says, "I had to wait for more than two months to get my PCC and there was so much confusion as the process has completely changed since the last time. The fact that I'm here in Australia while the checks were being done in India really made it complicated."
“The police physically went to my locked house in my native town for verification, whilst I'm herein Melbourne, and the whole process was rather difficult since I’m carrying most of my Indian ID’s with me,” says Mr Singh.
The Consulate General of India in Melbourne has also responded to this matter and has pointed to its advisory about the delay in issuing of PCC.
According to the latest advisory “Consulate General of India, Melbourne is receiving a number of phone calls and emails regarding issuance of Police Clearance Certificate (PCCs).
An advisory issued by the Indian Consulate in Melbourne Source: cgimelbourne.gov.in
“The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can be issued only after getting a police verification report from India. This will take the time up to 2-3 months.”
It has also suggested that due to ongoing difficult situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic, VFS is not taking any personal appointments in Melbourne and the applicants are advised to send their PCC application by post to VFS.
In other states of Australia, it should be possible to make appointments with VFS for such visa-related services.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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