An applicant obtained an Indian PCC, then days later travelled to Saudi Arabia on a visit visa and submitted the PR application from there, listing the Saudi address as current address. Members flagged a serious problem and mapped the recovery path.
The core rule members explained:- A home-country PCC must be issued after your last date in that country when you apply from abroad. A PCC issued 7 days before leaving India, with the application submitted from Saudi Arabia, is treated as invalid.
The recovery path suggested:- Try to get a fresh PCC from where you are. Indian PCCs can be issued abroad through the embassy/consulate services — though members found this service may be refused to someone on a visit visa. If refused, get the refusal in writing.
- Send IRCC a web form with a letter of explanation covering why you travelled urgently after the PCC was issued, what you did to obtain a fresh PCC, and a request to submit an updated PCC (e.g. once back home).
- Mind the 6-month rule. If you stay in any country 6+ months, that country's PCC becomes required too — a visit-visa stay that stretches can add a Saudi PCC requirement.
- List a current address you'll actually be at. Members questioned using a short-term visit address as 'current address'; use an address where you're reachable for the duration of processing.
Consulting an immigration professional was also advised, since PCC defects can lead to refusal if left unexplained.