Many South Africans seeking to immigrate, obtain a long term visa, work or study abroad are faced with the requirement to obtain a SAPS PCC. The SAPS Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an important document that assists foreign authorities in assessing the criminal history of visa applicants and determining their eligibility for a visa. Specifically, its purpose in immigration is to show a criminal record, or lack thereof, especially when an individual is applying for certain types of visas or permission to work overseas. It may also be required for other purposes, such as adoption or citizenship applications. To shed light on this important document, the team at Global Apostille has compiled a comprehensive list of 15 FAQs about SAPS Police Clearance Certificates in this article.
- What is the SAPS clearance certificate?
The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued as a result of a background check by the South African Police Services to enumerate any criminal record you may have in South Africa. It serves as proof that you have not been involved in any criminal activity in South Africa or, if you have, provides a copy of your criminal record. The document can list any offense to which you have pleaded guilty or been found guilty by a court of law, from speeding tickets to arrests. You can think of it as a police character report that shows your clean record, or lack thereof.
- What documents do you need to apply for SAPS police clearance certificate?
- A full set of fingerprints on a SAPS 91(a) if living in South Africa. Persons living outside SA must visit any police station in their country of residence or the South African Embassy to have their fingerprints taken.
- A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document/passport.
- Marriage certificate if you require your maiden and married surname on the PCC.
- Proof of payment of the application fee. The prescribed fee is R180,00 per application
- I already submitted fingerprints for a previous application. Can I use those fingerprints for my next SAPS police clearance certificate application?
No, fingerprints from a previous application cannot be reused for a new Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) application in South Africa. You must submit a new set of fingerprints in ink each time you apply for a new Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
- Can you apply for a SAPS police clearance certificate without fingerprints?
No, fingerprints are an essential part of the PCC application process and you cannot apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in South Africa without fingerprints.
- How far back does a SAPS police clearance certificate go?
Generally speaking, the lookback period for most SAPS police clearance certificates is between seven and ten years.
- What does a SAPS police clearance certificate show?
Police Clearance Certificates contain various numbers, all of which are only relevant to the SAPS, such as an enquiry number, a transaction number and a SAPS number which can be used to make an online enquiry if you wish to know the status of your Police Clearance Certificate. The yellow-gold and blue SAPS logo and heading are centered at the top and the person’s details are below. There is no South African ID number or passport number listed on any South African Police Clearance. It is important that once you have received your PCC, or seen a scan of it, that you check all the details carefully as mistakes do occur. If the applicant has a criminal record, the Police Clearance Certificate will state that such records are listed on the second page of the document.
- Can criminal records be removed?
Yes, some criminal charges and convictions can be expunged if your conviction is more than 10 years old. Expunging a criminal record is a process by which a convicted offender’s criminal record is removed from the criminal record database of the Criminal Record Center of the South African Police Service. The charges and convictions that are eligible for expungement are usually low-level convictions such as shoplifting or petty theft. Serious violent crimes such as sexual offences against a child or mentally disabled person, murder and armed robbery will remain on the record.
- Can I apply for a South African Police Clearance Certificate if I have a criminal record?
Yes, those with a criminal record are still eligible to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. The certificate will reflect your criminal history, including any convictions or charges.
- How much does SAPS police clearance certificate cost?
As of January 2024, the prescribed fee to be paid to the SAPS will be R180.00 per application.
- How long does it take to get SAPS police clearance certificate?
The processing time for a SAPS Police Clearance Certificate can range from a few days to several months, depending on how you choose to submit your application. Normal processing with SAPS can take up to 6-8 weeks, however they are currently experiencing a backlog of 52000 applications resulting in a wait of between 3 and 6 months. So many people who cannot wait are using the services of third parties such as Global Apostille who can fast-track the application within days.
- What is the fastest way to get a police clearance in South Africa?
The fastest way to get a police clearance in South Africa is to use the services of a third party such as Global Apostille who can expedite the application within days.
- Does South African police clearance expire?
Yes, the South African Police Clearance Certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue. It is important to check the specific requirements of the country or institution requesting the certificate to ensure that it is still valid.
- What’s the difference between a SAPS police clearance certificate and AFISWITCH
automated electronic criminal record checks from Postnet?
A AFISWITCH certificates are automated electronic criminal record checks issued for limited administrative purposes and can never be issued for official legal purposes, for example, they are not accepted by embassies for visa applications in South Africa.
Police Clearance Certificates are official documents issued by the South African Police Services and can be used for all legal purposes. They carry more weight.
- Do criminal records affect employment?
Yes, a criminal record can affect your job search. Potential employers often want to check your criminal history before offering you a job. If they see something they don’t like on your record, they may give the job to someone else.
- Will a criminal record affect a visa application?
Yes, having a criminal record is likely to affect your chances of obtaining a visa. However, while a criminal record can complicate the visa application process, the actual impact it may have on your eligibility to obtain a visa depends on the circumstances and nature of the crime, as well as the sentence you received and the time since your conviction.
7-day express police clearance from Global Apostille
Obtain an Express Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for visa applications in as little as seven (7) business days by using the services of Global Apostille in Pretoria. We offer expert services to streamline and simplify the process of obtaining the Police Clearance Certificate in just 7 business days from receipt of application. Our experienced team will ensure an efficient processing and will provide you with peace of mind. We offer:
- Document Assistance: We help with compiling and assembling all required paperwork, making sure nothing is missed.
- Application Fast tracking: our experienced team aware of the proper channels and processes to use when submitting your application, which speeds up the process and lowers the risk of mistakes.
- Collection: Global Apostille will monitor the progress of your application, provide updates and ensure prompt collection of the final Police Clearance Certificate and courier delivery to you.
- Apostille & Translation: We can also assist with Dirco express Apostille and certified translation.
For more information, please contact us at: Tel: 012 348 3134; Mobile: 081 347 6060; Email: info@apostillelegalisation.co.za
