Obtaining police clearance and character certificates in Nigeria could be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through the process step-by-step.
What Are Police Clearance and Character Certificates?
A police clearance certificate, also known as a police report, is an official document issued by the Nigerian Police Force certifying that you don’t have any criminal convictions or pending cases. It’s essentially a background check showing that you have a clean record. This is usually required for visa applications, employment, or further education opportunities.
Read Also: How to Apply for a US Visa in Nigeria
A character certificate, on the other hand, goes beyond just your criminal record. This document affirms your good character and reputation. It may be issued by community leaders, employers, or schools you’ve attended. Character certificates are commonly required for visa applications, certain jobs, and education programs.
Why Do You Need Them?
As mentioned above, police clearance and character certificates are mandatory requirements for many processes, such as:
- Applying for residence/work visas – Countries like Canada, Australia, the USA, and the UK require police clearance from your home country
- Applying for citizenship in a new country
- Employment opportunities, especially government jobs or jobs involving interaction with vulnerable people
- Admission to educational institutions such as universities
These documents help assess your background and suitability for programs, jobs, visas, etc. Procuring them in advance saves time and avoids complications later in the application process.
Read Also: How to Get a Nigerian International Passport
Requirements for Police Clearance in Nigeria
To obtain a police clearance certificate in Nigeria, you need to fulfil the following requirements:
- Valid passport with complete details and photos
- Passport photographs – 2 copies
- Completed police clearance application form
- Letter from sponsor indicating the need for the police report
- Payment/deposit slip as application fee
The requirements may vary slightly by state. Check with your local police headquarters to confirm.
How to Apply for Police Clearance
Step 1 – Get An Application Form from the Police
First, you need to obtain the application form for police clearance. You can pick this up in person at your state’s police command headquarters. Some states allow you to download and print the form from the official police website.
On the form, you’ll need to fill in your personal and contact details, such as your full name, date of birth, phone number, passport number, nationality, address, etc.
Step 2 – Prepare All Supporting Documents
Along with the filled application form, you’ll need to submit:
- Two recent passport photos
- Photocopy of the Data Page of your International Passport
- Letter from sponsor indicating the reason you need a police clearance certificate and to which country it will be submitted
Make sure you have clean, legible copies of all documents.
Step 3 – Make Necessary Payments
A fee, usually around 10,000 NGN, is typically charged for police clearance applications. You must obtain a teller deposit slip for the specified amount at a designated bank.
Submit the deposit slip along with your application and documents.
Step 4 – Submit Your Application at Police Headquarters
Submit your completed police clearance application form, supporting documents, and deposit slip at the command headquarters in your state. This is usually the office of the Commissioner of Police.
They will review your application and verify your documents. Fingerprints and photos may be taken during this process.
Step 5 – Track Application Status
The police clearance application can be processed in 1-2 weeks. You can track its status by calling or visiting the command headquarters. Once approved, you will receive a call or message to come pick up the letter.
And that’s it! With the police clearance letter in hand, you’ll be ready to proceed with visa applications or other processes that require it.
How to Get a Character Certificate in Nigeria
Unlike police clearance, a single centralized agency does not issue character certificates. There are a few options for obtaining one in Nigeria:
From Community Leaders
In Nigeria, respected leaders in your community, like village heads or religious leaders, can issue character certificates vouching for your good conduct and reputation.
Contact them, explain why you need a certificate, and they will prepare one for you on official letterhead, including their signature and seal.
From Educational Institutions
Schools, colleges, and universities you have attended can also provide character certificates upon request.
Contact the administration office of your alma mater. Submit any required form and fees for issuing the certificate. The institute will prepare it on its letterhead.
From Employers
For proof of your professional reputation, employers you’ve worked with can issue a character certificate.
Contact the HR department or your direct supervisor and request a letter affirming your good character during your tenure with the company.
Notarization
Once you obtain the character certificate, it’s recommended that you get it notarized by a lawyer to vouch for its authenticity. Most visa agencies or institutions accept notarized character certificates.
You can add these important certificates to your visa or job applications with the formalities covered. Having them ready in advance will make your immigration journey much smoother!
We hope this guide gives you a clear understanding of how to get police clearance and character certificates in Nigeria. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions. Be sure to visit www.workliveincanada.com for more tips on studying, working, and migrating to Canada.
