Getting a police clearance record in China

Question

My son's fiance, who lives in Turkey, is having a meeting with the US Embassy in a few weeks to finalize her coming to the the US for marriage. She has all the documents but needs a police clearance certificate from China from the time she was there studying in school. We have tried everything to get one and we just can't seem to find a way. Does anyone know the best way to get one? I would appreciate any answer or suggestion.

Answer

Obtaining a police clearance certificate (also called a “Certificate of No Criminal Record”) from China can be challenging, especially if the person no longer resides in the country. However, it is possible by following specific procedures depending on whether the applicant is currently in China or abroad. This document is issued by the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in the city where the individual lived or studied.

Since your son’s fiancée studied in China but now lives in Turkey, she will need to apply remotely. The process generally requires coordination with either the school she attended, a trusted friend in China, or a professional agent who can handle document applications on her behalf.

Here’s how the process typically works for foreign nationals who previously lived in China:

Step 1: Identify the city where she resided or studied. The police clearance certificate must be obtained from the local PSB in the district where her residence was registered (shown on her residence registration form or temporary residence permit).
Step 2: Prepare essential documents. Usually required items include:
- Copy of her passport (including all pages with Chinese visa and entry/exit stamps)
- Copy of her residence registration form (from the local police station)
- Letter of authorization (if someone else is applying on her behalf)
- Proof of residence or school enrollment certificate during her stay
Step 3: Authorization for someone in China to apply. If she cannot go in person, she can authorize a representative (friend, former classmate, or an agency) to submit the application. This authorization letter usually needs to be notarized in Turkey and legalized by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate there.
Step 4: Submission at the PSB. The representative submits all documents to the local PSB office. Once reviewed, the PSB will issue the “Certificate of No Criminal Record.” Processing usually takes 5–15 working days.
Step 5: Notarization and legalization. The issued certificate must be notarized by a local Notary Public Office (公证处, Gong Zheng Chu) in China and then authenticated by the local Foreign Affairs Office. Finally, it should be legalized by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in China if it’s to be used for U.S. immigration purposes.

If she no longer has any contacts in China, another option is to use a professional service that specializes in helping foreigners obtain Chinese police clearance certificates remotely. Many agencies in China (especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou) provide this service for a fee and can handle the process once the applicant provides proper authorization and supporting documents.

For reference, here are some practical tips:

Check which city’s PSB handled her residence registration; only that office can issue the certificate.
Contact her former university’s international office — they may assist with local coordination or provide proof of enrollment and residence history.
If she studied under a student visa (X visa), providing a copy of the admission letter and residence permit from that time will help verify her stay.
Ensure all authorization documents are translated into Chinese and properly legalized before submission.

In summary, the best path for your son’s fiancée is to authorize someone in China to apply through the PSB of the city where she studied. With the necessary passport copies, school records, and notarized authorization, she can obtain the required police clearance certificate for her U.S. visa application. Using a reliable agency can simplify the process and ensure the certificate is properly legalized for use abroad.

Getting a police clearance record in China

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