r/canadaguns • u/yeezyXgym • Apr 03 '26

Application / Regulation advice Permanent Resident (UK to Canada)

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are planning to apply for our PAL. She’s Canadian and I’m British with a PR status, moved to Canada in October 2024 (expat).

I understand that since I’ve lived in Canada for less than 5 years, I’ll likely need to provide a UK police certificate (ACRO).

A few questions for anyone who’s gone through this as a PR:

Has anyone applied as a PR with less than 5 years residency?

Did RCMP require a recent ACRO or accept older ones (mines dated 2024)?

Anything specific with references/background checks as a newcomer?

Thanks in advance and thanks for the guidance🙌

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u/Ra1nshad0w Apr 03 '26

Welcome! I moved from Singapore and applied for my RPAL while I was a PR. RCMP asked for a Certificate of Clearance from the Singapore Police Force. For references, I used friends and I don’t believe they need to be in Canada.

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u/yeezyXgym Apr 03 '26

Thank you so much, I’ve reached out to my friends for references, will they need to just write a signed letter that I can attach like with my PR process or will RCMP reach out to them?

2

u/Ra1nshad0w Apr 04 '26

You just fill out their details in the application form. RCMP may or may not reach out to them..

1

u/yeezyXgym Apr 04 '26

Okay I’ll do that, thank you :)