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/Hot_Cheesecake_905 Apr 03 '26 edited Apr 03 '26

PRs are eligible for a PAL; it should not be an issue.

How long it will take to get your applicable approved, who knows though - could be 28 days, 28 weeks, or ???

With less than 5 years in Canada, you do need a letter of good conduct from the UK.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants

I would just a new one if it is not too expensive or difficult so it doesn’t hold up your application.

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u/yeezyXgym Apr 04 '26

My friend suggests I get a new one just to be safe to prevent further delays