Can someone else collect my Saudi police certificate?

No. IRCC says it will not be given to anyone else; you must collect it in person with your receipt.

I left Saudi Arabia years ago. Do I need a certificate?

If you no longer have legal residence there, IRCC says you are not required to provide one and gives a statement to write instead.

Where do I do an immigration medical in Saudi Arabia?

Only with an IRCC panel physician. In September 2026 the list showed doctors in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Saudi documents for Canadian immigration

Applications from Saudi Arabia combine Saudi documents with home country papers for expats. Three items cause most delays: status documents, certified employment letters and the Saudi police certificate.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated: September 28, 2026

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At a glance

Status documents (non-Saudis)	Copy of iqama and of exit and re-entry visaSource: IRCC Riyadh visa office: Additional document checklist, visitor visa (IMM 5887)
Employment letters	Certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce (Riyadh visitor and study checklists)Source: IRCC Riyadh visa office: Additional document checklist, study permit (IMM 5847)
Police certificate	Criminal Record Certificate from the Criminal Evidence Division, with IRCC facilitation letterSource: IRCC: How to get a police certificate, Saudi Arabia
Panel physicians	Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam (IRCC list, September 2026)Source: IRCC: Panel physician list (Saudi Arabia)

Which status documents do expats in Saudi Arabia need?

A copy of your Saudi residence permit (iqama) and a copy of your exit and re-entry visa. The Riyadh visitor, study and work checklists all ask non-Saudis for proof of current status. If your iqama is close to expiry, renew it before you apply so the officer sees stable legal residence.

What does Chamber of Commerce certification mean for my letter?

The Riyadh visitor and study checklists say employment letters should be certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce. Ask your employer to have the letter certified before you apply, and make sure it states position, salary, length of service, contract dates and approved leave dates.

How does the Saudi police certificate process work?

Wait for IRCC’s request letter, then ask IRCC Riyadh for a facilitation letter through its web form. Take it, your iqama or national ID, and a 4 by 6 cm photo to the nearest Criminal Evidence Division. Your fingerprints are taken, and you must collect the certificate in person.

Do Arabic documents need translation?

Yes. Every Riyadh checklist says any document not in English or French needs a certified translation. Check each page of your status documents, employment letters and academic records, and translate anything that is in Arabic only. Upload the original language version together with the translation, so the officer can compare the two.

Police certificate and documents from Saudi Arabia: FAQ

: No. IRCC says it will not be given to anyone else; you must collect it in person with your receipt.
: If you no longer have legal residence there, IRCC says you are not required to provide one and gives a statement to write instead.
: Only with an IRCC panel physician. In September 2026 the list showed doctors in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Official sources

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This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.