Delays & Common Mistakes in Getting Norway PCC: What Indian Applicants Must Know

Getting a Norway Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) can seem straightforward until delays and errors turn it into a stressful experience. For Indian applicants, even small mistakes can lead to weeks of waiting or rejection.

In this blog, we highlight the most common mistakes people make while applying for a Norway PCC and explain the key reasons for delays, especially when applying from outside Norway. Whether you're applying for immigration, work, or higher education, knowing these issues in advance can save you time and trouble.

Why Does the Norway PCC Get Delayed?

Norwegian authorities are strict about documentation accuracy. If any part of your application is incorrect, incomplete, or unverifiable, it will delay the process.

Here are the top reasons why Norway PCC gets delayed, especially for Indian residents:

1. Incomplete Documentation

Many applicants fail to upload all the necessary supporting documents. Missing even a single required file, like a residence permit or old visa stamp, can pause your application indefinitely.

Examples of incomplete documentation:

• No proof of previous stay in Norway (such as a D-number, visa, or residence permit)

• Missing a cover letter explaining the purpose of the PCC

• Unclear or partial scans of passport pages

2. Incorrect Personal Details

Even a small mismatch in your personal details can result in additional verification checks, significantly delaying the issuance of the PCC.

Common mismatches:

• Spelling variations in your name

• Incorrect date of birth

• Passport number typo

• Differences between your past records in Norway and your current passport

3. Wrong Application Category

Applicants often select the wrong category—like "work" instead of "immigration" or "student" instead of "residence." Each type requires different verification steps.

Impact: The application may get routed to the wrong department, causing delays or even rejection.

4. No Valid Proof of Stay in Norway

If you've never stayed in Norway and still apply for a PCC, your request will either be denied or kept pending for clarification. Norwegian authorities require verifiable evidence that you lived or worked in the country.

Valid proofs include:

• D-number or National ID from Norway

• Previous Norway residence permit

• Visa copies with Norway entry/exit stamps

• Job contract or student enrollment letter from a Norwegian institution

5. Ignoring Follow-up Emails

If the Norwegian police request additional information and you fail to respond in time (usually within 7 days), they may suspend or close your application without issuing the PCC.

Solution: Always check your email (including spam folders) after applying and respond promptly to any request.

6. Improper Document Format or Translation

Documents not in Norwegian or English must be translated by a certified translator. Many applicants skip this, assuming that basic translations will work.

Consequences:

• Your application can be marked "incomplete"

• It may go into manual review, delaying the decision by weeks

7. Technical Errors in Submission

Issues like failed uploads, missing fields in the application form, or system timeouts during submission may cause the application to not go through completely.

Tip: Always take screenshots and ensure you receive an acknowledgement after submission.

8. Applying Without a Genuine Requirement

Some Indian applicants submit PCC requests even if they’ve never been to Norway, hoping to "cover all countries" for immigration. Without valid proof, such applications are typically delayed, flagged, or denied.

Most Common Mistakes Indian Applicants Make

Here's a quick checklist of mistakes you should avoid when applying for a Norway PCC:

Mistake Why It’s a Problem

Submitting blurry or cropped scans Leads to rejection or repeat requests

Not providing a cover letter Makes it unclear why you need the PCC

Uploading unrelated documents Wastes time and creates confusion

Mismatched name/passport details Causes verification delays

Selecting the wrong category on the portal Routes the application incorrectly

Ignoring email follow-ups Can result in automatic application closure

Applying without proof of residence High chance of delay or rejection

How to Avoid Delays & Mistakes in Norway PCC Application

Here are expert tips to help you avoid costly errors and speed up the process:

✅ Double-check your passport details for accuracy

✅ Use high-resolution, full-page scans of all documents

✅ Always include a cover letter explaining the purpose of the PCC

✅ Translate any non-English documents via certified agencies

✅ Select the correct application category

✅ Track your email (including spam) for any updates or queries

✅ Only apply if you have a legal reason and a valid past connection with Norway

Final Thoughts

Delays in getting a Norway PCC from India are almost always due to avoidable mistakes, wrong information, missing documents, or failure to prove previous residence in Norway. Understanding the common pitfalls can help you avoid unnecessary stress, especially when deadlines for visas or immigration are tight.

By preparing your documents correctly and following the process accurately, you can significantly reduce the risk of delays or rejection.