Can I Get a Vulnerable Sector Check from Outside Canada?

If you’re working or volunteering outside Canada in a setting where elderly and/or minors (vulnerable persons) are present, your organization may ask you to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) from Canada. However, the RCMP and local police services will not provide a VSC for employment/volunteering purposes outside Canada. A regular, standard Canadian RCMP certified criminal record check is sufficient.

On the other hand, if your employment/volunteer is for inside Canada, you will often be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check. However, no private agencies in Canada can obtain this check; only the RCMP or local police services within Canada such as the BC Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP).

What Is A Vulnerable Sector Check?

A Vulnerable Sector Check (also known as Level 3 check) is a specialized type of criminal record check conducted only by RCMP and local police services inside Canada. It goes beyond a standard criminal record check by verifying if an individual has any record suspensions (pardons) for sexual offences.

Why Can’t You Get a Vulnerable Sector Check from outside Canada?

Unlike a standard RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check, which can be processed through accredited fingerprinting companies like The Fingerprint Room Inc., a Vulnerable Sector Check:

• Must be requested in person, through your local police service in Canada
• May require proof of address in the community where you live
• Involves checks that are not accessible through national RCMP databases alone

What If You’re Outside Canada?

If you’re abroad and an organization requests a vulnerable sector check, you have a couple of options:

1. Provide a standard RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check — this is often accepted and suffice for foreign visa, immigration, employment, or volunteer purposes
2. Explain to the requesting organization that obtaining a vulnerable sector check is not possible if the applicant is not physically in Canada

Should you have any questions about a Vulnerable Sector Check, please feel free to email us at contact@thefingerprintroom.com or check out our website at www.thefingerprintroom.com. You can also call our office at 604-447-2485 during our business hours (Monday – Friday, 9am-5:30pm except statutory holidays).