How do I Give my Fingerprints and Get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Outside Canada?
You can obtain a certified RCMP criminal record check from outside Canada by having your fingerprints taken locally and submitting them through an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company in Canada, such as The Fingerprint Room Inc. We take pride in our Canadian criminal record check services to Canadians and non-Canadians all over the world.
Simply have your fingerprints taken at a local police station or authorized fingerprinting agency in your country of residence. Fingerprints may be taken electronically or on ink fingerprint cards (C-216C). Next, submit your fingerprints to an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting service in Canada. The Fingerprint Room Inc. will digitize and electronically submit them to the RCMP on your behalf. As an accredited fingerprint agency with RCMP direct connect accreditation, our server is connected directly to the RCMP’s CCRTIS database for a more secure and direct electronic submission to obtain the Canadian RCMP criminal record check.
How Do I Apply for a Canadian RCMP Criminal Record Check from Outside Canada?
Living outside of Canada and looking to obtain your Canadian certified criminal record check? Here is the information you need to get started:
First, submit your application online. After applying, email us clear copies of your ID documents and fingerprints. Once reviewed, we will request the original fingerprints by mail. RCMP processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Once completed, your Canadian RCMP criminal record check will be couriered to you with tracking provided.
Still have more questions? See our frequently asked questions below for more details!
Canadian RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check Canada from Abroad
A: Yes, there is no need for you to fly to Canada to get the criminal record check done. We offer online application and all correspondences can also be completed by emails.
A: Step 1: Apply with us online
Step 2: Have your fingerprints taken
Step 3: Scan two pieces of IDs and the fingerprint form to apply@thefingerprintroom.com
Step 4: We will confirm that the fingerprints are taken in correct format
Step 5: Mail original documents to:
1131-11871 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, BC, Canada, V7A 5H5
Step 6: Received your RCMP criminal record check certificate
A: Commonly, police stations or private certified fingerprinting agencies offer fingerprinting service. The fingerprints must be taken in black ink, signed by the official taking your fingerprints and stamped by its agency. In certain countries, these agencies may not offer the signature and stamp. In these cases, alternatively, you can visit Notary Public offices and law firms to have the staff issue you a notarization letter certifying the validity of the fingerprints.
A: Ideally, fingerprints should be taken on the RCMP C216 fingerprint form. We also accept fingerprints taken on the FD258 card and the Australian fingerprint forms. For other fingerprint forms, please email it to us for review and confirmation.
A: The completed fingerprint form must have all fingers rolled (two sets of 10 finger rolls) and two hand flats (two sets of four fingers taken together and two sets of flat thumb prints). Here is a sample of what the fingerprints should look like! If you are doing ink fingerprinting, the ink must be black ink. If you are doing digital fingerprinting, the fingerprints must be printed out onto a paper form. Both ink and digital fingerprint forms must have a signature of the officer who took your fingerprints and the stamp of the agency. If there is none, you will need to have your fingerprints notarized.
A: Using our direct connection to the RCMP server, we can digitize your fingerprint directly into the system and submitting them to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).
A: There is NO expiry date for a criminal record check certificate. Instead, there is a time limit on how old the certificate can be until it is rejected from the requesting party/organization.
A: After we process the fingerprints to the RCMP, it will usually take 5 to 10 business days for the criminal record check to be issued at our office if the individual does not have any criminal history in Canada. We will then ship it out with international priority shipping with a tracking number by FedEx or UPS.
A: Depending on when you applied, we may be able to reuse your fingerprints to reissue the RCMP criminal record check certificate. Please contact us for specific details.
A: Definitely! We understand that some clients have lawyers and immigration consultants who deal with their file. Please have it noted under the mailing address section in our application and we will have it shipped to your preferred mailing address by express priority courier and inform you its tracking number.
A: Yes, minors ages 12-18 can obtain an RCMP criminal record check. However, the RCMP check must be mailed directly to the minor’s home address in Canada. Anyone under the age of 12 cannot be fingerprinted and cannot get an RCMP criminal record check.
A: Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) can only be done directly with the RCMP. No third-party agencies in Canada can do a VSC. VSC may be required for certain employment/volunteer work inside Canada, but it is not required for use outside Canada. Instead, a standard RCMP criminal record check is suitable.
Name and Date of Birth Based Background Check
A: For most application involving a federal institution will need a fingerprint-based search. Some examples include study permits, work visa, and immigration purposes. Fingerprint based criminal record check searches for a match in criminal history by fingerprints, whereas the name-based searches for criminal history based on name and date of birth (no fingerprints involved). A name-based criminal record check is mainly requested for private employers and usually cannot be used for government applications.
A: Step 1:Apply with us online
Step 2: Download a CPIC Consent Form
Step 3: Scan your Consent Form and 2 pieces of government issued picture IDs in its original size in a pdf format
Step 4: Send all documents to apply@thefingerprintroom.com
A: The processing itself will take 24 to 48 hours. Please consider additional time for shipping.
A: There is NO expiry date for a name-based check certificate. Instead, there is a time limit on how old the certificate can be until it is rejected from the requesting party/organization.
A: Definitely! We understand that some clients have lawyers and immigration consultants who deal with their file. Please have it noted under the mailing address section in our application and we will have it shipped to your preferred mailing address by express priority courier and inform you its tracking number.
A: No, we cannot assist minors with a name-based check. A fingerprint-based RCMP check is required for individuals under the age of 18.
Canadian Documents Apostille for International Use
A: An apostille is a certification attached to Canadian public documents after they have been authenticated. It may be required when using Canadian documents outside of Canada for purposes such as visas, immigration, or employment. Before January 11, 2024 documents must be authenticated/legalized by the relevant country embassies and consulates in Canada. After January 11, 2024 the apostille replaces this traditional embassy and consulate authentication/legalization procedures, allowing for a simpler and faster international document legalization process in Canada. Apostille, authentication, legalization all have the same meaning.
A: Apostilling a Canadian document (e.g., a RCMP criminal record certificate) is often a requirement when applying for another country’s visa, immigration, or employment. Applicants should confirm with the visa center or your immigration consultant whether apostille is necessary.
A: Most Canadian documents such as a certified RCMP criminal record check, name-based criminal record check, birth and marriage certificates, post-secondary diplomas, etc. can be apostilled. If you are uncertain whether your document can be apostilled, send us an email and we’ll let you know!
A: Turnaround time can vary depending on the type of document and the country you wish to use the apostille in. Rushed service may be available. Contact us for more information!
A: No, only Canadian documents can be apostilled in Canada.
FBI Criminal Identity History Summary Checks
A: Step 1: Apply with us online
Step 2: Have your fingerprints taken on a FD258 fingerprint card
Step 3: Scan your 2 pieces of government issued picture and the fingerprint form
Step 4: Send all documents to apply@thefingerprintroom.com for review
Step 5: Mail original fingerprints to: #1131-11871 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, BC, Canada, V7A 5H5
Step 6: Received your FBI criminal identity history summary report electronically
A: We require two pieces of government issued IDs in English (one being a photo ID), an original fingerprint form taken on FBI FD258 fingerprint card. If you are American citizen or permanent resident (green card holder), we will need your Social Security Number (SSN).
A: Commonly, police stations or private certified fingerprinting agencies offer fingerprinting service. The fingerprints must be taken in black ink, signed and stamped by the official taking your fingerprints. In certain countries, these agencies may not offer the stamp. In these cases, alternatively, you can visit Notary Public offices and law firms to have the staff issue you a notarization letter certifying the validity of the fingerprints.
A: FBI police report usually takes 7 to 10 business days.
A: No, the FBI report will be available in an electronic PDF form and will be emailed to you.
A: There is NO expiry date for an FBI report. Instead, there is a time limit on how old the document can be until it is rejected from the requesting party/organization.