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RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check For Canadian Citizenship
Canadian citizenship applicants may be required to submit RCMP-certified criminal record checks as part of the application process. Depending on what kind of application you send in, you may have to meet different requirements. For example, you might be told to wait until the department asks for these instead of sending them with your initial application.
How Does It Work?
Upon arrival, our expert staff will guide you through the fingerprinting process using our state-of-the-art LiveScan digital fingerprinting technology. This process is quick, accurate, and ensures high-quality fingerprint images.
After capturing your fingerprints, we electronically submit them to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real-Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) database. This is typically done within 72 hours of your appointment.
Processing by RCMP
The RCMP reviews your fingerprints against their national criminal records database. This process can take approximately four weeks but may extend up to 120 days in some cases, especially if there are criminal records or name matches.
Receiving Your Results
Once processed, the RCMP will mail the certified fingerprinting results to your designated address or a recipient of your choice through Canada Post's regular mail service.
Please Note: The processing times are approximate and can vary based on the RCMP's current workload and other factors.
What to bring to a Canadian Citizenship Fingerprint Certification?
For your fingerprinting appointment, please bring the following items:
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A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver's license).
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Any other documents required for your specific application.
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Your name and date of birth for the fingerprinting process.
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Any request letter/ email/ instructions from the requesting organization regarding your RCMP background check.
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Why Choose VS Fingerprinting Inc.?
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RCMP-Accredited Services
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) accreditation is a testament to our professionalism and the trust placed in us by Canada's most respected institutions like IRCC and CCRTIS.
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Cutting-Edge Technology
Our agency is equipped with state-of-the-art LiveScan digital fingerprinting technology, enabling us to electronically submit fingerprints to the RCMP database within 72 hours.
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Fast Turnaround Time
Our efficient workflow enables us to provide the certified fingerprinting results within approximately four weeks* through secure Canada Post mail, without compromising on quality or accuracy.
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Commitment to Confidentiality
We follow stringent confidentiality protocols and comply with all applicable privacy regulations to ensure that your personal information is always protected.
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Local Expertise
Located in Mississauga, we can conveniently serve clients from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Our location makes it easy for residents in and around the GTA to access our top-notch fingerprinting services.
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Customer Satisfaction
We ensure that every client receives personalized attention and guidance throughout the fingerprinting process, making it as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
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What is Digital Fingerprinting?Digital fingerprinting is the electronic capture of a person's fingerprints via an optical scanner at a capture station. The scanned fingerprints, along with the application details are then formatted into a standardized electronic package that is attached and emailed via a secure link directly to the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Information System (CCRTIS). CCRTIS compares the fingerprint package against the RCMP's criminal record database. If no record is present, the RCMP will issue a certificate indicating a clear record. If the applicant does have a criminal record this will be indicated in the results.
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Who needs to be fingerprinted in Canada?Those seeking employment with certain corporations and agencies Applicants for foreign travel, passports, work permits, visas and US waivers Citizenship, permanent residence and immigration applicants International adoption applicants Security license applicants volunteers
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How long will it take for digital fingerprints to be processed by the RCMP?If the applicant does not have a criminal record and has never been fingerprinted for a criminal offence in Canada, the RCMP will make every effort possible to process the request within 72 hours of receiving the electronic submission. This means that the RCMP will put the results in the mail for mailing back to the applicant or third party within 72 hours. In view of this, please ensure sufficient time is allowed for receipt of the results in the mail before commencing inquiries about the status of fingerprint records. If a criminal record is encountered during the verification process, processing will be increased to 120 days.
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Can all applicants choose digital fingerprints?Digital fingerprinting is available to most applicants for the majority of application types. However in some cases, e.g., submissions to the FBI, applicants may not use digital fingerprinting. For these situations we offer traditional ink and roll fingerprinting. Our fingerprinting professionals can advise you on whether you may opt for digital fingerprinting or if you must use ink and roll fingerprinting.
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How can I find out about the status of a submission once it has been sent to the RCMP?Once VSFingerprinting submits your fingerprints electronically you will receive confirmation via e-mail (if an email address is provided on your application) that your fingerprints have been successfully received by the RCMP. If you require further information or have questions regarding your fingerprints you can contact the RCMP Civil Fingerprint Screening Services via email at civilnps@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
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How long will it take for my fingerprints to be taken?Our digital process is fast, efficient and clean. A complete fingerprint session normally takes approximately 15 minutes to complete
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How are my results obtained?Each applicant's criminal record verification results can be sent directly to the individual or to a designated third party, such as an employer, immigration or pardon agency. If an applicant is under the age of 18 their results must be returned directly to the home address of the applicant. Please ensure that all of the address information for the applicant or third party is readily available during the application process.
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Can I get a copy of my application?All applicants can receive a true copy of the digital submission to the RCMP. An additional charge may apply.
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What identification do I need to bring with me to my appointment?You must provide two pieces of valid government-issued identification, at least one of which must be a photo ID. The following types of identification are acceptable: Passport Citizenship card or document Immigration document (student visa, work visa, landing papers) Birth certificate Driver's license Permanent Resident Card or Record of Landing for citizenship applicants Government ID (if you are employed by a Federal or Provincial branch of the government) Health card with photo (please note not all provinces accept health cards as valid government-issued ID. Please refer to provincial regulations or call the office nearest to you.
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Should I bring anything else with me to my appointment?Please note that it is recommended that applicants have with them any letter or file number provided by the requesting agency (if applicable). All digital fingerprinting requests for Canadian Citizenship must include a letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This letter must include the address for third party results submissions and should have a CIC file number. Please ensure this letter is available during your fingerprinting session.
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Can all applicants choose digital fingerprints?Digital fingerprinting is available to most applicants for the majority of application types. However in some cases, e.g., submissions to the FBI, foreign police clearances, applicants may not use digital fingerprinting. For these situations we offer traditional ink and roll fingerprinting. Our fingerprinting professionals can advise you on whether you may opt for digital fingerprinting or if you must use traditional ink and roll fingerprinting.
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Will the RCMP accept my inked fingerprint card if electronic fingerprinting is not available where I live?No. The RCMP is now mandating that all fingerprint submissions to the national fingerprint database be made electronically. Unless you fall under one of the special categories (i.e. under the age of 18, applying for certain high level Canadian security clearances, electronic submission has failed) your inked fingerprint cards will be returned to you unprocessed. We can help you convert your inked fingerprint cards into an electronic file for submission to the RCMP if you are out of the country, are unable to make it into a facility with a digital fingerprint scanner or if your electronic fingerprint submission has failed. Please contact us for information regarding electronic processing of inked fingerprint cards.
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My electronic fingerprint submission failed. Now what?If you have had your fingerprints processed electronically in one of our offices and the submission to the RCMP has failed due to damaged or low quality prints, you will be required to provide proof of a failed electronic submission along with your inked fingerprint card. Our fingerprint solution allows us to identify fingerprints that are at a high probability of failure in real time. Once poor quality fingerprints are identified our technicians will offer to process you on a traditional ink and roll fingerprint card and will keep this physical card until the RCMP provides us with notification that the electronic submission has failed. Once we receive the failure notification from the RCMP are able to mail your physical fingerprint card along with a copy of your failed electronic transaction record.
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How long will it take for ink and roll fingerprints to be processed by the RCMP?If the applicant does not have a criminal record and has never been fingerprinted for a criminal offence in Canada, the RCMP will make every effort possible to process the request within 120 days of receiving the inked fingerprint card. This means that the RCMP will put the results in the mail for mailing back to the applicant or third party within 120 days. In view of this, please ensure sufficient time is allowed for receipt of the results in the mail before commencing inquiries about the status of fingerprint records. If a criminal record is encountered during the verification process, processing will be increased beyond the 120 days.
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How can I find out about the status of a submission once it has been sent to the RCMP?Once we submit your fingerprints to the RCMP we have no further insight into their status or estimated processing time. If you require further information or have questions regarding your fingerprints you can contact the RCMP Civil Fingerprint Screening Services via e-mail at civilnps@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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How are my results obtained?Each applicant's criminal record verification results can be sent directly to the individual or to a designated third party, such as an employer, immigration or pardon agency. If an applicant is under the age of 18 their results must be returned directly to the home address of the applicant. Please ensure that all of the address information for the applicant or third party is readily available during the application process.
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What identification do I need to bring with me to my appointment?You must provide two pieces of valid government issued identification, at least one of which must be photo ID. The following types of identification are acceptable: Passport Citizenship Card or Document Immigration Document (Student Visa, Work Visa, Landing Papers)
Cancellation Policy
To cancel or reschedule, please contact us at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. A $30.00 cancellation/reschedule charge will apply for every cancellation or rescheduling.
To make any changes to your appointment - please call +1-416-553-9907