Guide To RCMP Criminal Background Check
                      
Guide To RCMP Criminal
Background Check
 
By: Sekcheck Fingerprinting Canada
https://sekcheck.ca
                                                                                         
                                                                                        Address: 255 – 13711 72 Ave, 
Surrey BC V3W 2P2
Phone: +1 866 549 7779
E-mail: [email protected]
Purpose of an RCMP Criminal Background Check
The RCMP criminal background check is used for a variety of 
reasons, including:
 Employment: Many employers require a criminal 
background check to ensure that potential hires do not have a 
criminal record that could compromise the safety and security 
of the workplace.
 Volunteering: Organizations, especially those working 
with vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, require
volunteers to provide a criminal background check.
 Immigration and Visa Applications: When applying for 
permanent residency, citizenship, or certain visas, Canadian 
immigration authorities may require a criminal background 
check to confirm the applicant’s criminal history.
 Adoption: If you are looking to adopt a child, whether 
domestically or internationally, an RCMP criminal background 
check is often required as part of the vetting process.
 Pardons and Record Suspensions: Individuals applying 
for Canada pardon will need to obtain a detailed criminal 
background check.
 Personal Record Check: Individuals may also request a 
criminal background check for personal purposes, to ensure 
that their record is accurate and up to date.
Requirements for Criminal Background Check
To apply for criminal background check in Canada, certain 
documents and information are typically required:
 Government-Issued ID: Applicants need to provide valid 
identification such as a passport, driver’s license, or birth 
certificate to verify their identity.
 Proof of Residency: Some jurisdictions may require 
proof that the applicant resides in Canada, such as a utility bill 
or a government letter.
 Fingerprinting: For certain applications, especially those 
requiring more detailed verification (e.g., immigration), you may
need to submit ink or digital fingerprints. This provides a 
more accurate check and is required when a name-based 
search is inconclusive.
 Purpose of the Check: It’s important to specify why the 
RCMP criminal background check is needed (e.g., 
employment, visa application) because this will determine the 
level of detail required in the check.
Criminal Background Check Process
The process for applying for an RCMP criminal background 
check varies depending on whether you need a name-based 
check or a fingerprint-based check.
Name-Based Criminal Record Check:
 Step 1: Visit an authorized agency, such as a police 
station or a background check service provider like SekCheck.
 Step 2: Provide your government-issued ID and explain 
the purpose of the check.
 Step 3: Your name and date of birth will be searched in 
the RCMP’s Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) 
database.
 Step 4: If no records are found, the check is considered 
clear. If your name matches any records, further verification 
(such as fingerprints) may be required.
Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Check:
 Step 1: Visit a certified fingerprinting agency like 
SekCheck to submit your digital or ink fingerprints.
 Step 2: Your fingerprints will be submitted to the RCMP 
for a comprehensive search in their national database.
 Step 3: The RCMP will confirm whether the fingerprints 
match any criminal records. If no records are found, a 
certificate will be issued stating that the individual has no 
criminal record.
How Much Does Criminal Background Check Cost?
Criminal background check cost depends on the type of check 
and whether fingerprinting is required. Here’s a general 
breakdown:
 Name-Based Criminal Record Check: Fees for this type 
of check typically range from $25 to $50 CAD, depending on 
the provider and the purpose of the check.
 Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Check: The cost 
of fingerprinting services varies, but digital fingerprinting can 
range from $50 to $75 CAD. SekCheck offers affordable digital 
fingerprinting services to assist with RCMP criminal 
background checks.
 Additional Fees: There may be additional fees if your 
fingerprints need to be submitted to other organizations or if 
expedited processing is requested.
Validity of an RCMP Criminal Background Check
How long does criminal background check take depends on
the purpose for which it was requested. In general, these 
checks are considered valid for up to 6 to 12 months from the 
date of issuance. However, some employers or organizations 
may require a more recent background check, particularly if 
there is a gap between the time the check was issued and 
when it is being submitted.
Things to Be Careful About While Applying for an RCMP 
Criminal Background Check
When applying for an RCMP criminal background check, there 
are several important things to be mindful of:
 Accuracy of Information: Ensure that the personal 
information you provide, such as your name, date of birth, and 
identification, is accurate. Any discrepancies could delay the 
process or result in an incomplete check.
 Ensure Fingerprinting if Required: For certain 
applications, such as immigration or adopting a child, a 
fingerprint-based check is mandatory. Failure to submit 
fingerprints when required will result in delays.
 Know the Purpose: Clearly state the reason for the 
criminal background check when applying. Different purposes 
(e.g., employment, volunteering) may require different levels of 
scrutiny.
 Check Processing Time: The processing time for a 
name-based check is usually much quicker than for a 
fingerprint-based check. If you need the check for a time-
sensitive matter, such as a job offer, plan ahead.
 Avoid Expired Background Checks: Make sure the 
background check is recent enough to be accepted by the 
requesting organization. Many organizations will not accept 
background checks that are older than six months.
 Hire a Reliable Service Provider: Choosing a reputable 
agency can ensure that your application is handled correctly, 
efficiently, and in compliance with RCMP regulations.
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