How to get Canadian Police Clearance from Australia

If you are living in Australia and need a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate, also known as an RCMP Criminal Record Check, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Many people in Australia require a Canadian police check for purposes such as immigration, permanent residency, employment, study, adoption, or international visa applications. Since the process must be completed through the RCMP, it is different from applying for an Australian police clearance.

In this blog, we will explain who needs a Canadian PCC, the documents required, how to get fingerprints taken in Australia, the step-by-step application process, processing times, and the most common mistakes to avoid. We will also give examples of how accredited companies (like Globeia and others) can help applicants in Australia submit their fingerprints securely to the RCMP for faster results.

A Canadian Police Clearance Certificate, more formally referred to as a Certified Criminal Record Check, is an official document produced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It declares whether or not a person has a criminal record in Canada. Unlike regular police checks done at the provincial or municipal level, the RCMP certificate is the only police check in Canada which uses fingerprints and is internationally recognized for immigration, employment, and legal reasons. Once processing is completed, the certificate is printed on RCMP security paper and mailed to the applicant or to the applicant's authorized agency. 

People living in Australia may be asked to submit a Canadian PCC if they previously lived, studied, or worked in Canada or if their application requires a declaration of a clean criminal record from all countries of residence. 

Common scenarios include:

• Immigration: Permanent residency or citizenship applications for Canada or another country.
• Employment: Jobs that require an international background check, especially in sensitive sectors like government, education, and healthcare.
• Visa Applications: Countries such as the USA, UAE, UK, and European nations may request a Canadian police clearance if the applicant spent six months or more in Canada.
• Study Abroad: Universities and colleges sometimes require a criminal record check for students who studied in Canada.
  Legal and Personal Matters: Adoption, volunteering, or legal disputes where proof of good conduct is necessary.

If you are living in Australia and need a Canadian Police Clearance (PCC), it’s important to know that the RCMP does not accept direct mail submissions from overseas. All applications from outside Canada must go through an RCMP-accredited agency that can handle the digital submission of fingerprints. This makes using a third-party service the most practical option for applicants in Australia.

• Direct Application to the RCMP - Not Available

Unlike in Canada, you cannot post your fingerprint form (C216C) directly to the RCMP from Australia. Attempting to do so will usually result in your application being returned unprocessed. The RCMP only accepts fingerprints submitted electronically via accredited service providers.

• Through RCMP-Accredited Agencies

It is recommended and the most common way of getting your fingerprints submitted is through a company accredited to do fingerprinting in Canada. These agencies scan or digitize your fingerprints as a part of the process and submit everything to the RCMP.

There are agencies that are not accredited and just handle the technical submission of documents, while other agencies, like Globeia, do everything from an end-to-end standpoint. This can include things like:

• Coordinating fingerprinting in Australia through local police stations, private agencies, or mobile services
• Checking and preparing all identification and application forms
• Securely submitting your application to the RCMP
• Delivering the certified PCC to you in Australia, sometimes with options for apostille or attestation if needed for international use

• Local Fingerprinting + Partner Submission

An alternative method is to arrange for fingerprints to be taken locally in Australia, and then have the completed fingerprint cards forwarded to an accredited agency in Canada. This is a viable option, it is worth noting that there are risks this approach could face. Specifically in relation to rejections or delays, as any mistakes to the correct fingerprint format as per RCMP requirements will result in issues. 

As a result, many applicants in Australia opt for an agency like Globeia, who can take care of the entire process, ensure that the RCMP fingerprinting requirements are met for you, and submit and return it to you as quickly as is possible.

Obtaining a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate from Australia requires following a clear multi-step process. Here’s a complete guide for applicants:

Step 1: Get fingerprints taken in Australia

• Where to get fingerprints: Applicants can have fingerprints taken at local police stations, private fingerprinting agencies, or RCMP-accredited fingerprinting services. Major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide have multiple accredited locations.

• Fingerprint types:

1. Rolled ink fingerprints: Traditional method using ink and paper, accepted by the RCMP.
2. Digital fingerprints: Electronic scanning that may be faster and less messy. RCMP accepts both, provided the prints meet quality standards.

Tips: Ensure fingerprints are clear, complete, and correctly rolled or scanned, as poor-quality prints can delay the process.

Step 2: Prepare the application package

• Fingerprint form: Complete the official RCMP fingerprint form (C-216C) or the form required by the accredited agency.

• Identification documents: Include copies of government-issued ID such as passport, driver’s license, or national ID. Some agencies may require notarized copies.

• Application forms: Fill in any forms requested by the RCMP or accredited service provider, including purpose of the clearance (immigration, employment, visa, etc.).

• Additional documents: Some applications may require proof of Canadian residency history or a letter explaining why the clearance is needed.

Step 3: Submit your application through an RCMP-accredited agency

• Applicants in Australia must send their fingerprints and documents to a Canadian RCMP-accredited company.

• Submission process:

1. The agency receives your fingerprint card/form and ID documents.
2. They digitize and submit the application to the RCMP electronically.

Benefits: Using an accredited agency ensures faster processing, proper compliance, secure tracking, and minimal risk of rejection.

Step 4: RCMP processes fingerprints and issues the certificate

• Once the RCMP receives your package, they verify your identity using fingerprints and search the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) database.

• Processing times:

1. Typically 2-3 weeks if no criminal record exists.
2. Can take longer if further verification is needed or if records exist.

• Applicants receive a certified criminal record certificate on official RCMP security paper.

Step 5: Delivery of certificate to Australia

• The RCMP certificate is usually mailed directly to the applicant or the accredited agency.

• Delivery options: Standard international mail or express courier for faster receipt.

• Accredited agencies often provide tracking services so applicants in Australia can monitor the status of their certificate until delivery.

If you need a Canadian Police Clearance from Australia, the first step is to have your fingerprints taken. There are several options available depending on your location and convenience:

1. State Police Stations: Most state police departments in Australia provide fingerprinting services for background checks. Examples include:

• Pros: Official, widely recognized, reliable.
• Cons: Appointments may be limited, processing may take longer, and additional steps are required to submit fingerprints to the RCMP.

2. Private Fingerprinting Agencies: Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth have private fingerprinting agencies that can capture both rolled ink and digital fingerprints.

• Pros: Flexible timings, quicker appointments, and professional guidance to ensure quality prints.
• Cons: Additional fees compared to police stations, but often faster and more convenient.

3. Mobile Fingerprinting Services: Some agencies offer mobile fingerprinting, where a certified technician comes to your home, office, or other preferred location.

• Pros: Extremely convenient, especially for busy professionals or corporate groups.
• Cons: Usually higher service cost than visiting a physical location.

Reference Example: Globeia

• Companies like Globeia provide end-to-end fingerprinting services for Canadian police checks in Australia.
• They can collect fingerprints locally, submit all documents to the RCMP, and deliver the certified clearance directly to you, meaning you don’t need to manage the process on your own.
• This option is particularly useful if you want a hassle-free, secure, and fast submission for immigration, visa, employment, or other official purposes.

The time it takes to obtain a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate from Australia depends on several factors, including RCMP processing, mailing times, and whether you use an accredited service.

Typical RCMP Processing Timeline

• Once the RCMP receives your fingerprint submission, the average processing time is 2-3 weeks for applicants with no criminal record.
• If a criminal record exists or additional verification is needed, processing can take longer, sometimes up to 6-8 weeks.

Extra Time for Mailing to/from Australia

• For applicants in Australia, international mailing adds extra time.
• Standard mail may take 1-3 weeks each way, depending on postal services.
• Courier options are faster and more reliable but incur additional costs.

Faster Options via Accredited Agencies

• RCMP-accredited agencies, such as Globeia, can help streamline the process.
• Some services offer online submission platforms (e.g., Globeia SmartForm) that allow you to submit fingerprints and supporting documents securely and digitally, reducing errors and delays.
• Using an accredited agency often saves weeks compared to sending documents directly to Canada, while providing tracking and support throughout the process.

Applying for a Canadian Police Clearance from Australia is not as simple as mailing fingerprints directly to Canada. The RCMP does not accept direct submissions from overseas, which makes using a third-party, RCMP-accredited agency essential.

Key reasons why agencies are crucial:

• Compliance with RCMP Specifications: Accredited agencies make sure that your fingerprints, forms and identification documents are completed correctly and in compliance with all RCMP specifications to ensure you are not rejected or forced to repeat the process.
• Secure and Timely Submission: Agencies can digitize fingerprints and submit them digitally and electronically to the RCMP, saving time and reducing the risk of document loss or delay.
• Full Service Support: Full-service providers like Globeia are able to coordinate local fingerprinting in Australia, take care of all steps to submit your fingerprints and forms and also have your certified PCC delivered directly to you, reducing applicant stress.
• Faster Processing and Tracking: Many agencies provide online access for tracking submissions and certificates, providing results in a shorter timeframe and visibility for when applicants can expect results.

• Submitting Poor-Quality Fingerprints

Submitting fingerprints that are unclear or missing a section is one of the most common errors when applying for a Canadian police clearance from Australia. Dirt or cheap quality fingerprints may result in the RCMP rejecting the submission or requesting that your fingerprints be re-taken. When the correctness of fingerprints is in question, the applicant will face delays. Fingerprints should be taken by a qualified professional that works at a police station, accredited private agency, or mobile fingerprinting technician to meet the needs of the RCMP.

• Using a Name-Based Check Instead of Fingerprint-Based When Required

Many applicants fall under the false assumption that a local or provincial name-based police check is sufficient. Immigration, International Employment, and visa applications only accept a RCMP Criminal Record Check that uses fingerprints for verification. Submitting a name-based police record only will get your application rejected outright or delayed to resubmit for the right check.

• Missing ID Documents

Government-issued identification is required for application for a Canadian PCC. Valid identification includes a passport, driver’s license, and national identification identification. Some agencies may request notarized copies as well. Forgetting to send these identification documents or sending the incorrect identification can delay processing or result in the RCMP rejecting your application. Double-check that all required identification is included and legible.

• Not Allowing Enough Time Before Visa or Immigration Deadlines

The entire process of obtaining a Canadian Police Clearance ,from getting fingerprints taken, sending documents internationally, to RCMP processing - can take several weeks. Many applicants fail to plan ahead and submit their application too close to immigration, visa, or employment deadlines. Starting early ensures there is sufficient time for processing, delivery, and any unforeseen delays, helping you avoid last-minute complications.

Pro Tip: Using an RCMP-accredited agency (for example, Globeia) can help prevent these common mistakes, as they offer professional guidance, document verification, and secure submission directly to the RCMP.

• Ensure fingerprints are clear, complete, and RCMP-compliant to avoid delays or rejections.
• Use an RCMP-accredited agency to handle submission and reduce the risk of errors.
• Double-check that all ID documents and application forms are accurate and included.
• Start your application well in advance of visa, immigration, or employment deadlines.
• Track your submission and delivery to stay updated on your RCMP certificate status.

Obtaining a Canadian Police Clearance from Australia is a critical step for immigration, visa applications, international employment, and other legal purposes. While the process requires careful fingerprinting, document preparation, and submission, using an RCMP-accredited agency ensures your application meets all official standards, reduces the risk of delays, and provides a hassle-free experience. By understanding the correct procedures, available fingerprinting options, and the role of accredited service providers, applicants in Australia can secure their RCMP-certified criminal record check efficiently and with confidence.