Applying for an RCMP Check from Australia: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Previously lived in Canada for more than six months and now residing in Australia? Applying online from down under can seem overwhelming if you find yourself needing a Canadian criminal record check. But don't worry. This guide simplifies the application process for you, outlining the steps involved and common mistakes that you must avoid to get your RCMP check faster.

An RCMP clearance is one of the chief requirements that you will need to fulfill when moving to Australia. Starting from police clearance for the Australian visa to finding work, registering your marriage, or getting admission to an educational institute.  

Your RCMP check will help prove to Australian authorities that you have not been a part of any criminal activities in any of the Canadian provinces or territories. Employers also need to see your RCMP check to verify your background before offering you a job. Similarly, Australian colleges and universities ask for RCMP checks from applicants who are applying from Canada.  

Here are some common RCMP check mistakes that most applicants make and you can avoid:

Not Double Checking Your Information 

The RCMP check process revolves around your accurate details as they are used to check your background, along with your fingerprints. The C216C form has a personal information section that must be accurately filled out and sent to an accredited fingerprinting agency. RCMP also requires your complete current address for mailing the results of the background check to you. Avoid overwriting and use a new form if you make any mistakes.     

Improperly Filling Out The Fingerprint Form

The RCMP will run your fingerprints through their Criminal Record Identification System to check for any matches. This is why the fingerprint form is the most important part of your application, as it also serves as your cover letter detailing the reason for obtaining the background check. 

Always choose a professional fingerprinting facility near you to ensure that there are no mistakes during the ink and roll fingerprinting process. The Australian police offer fingerprinting services for a fixed fee and they can also help you fill out the rest of your form. We recommend checking to make sure that the police officer or fingerprinting specialist taking your fingerprints has signed and stamped the form with their organization’s seal. This information is required by the RCMP as it helps them ensure that a recognized Australian authority has completed the fingerprinting part of your application.  

Choosing An Inexperienced Canadian Company

Inexperienced companies might not have the necessary knowledge and expertise to fulfill the RCMP’s SOP for background check fingerprinting. This can lead to delays in processing due to errors in application submission or improper handling of the required documentation.

Customer support is also an important factor, as you need a service that communicates with you throughout the application process. You must choose an accredited company that knows how to promptly answer your inquiries and also provides timely assistance with troubleshooting any issues that may arise during or after fingerprint submission.

Apostille verification of your RCMP check is required in some cases especially when you are planning to stay in Australia for an extended period of time. A Canadian apostille certificate will legalize your RCMP check for background verification by the Australian immigration department and any private organizations to which you choose to apply. 

However, not all situations require you to submit your apostilled RCMP check in Australia. A simple solution is reaching out to the authority that has requested your RCMP check and asking them about their apostille requirements. You can head over to the Globeia portal and choose Canada Apostille service if they request that you submit your RCMP check with an apostille certificate.    
 

Globeia is a professional fingerprinting service in Toronto, accredited by the RCMP to receive fingerprints for background checks. Over 400 5-star reviews and hundreds of client success stories from around the globe are a testament to our commitment to offering reliable and convenient identity screening services. 

Getting your background check delivered in Australia begins with the simple step of creating your Globeia portal account. It’s easy, simple, and free. You can create your account in 2 minutes and start your RCMP check application from Australia. We will ask you for some details based on the RCMP’s requirements and help you download the fingerprinting form for ink and roll impressions. You can mail the form, along with the rest of the required documentation, to our address which is also provided in your portal. Feel free to send a message to our customer support team for assistance with completing your C216C form or any other part of your application.