Canadian Criminal Record Check in Spain: What You Need to Know

If you are living in Spain and need a Canadian criminal record check for immigration, employment, adoption, or professional licensing, understanding the process before you begin can make a significant difference.

A Canadian criminal record check discloses information about your criminal history in Canada and is widely recognized as the standard for identity verification by Canadian authorities.

The RCMP does not accept fingerprint cards mailed directly from applicants outside Canada. Ink fingerprints must be collected on the official C-216C form and coordinated through an RCMP-accredited office in Canada for submission.

This blog explains the types of Canadian criminal record checks available, how to apply from Spain, and what to expect at each stage. 

Several types of Canadian criminal record checks are available, each designed for different purposes. Understanding which type you need is crucial before starting the application process.

1. Criminal Record Check (CRC)

A criminal record check is a basic criminal history verification in Canada, checked against the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) and local police databases. It may be required for employment, volunteering, or immigration purposes.

2. Enhanced Criminal Background Check

An enhanced police records check is an even broader examination of a person's criminal past than the Canadian Criminal Record Check (CRC). An enhanced check, such as the Police Information Check (PIC) reveals details about convictions, charges, warrants, and orders of the judiciary from several police databases and management systems.

In addition, conditional or absolute discharges, where a person is found guilty without being convicted of a criminal offense, may be disclosed through a PIC. Depending on the applicable jurisdictional law, non-conviction records (e.g., where charges were dismissed, withdrawn, or stayed) may also be included if considered relevant to the purpose of the background check. Hence, the enhanced check becomes a much more thorough and detailed way to look at someone's criminal history.

RCMP Criminal Record Check

Unlike a name-based check, the RCMP Criminal Record Check relies on fingerprint-based identity verification, making it a more precise and federally recognized form of background screening in Canada. Fingerprints are collected in person on the official C-216C form and must be submitted to the RCMP electronically by an RCMP-accredited company based in Canada. Applicants outside Canada cannot submit directly to the RCMP- the completed fingerprint form must first reach an accredited Canadian company, which handles digitization and electronic submission on the applicant's behalf. The RCMP then independently verifies the submission against Canada's National Repository of Criminal Records and issues the result directly.

This check is a standard requirement across a range of official processes including Canadian immigration, permanent residency, visa applications, foreign adoption, international work permits, and professional licensing. Where applicable, the result may include criminal convictions, charges reported by other authorities, and outstanding warrants.

Here is how to apply for a Canadian criminal record check from Spain with Globeia's support. 

Step 1 - Determine the Required Type of Check 

Confirm which type of Canadian criminal record check is required for your purpose, whether it is employment, immigration, or other legal reasons. The requesting authority will usually specify which type is needed.

Step 2 - Gather Your Documents 

Two valid government-issued IDs are required; at least one must include your name, date of birth, signature, and photo. Photocopies of both IDs are required for submission purposes. You will also need to provide details about the purpose of your criminal record check.

Step 3 - Ink Fingerprint Collection 

Globeia's trained associates collect ink fingerprints at your preferred location in Spain on the official C-216C form. The CCRTIS-approved consent form is provided by Globeia at the time of your appointment.

Step 4 - Coordination With Globeia Incorporated in Toronto

Completed fingerprint forms are mailed to Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, which holds RCMP accreditation to digitize and submit fingerprints electronically to the RCMP. The RCMP independently verifies the submission and issues the criminal record check directly. 

Step 5 - Processing and Delivery 

Processing times range from 3 to 120 days and are determined entirely by the RCMP. Mailing time is additional. Globeia has no control over RCMP processing timelines. Once the RCMP issues the result, Globeia can assist with coordinating delivery to your preferred address in Spain. 

To ensure a smooth application process, keep these important dos and don’ts in mind.

Dos

Verify Requirements: Confirm the exact type of Canadian criminal record check needed with the requesting authority before starting your application.

Use Professional Services: Ensure ink fingerprints are collected by a qualified associate following RCMP submission standards to help ensure your forms are complete and accurate before coordination.

Plan Ahead: Allow sufficient time for processing, especially if applying by mail.

Follow-up: Regularly check the status of your application using the provided tracking tools.

Don’ts

Ensure all sections of your submission are complete and accurate before mailing to the RCMP-accredited Canadian company

Forget Payment Details: Ensure you use an accepted payment method to avoid delays.

Ignore Deadlines: Missing deadlines can disrupt immigration or employment timelines.

Depending on your purpose for obtaining a Canadian criminal record check, you may require additional services.

1. Apostille

If your Canadian criminal record check will be used for official purposes in Spain or another country, it may require an apostille or authentication before it is accepted by the receiving authority. Spain is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, so Spanish authorities typically require an apostille on foreign official documents before recognizing them for legal use. Non-Hague countries may require embassy legalization or consular attestation instead.

Globeia can help coordinate apostille and authentication on your behalf. Please note that Globeia does not directly apostille official government documents and does not perform apostille services on behalf of any government authority. All apostille and authentication requests are submitted by our company to the designated competent government authority on your behalf.

2. Certified Translations

If your Canadian criminal record check needs to be submitted to a Spanish-speaking authority whether for immigration, employment, licensing, or legal purposes, it may need to be translated into Spanish before it is accepted. Many official bodies and institutions in Spain require documents in Spanish, and an unofficial or machine translation is typically not accepted.

Globeia coordinates certified translations prepared to meet Canadian and international authority requirements, making it easier to manage this step alongside your fingerprinting and submission process.

Understanding what can go wrong is just as important as knowing the correct process. These are the most common reasons Canadian criminal record check applications from Spain are delayed or rejected:

• Incorrect forms: Only the official C-216C form is accepted for RCMP submissions. Any variation or unofficial form will result in rejection.
• Poor fingerprint quality: Smudged, faint, or unclear prints are one of the most common causes of resubmission. Ink fingerprints must be captured carefully by a trained associate.
• Missing or incorrect ID: Two valid government-issued IDs are required. At least one must include your name, date of birth, signature, and photo.
• Missing consent form: For RCMP submissions, the CCRTIS-approved consent form is required and must be completed at the time of your fingerprinting appointment.
• Sending directly to the RCMP: The RCMP does not accept fingerprint cards mailed directly from applicants outside Canada. Completed forms must be mailed to an RCMP-accredited company located in Canada.
• Inconsistent personal details: Ensure your full name, date of birth, and signature are consistent across all documents. Even small discrepancies, such as missing middle names or outdated signatures, can delay processing.

Being aware of these common mistakes before your appointment can save significant time and help ensure your Canadian criminal record check application in Spain is as complete and accurate as possible before it reaches Globeia Incorporated in Toronto.

Applying for a Canadian criminal record check in Spain does not have to be complicated. Understanding which type of check is required, gathering the correct documents, and working with trained associates familiar with Canadian submission standards can make a significant difference to how smoothly your application proceeds.

Globeia's trained associates collect ink fingerprints at your location in Spain, in coordination with Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, for RCMP submission. Apostille coordination and certified translations are also available through the same point of contact.

Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, Canada, is accredited by the RCMP to take and submit civil fingerprint verification requests to the RCMP for civil purposes.

Ready to get started? Contact Globeia today to arrange your Canadian criminal record check in Spain.