How to Get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Sydney

Living in Sydney and trying to get a Canadian RCMP Criminal Record Check? Between traffic in the CBD, long commutes to post offices, and confusing international forms, the process can feel like a full-day chore. But what if you could handle everything without leaving your home or office? In this guide, we’ll show Sydney residents how to get an RCMP Criminal Record Check efficiently, why following the right steps matters, and how Globeia brings mobile, accurate, and hassle-free fingerprinting and submission services right to your doorstep.

A Criminal Record Check via the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is an official background check that can be requested through the RCMP's office.  During the Criminal Record check process, fingerprints are searched within the RCMP national database (Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services - CCRTIS) to ascertain whether or not they have a criminal record in Canada.  Because the Criminal Record Check is based on fingerprints, it is the most accurate and internationally trusted form of Canadian background checks.

In general, any applicants from Sydney will likely require a Criminal Record Check for Canadian immigration, work permits, permanent residency, citizenship applications, foreign employment, licensing, and visa renewals, amongst other purposes. The RCMP's process is exclusively digital fingerprint submission through accredited partners, meaning that for applicants anywhere in the world outside of Canada, they will first need to complete ink fingerprints to the appropriate RCMP format (C-216C) and obtain processing of the fingerprint card through a Canadian authorized channel. Thus, confirming the criminal background check is complete through the ink fingerprints taken with the proper procedural standards to comply with Canadian authorities to obtain a valid document duly accepted by Canadian officials.

Many Sydney residents require an RCMP Criminal Record Check for international applications linked to Canada. It’s commonly needed by:

• Canadian Immigration Applicants - Anyone applying for PR, work permits, study permits, or citizenship who has lived in Canada for 6+ months.
• Former Canadian Residents - Expats in Sydney needing proof of a clean record for new visas, renewals, or background screening.
• Professionals Working with Canadian Companies - Engineers, IT specialists, healthcare workers, and contractors securing Canadian employment or remote roles.
• Students Applying to Canadian Universities - Some programs require RCMP clearance for placements, internships, or licensing.
• People Needing Police Clearances for Global Mobility - Applicants for overseas jobs or visas where Canadian authorities request a Canadian police certificate.
• Adoption, Licensing and Legal Purposes - Required by agencies when a Canadian background check is part of due diligence.

Sydney residents have three realistic pathways to obtain an RCMP Criminal Record Check for immigration, employment, licensing, or background verification. While all three methods ultimately route fingerprints to the RCMP in Canada, the ease, accuracy, and processing time vary significantly. Here’s how each option works:

Option 1: Use an Authorized Accredited Service Provider (Most Feasible for Sydney Applicants)

The simplest and most reliable way to get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Sydney is through an authorized accredited service provider. These providers handle everything - fingerprint capture, compliance review, form preparation, courier submission, and digital transmission to the RCMP through accredited Canadian partners.

Option 2: Local Fingerprinting + Submission via a Canadian Partner

This option works when you arrange your fingerprint capture in Sydney and then manually work with a Canadian accredited company to digitize and submit your prints.

How it works:

• Get your fingerprints taken locally (ink-based).
• Mail the C-216C fingerprint card to an accredited fingerprinting company in Canada.
• They convert and submit it to the RCMP on your behalf.

Pros:

• Valid and commonly used by Sydney applicants.
• Cheaper than full third-party services if you already know the process.

Cons / Challenges:

• You must ensure the Sydney fingerprinting provider uses the correct RCMP form.
• Higher rejection rate due to unclear prints or incorrect card types.
• International courier delays can slow down the process.
• No support with paperwork or compliance checks.

This option is workable but requires more effort, understanding, and risk management from the applicant.

Option 3: Direct Application to the RCMP (Not Feasible for Sydney Residents)

-Many applicants assume they can send fingerprint cards directly to the RCMP from Australia but the RCMP does NOT accept direct manual submissions from outside Canada.

Why it's not feasible:

• Sydney residents cannot send ink fingerprints directly to the RCMP.
• RCMP accepts only digital fingerprints, meaning manual prints must be digitized by a certified Canadian partner.
• Without a Canadian intermediary, the RCMP will reject the application.

Challenges:

• No direct submission channel from Australia.
• No technical support or error correction.
• Highest risk of delays, rejections, and lost documents.

This option is usually listed online, but cannot be used directly by applicants living outside Canada.

RCMP criminal record checks are fingerprint-based and require fingerprints completed on the official C-216C form (or a correctly formatted ink card). The RCMP only accepts digitally submitted prints from accredited Canadian partners, so how your fingerprints are captured and handled matters. Always use a trained technician who knows RCMP standards: clear rolled + flat impressions, correct card layout, readable applicant details, and immediate on-site quality checks to avoid rejections.

Example: Providers like Globeia offer mobile and in-office fingerprinting in Sydney with technicians trained to complete C-216C cards correctly, plus on-site retakes and pre-submission quality assurance - lowering the chance of rejection when your prints are converted and sent to Canada.

Step 1: Gather required documents

• Collect your valid photo ID (passport or national ID), any application reference numbers, and proof of purpose (visa request, employer form, etc.). Ensure names and dates match across documents.

Step 2: Choose your application method

• Decide whether you’ll use an authorized accredited company (recommended), arrange local fingerprinting + Canadian partner submission, or attempt mail/courier routes (less reliable from overseas). 
• Note: RCMP requires digital submissions via accredited partners for applicants outside Canada.

Step 3: Schedule fingerprinting

• Book fingerprint capture on the official C-216C form with a trained technician. If possible, use a service that offers on-site quality checks and re-takes so prints meet RCMP standards the first time.

Step 4: Submit your application

• Have your fingerprints digitized and submitted to the RCMP by an accredited Canadian partner. Include all completed forms, ID copies, and payment receipts as required.

Step 5: Track and receive your certificate

• Monitor submission status (many providers give tracking). Once processed by the RCMP you’ll receive the official Criminal Record Check - delivered according to the method you chose (digital copy or mailed certificate).
• Tip: If any step feels complex, an authorized accredited company (for example, Globeia) can handle fingerprint capture, digital conversion, submission, and tracking - reducing errors and speeding up processing.

The processing time for an RCMP Criminal Record Check varies depending on your application pathway and whether your fingerprints pass quality checks the first time. Here’s what Sydney applicants can expect:

• Standard Processing: When submitted through a trusted provider with an accredited Canadian partner, most RCMP checks are completed within 2-3 weeks. This includes the time required for fingerprinting, digital submission, RCMP processing, and delivery back to Australia.

• Applications with a Criminal Record: If the RCMP identifies a possible match to your fingerprints, processing automatically shifts to “manual processing,” which can take up to 120 days (4 months). This timeline is set by the RCMP and cannot be expedited by any provider.

• Delays You Should Be Aware Of - Processing may extend if:

1. Fingerprints are unclear or rejected for quality issues.
2. Incorrect forms or mismatched ID details require resubmission.
3. Shipping delays occur when sending ink cards for digitization.
4. High demand periods (e.g., immigration peaks) increase RCMP queues.

Choosing an experienced provider that performs on-site quality checks, pre-validation of forms, and direct digital submission can significantly reduce the risk of added delays.

• Use accredited third-party services to avoid mailing delays and ensure compliant submissions.
• Get high-quality fingerprints captured to prevent rejection or resubmission.
• Double-check your ID details (name, DOB, address) before submitting.
• Confirm the correct RCMP form requirements for your purpose (immigration, employment, residency).
• Book fingerprinting early to avoid peak-season delays.
• Avoid smudges or ink errors by choosing professional fingerprint technicians.
• Track your application status to catch issues early if using a partner service.
• Prepare all documents in advance to prevent back-and-forth communication.
• Bundle supporting services (apostille, notarization, translations) to save time.
• Respond quickly to any follow-up requests from your service provider or the RCMP.

Getting an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Sydney no longer needs to feel complicated or time-consuming. With the right preparation - accurate fingerprints, complete documents, and choosing the most efficient application method, you can ensure your Canadian background check is processed smoothly and without delays. Whether you’re applying for immigration, employment, licensing, or travel, using an accredited provider can significantly speed up the process, reduce errors, and give you peace of mind. With reliable support, streamlined submissions, and professional fingerprinting options, Sydney residents can now complete their RCMP check with confidence.