How to Get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Saudi Arabia: Complete 2026 Guide

The process of getting an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Saudi Arabia can be a bit confusing. It is even more challenging for applicants who need this certificate for immigration, overseas employment, or professional licensing, as these applications come with strict timelines. Getting your RCMP Criminal Record check in Saudi Arabia involves dealing with different authorities, preparing the correct fingerprint documents, and arranging their submission to Canada. Using the wrong fingerprinting route or submitting incomplete documents can result in delays and may require the process to be repeated.

The Canadian Embassy in Riyadh does not provide RCMP fingerprinting services, and not all local services are experienced with RCMP submissions. However, partnering with a reliable fingerprinting company, like Globeia, who also connects you with the RCMP-accredited company in Canada - Globeia Incorporated, can make the entire process much easier.

Many applicants get confused about who actually issues an RCMP Criminal Record Check, especially when applying from outside Canada. The fingerprints may be collected in Saudi Arabia, but the criminal record check itself is processed and issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) through its Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

Once the fingerprints are collected, you need to complete the card along with all the required documents to an RCMP-accredited company in Canada for electronic submission to the RCMP. The Canadian company then facilitates the submission.

If you are someone who has previously lived in Canada or a Canadian citizen now based in Saudi Arabia, you may be asked to provide an RCMP Criminal Record Check for an international application. Here are the most common situation when this document is asked:

• Saudi Employment and Work-Related Application

Some Saudi employers may request for a criminal background as part of their hiring or compliance procedures. Saudi employment rules require non-Saudi workers to meet the applicable work and professional requirements, and an RCMP Criminal Record Check can be one of them.

• Professional Licensing in Saudi Arabia

Professionals moving to Saudi Arabia may also need to provide background and qualification documents when applying for employment and professional authorization. This can be particularly relevant for Canadian professionals applying for regulated roles in Saudi Arabia, where additional documentation may be required beyond the standard employment process. 

• International Applications Submitted From Saudi Arabia

An RCMP Criminal Record Check may also be required when a Saudi Arabia-based applicant is completing an international application that specifically asks for a background check because of their previous residence, employment, or study in Canada.

Look for these characteristics before partnering with a fingerprinting provider in Saudi Arabia for your RCMP fingerprinting:

• Can complete the correct RCMP fingerprint card

Must confirm their previous experience with RCMP Criminal Record Check fingerprinting. They should understand the official guidelines and take impressions on the specific form needed for your application. Using the wrong card can delay the application.

• Knows the difference between Saudi biometrics and RCMP fingerprints

Fingerprints collected for Iqama, Absher, immigration, or other Saudi government purposes are different from the requirements for an RCMP submission.

• Checks every impression before finalizing the card

Ask whether the associate reviews all fingerprints for clarity during the appointment. A poor impression discovered after the card reaches Canada can force you to begin the entire process all over again.

• Completes the fingerprinting official's section correctly

The card may require details and a signature from the person who took the fingerprints. Confirm that the provider will complete all relevant sections.

• Provides the original physical fingerprint card

Confirm that you will receive the completed original document needed for the RCMP submission. A scan or photograph is not a substitute when the original fingerprint document is required.

• Can arrange delivery to Canada

The Canadian submission happens separately. So, you must ask who will receive the original card in Canada and how it will be sent from Saudi Arabia. Also, confirm if they have strong links to an RCMP-accredited company in Canada.

• Provides a clear breakdown of the service

Confirm what is included in the quoted price. Fingerprint collection, card, quality review, courier to Canada, Canadian submission, and any additional services should be clearly distinguished.

The process begins from fingerprinting collection in Saudi Arabia and leads to submission through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Confirm the RCMP Criminal Record Check Requirements 

First, you need to confirm whether you really need an RCMP Criminal Record Check and what the receiving authority requires. 

2. Get Your Fingerprints Collected in Saudi Arabia 

Arrange an experienced local fingerprinting provider and have your fingerprints taken on the required RCMP fingerprint card. 

3. Complete the Fingerprint Documentation 

The fingerprint card and applicant information must be completed accurately. Details such as your personal information and the information of the person taking your fingerprints should be checked before the original documents are mailed to Canada. 

4. Send the Original Fingerprinted Documents to Canada

Now the completed documents need to reach Canada for further processing. This is an important step for applicants in Saudi Arabia as both fingerprinting collection and submission is happening in two different countries. 

5. Electronic Submission to the RCMP 

Your fingerprinting provider should be able to help you connect to an RCMP-accredited company in Canada where your fingerprints are digitized. The application is submitted electronically to the RCMP. It must include the required information and applicable processing fee. 

6. RCMP Processing 

Once your documents and prints are submitted through the RCMP-accredited company, the RCMP processes the fingerprints through its criminal record check system. The final report is issued by the RCMP based on the search results.

7. Receive and Use the RCMP Result 

Once the RCMP completes the check, the result is provided for the applicant to use with the authority that requested it. If authentication, apostille, legalization, or translation is required, those steps should be handled according to the requirements of the receiving authority.

Globeia understands and resolves the main challenge of Saudi Arabia RCMP applicants - coordinating fingerprinting locally and international RCMP submission. It connects these stages through Saudi Arabia fingerprinting service and RCMP-accredited Canadian operation:

Step 1: Apply Online Through SmartForm

Begin the RCMP application through Globeia's online platform and provide the required applicant information and documents.

Step 2: Complete C-216C Fingerprinting in Saudi Arabia

Globeia’s mobile fingerprinting services enable you to get fingerprinted at the time, location, and day of your choice. You would not have to travel anywhere to get fingerprinted for your RCMP application.

3. Submit the Required Documents

Provide the identification and other documents required for the application, usually two valid photo IDs, a recent passport-size photograph, and a third-party consent form where applicable.

4. Send the Original Fingerprint Cards to Canada

After fingerprinting, send the completed original fingerprint cards by mail or courier to Globeia's Canadian office for the next stage of the process.

5. Globeia Coordinates the RCMP Submission through - Globeia Incorporated

Once the original documents are received in Canada, Globeia coordinates the further processing and electronic submission through its RCMP-accredited entity - Globeia Incorporated in Canada.

6. Track Your Application

With Globeia’s SmartPortal, you can monitor each stage of the application process.

7. Arrange Additional Documents Services if Required

Based on the purpose of your application, RCMP Criminal Record Check, destination country, or the receiving authority, you may also require additional services, like apostille, certified translation, or legalization. Globeia coordinates with these documents as well.

The real delays in your RCMP Criminal Record Check application can come from issues, like name mismatches, incorrect documents, or sending the original fingerprint cards to Canada incorrectly. Therefore, it is crucial to opt for professional RCMP fingerprinting in Saudi Arabia  and application coordination services right from the beginning.

Start Your RCMP Criminal Record Check Application from Saudi Arabia Today with Globeia’s Professional Coordinator to avoid unnecessary delays and resubmissions.