Things to Do to Get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from the USA

Sometimes, a document request from Canada can come up even when your current life is based in the United States. It may appear as part of an immigration file, job requirement, licensing process, or legal application, and the wording can feel unclear at first and may confuse many people. 

Are you living in the United States and have been asked to provide Canadian criminal record verification? In most official cases, this means you may need an RCMP Criminal Record Check, issued directly by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This document may be requested for Canadian immigration, permanent residency, study permits, work permits, employment, licensing, adoption, or other legal and official purposes.

An RCMP Criminal Record Check is different from a U.S. local background check or an FBI Identity History Summary Check. It verifies your Canadian criminal record status through the RCMP and is usually based on fingerprints. If you are applying from the USA, your fingerprints must be collected correctly and submitted through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada for processing through RCMP CCRTIS.

In this blog, we’ll explain how to get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from the USA, what documents are usually required, how fingerprint collection works, why submission through an RCMP-accredited Canadian provider matters, and what mistakes applicants should avoid before starting the process.

In Canada, different types of criminal record checks may be requested depending on the purpose of the application. Before applying, it is important to understand which type of check the requesting authority needs. A local employment requirement, a licensing application, and an immigration request may not ask for the same document.

 

Name-Based Check

A Name-Based Check uses personal details such as full name and date of birth to search relevant Canadian criminal record information. It may be used for basic screening purposes, depending on the employer, organization, or authority requesting it.

This type of check is different from a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check. A name-based check may be suitable for some domestic or preliminary screening purposes, but it may not be accepted when the requesting authority specifically asks for fingerprint-based Canadian criminal record verification.

 

Police Information Check or Enhanced Local Checks

Some authorities may ask for a more detailed local or regional check, such as a Police Information Check, Police Vulnerable Sector Check, or a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check, depending on the province, municipality, or purpose of the request.

These checks may include information beyond a basic name-based criminal record search, depending on the type of check and the issuing police service. They are commonly used for employment, volunteering, licensing, or roles involving vulnerable groups. However, they are not the same as a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check and are not be accepted where an RCMP-issued document is specifically required.

 

Fingerprint-Based RCMP Criminal Record Check

A fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check is conducted and issued directly by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It uses fingerprints to verify a person’s Canadian criminal record status through the RCMP.

This check may be requested for immigration, permanent residency, work permits, citizenship, international employment, professional licensing, adoption, legal documentation, or other official purposes where fingerprint-based Canadian criminal record verification is required.

For applicants outside Canada, fingerprints are usually collected on the official C-216C form and then submitted through an RCMP-accredited Canadian provider for digitization and electronic submission to the RCMP. Globeia can help coordinate document review, fingerprint submission through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada, and delivery support once the RCMP issues the official result.

Choosing the right provider for an RCMP Criminal Record Check from the USA is important because the process involves fingerprint collection, document review, Canadian submission, RCMP verification, and final delivery. A good provider can help you understand the requirements, reduce avoidable mistakes, and make sure your fingerprints move through the correct Canadian rcmp accredited company.

Here are some major factors to keep in mind while selecting a platform or provider.

RCMP Accreditation

Choose a provider that coordinates submissions through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada. For Globeia clients, RCMP submissions are coordinated through Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, Canada, which holds RCMP accreditation for electronic fingerprint submission to the RCMP.

This matters because applicants outside Canada cannot submit fingerprints directly to the RCMP on their own. The completed fingerprint documents must be reviewed, digitized, and submitted electronically through an accredited Canadian provider. Working with the right provider helps reduce avoidable issues caused by unclear fingerprints, missing documents, or incorrect routing.

Reputation

Look for a provider with a strong reputation, clear service information, and genuine client reviews. Reviews and testimonials can help you understand how well the provider communicates, handles documents, and supports applicants during the process.

A provider like Globeia can help applicants with fingerprint collection guidance, document review, and coordination with Globeia Incorporated in Toronto for digitization and electronic submission to the RCMP- along with delivery support once the RCMP independently issues the official result.

Cost

Before applying, check the pricing clearly. A reliable provider should show service charges, possible government-related fees, courier costs, and optional add-on services in a transparent way before you confirm your application.

This helps you understand what is included, what may cost extra, and whether the service fits your budget.

Experience

Choose a provider with experience handling RCMP Criminal Record Check applications for applicants outside Canada. The process can involve the official C-216C form, identity documents, consent requirements, courier coordination, digitization, and electronic submission through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada. 

An experienced provider can help you avoid common mistakes and guide you through the process more clearly.

Processing Timeline

If you have a deadline, ask how the provider handles document review, courier coordination, submission updates, and delivery support. However, remember that RCMP processing times are determined entirely by the RCMP.

RCMP processing times range from 3 to 120 days, depending on application volume and individual circumstances. Mailing or courier time is additional, so it is always better to start early if the result is needed for immigration, employment, licensing, study, or legal documentation.

Still trying to understand the process? Browse our blogs for simple and useful guidance. 

The documents required for a Canadian criminal record check can vary depending on the type of check requested. A basic Name Based Check, an enhanced local or regional check, and a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check may each require different identity verification steps and supporting documents. This is why applicants should first confirm exactly what the requesting authority has asked for before starting the application.

For a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check from the USA, applicants generally need fingerprints collected on the official C-216C form, along with valid identification and consent documentation. In most cases, applicants should prepare two valid government IDs, with at least one ID showing the applicant’s name, date of birth, signature, and photo. Photocopies of both IDs may also be required for submission purposes.

Depending on the provider’s application process, applicants may also be asked to upload identity documents, provide a recent photo, complete a consent form, or submit additional details related to the purpose of the request. If the RCMP Criminal Record Check result needs to be sent to an address other than the applicant’s own address, a signed third-party waiver consent form may also be required.

Globeia helps applicants review the required documents before submission coordination, reducing avoidable delays caused by missing IDs, unclear document copies, incomplete consent forms, or mismatched personal details. Once the documents and fingerprints are ready, the submission is coordinated through Globeia Incorporated in Toronto.

To avoid confusion and reduce unnecessary delays, applicants in the USA should understand the type of Canadian criminal record document they need before starting the process. Requirements can vary depending on whether the check is for immigration, employment, licensing, study, volunteering, adoption, or another official purpose.

Applying for the Right Type of Canadian Criminal Record Check

Make sure you are applying for the correct type of check. Some employers or organizations may accept a Name Based Check, while immigration authorities, licensing bodies, or international institutions may specifically ask for a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check.

If the request came from an employer, university, immigration office, or licensing body, review their instructions carefully. If the wording says RCMP, fingerprints, federal check, or Canadian criminal record verification, then a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check may be required.

Having Valid IDs

Make sure your identification documents are valid, clear, and not expired. For a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check, applicants generally need two valid government IDs, with at least one showing the applicant’s name, date of birth, signature, and photo.

If you are uploading scanned copies online, make sure the image is clear, readable, and free from shadows, blur, glare, or cropped edges. Mismatched or unclear ID details may cause delays or requests for correction.

Fingerprints

For a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check, fingerprints are required. Applicants in the USA usually need to have fingerprints collected on the official C-216C form and then submitted through an RCMP-accredited Canadian provider for digitization and electronic submission to the RCMP.

The fingerprints should be clear, complete, and legible. Poor-quality fingerprints may lead to delays, returned submissions, or requests for correction. Using a qualified fingerprint collection provider and right RCMP- accredited company can help reduce avoidable issues.

Filling in the Right Details

Enter your personal details carefully and make sure they match your identification documents. This includes your full legal name, date of birth, contact details, and any information required for the purpose of the request.

Before submitting your application, review all details and correct any spelling mistakes, missing information, or inconsistencies. Even small errors can create avoidable delays once the documents move forward.

Being Aware of Time-Sensitive Requirements

Some applications, especially immigration, employment, licensing, or visa-related submissions, may have strict deadlines. Start early so you have enough time for fingerprint collection, document review, courier delivery where needed, RCMP processing, and final delivery.

For fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Checks, RCMP processing times range from 3 to 120 days and are determined entirely by the RCMP based on application volume and individual circumstances. Mailing or courier time is additional. Using a provider like Globeia can help with document review, RCMP submission coordination through Globeia Incorporated in Canada, tracking for Globeia-handled stages, and delivery support once the RCMP issues the official result.

A Canadian criminal record check may be only one part of a larger application, but it can play an important role in how smoothly that application moves forward. For applicants in the USA, taking the time to understand this requirement early can help avoid last-minute confusion and unnecessary stress. 

Getting an RCMP Criminal Record Check from the USA becomes much easier to manage when you understand the correct process and work through an RCMP-accredited Canadian provider. If you need support with the process, you can get started through Globeia’s online services and follow the required steps with clearer guidance.

Ready to begin your RCMP Criminal Record Check from the USA? Start your application with Globeia today and get guided support for fingerprint review, document preparation, and Canadian submission coordination.