What Is an RCMP Criminal Record Check? | 2026 Guide for International Applicants

Did you know there are different types of RCMP Criminal Record Checks, and the information released can depend on the purpose of your application? For example an RCMP report submitted for permanent residence status is not treated the same way as one requested for foreign travel or employment. 

It is important to understand this distinction before submitting an RCMP Criminal Record Check to an immigration authority, foreign government, employer, or another organization. Apart from the different types, it can also involve different search methods. Also, the RCMP application process adds a few more steps for the applicants requesting from outside Canada, that they find a bit confusing. This guide helps mitigate this confusion with the following information: 

• Types of RCMP Criminal Record Checks
• Who needs it?
• What documents would you require?
• How to get locally fingerprinted for RCMP?
• Step-by-step process to submit an RCMP Criminal Record Check application from Canada and outside Canada.
• How the right professional help can help you manage the entire process more effectively.

An RCMP Criminal Record Check is a search of Canadian criminal record information held in the RCMP’s National Repository of Criminal Records. Depending on the purpose of the application, the check can be conducted using name and date of birth or fingerprints to confirm identity and search for a possible criminal record. Fingerprint-based checks are processed by the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

CCRTIS stands for Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services. This is the particular RCMP service that maintains Canada’s National Repository of Criminal Records, including fingerprint and criminal record information. Fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Checks are processed by CCRTIS. It also verifies the submitted fingerprints against the records held in the national repository.

The CCRTIS process usually works as follows:

• Fingerprints are collected from the applicant and searched with the required identifying information.
• The fingerprint transaction is submitted to CCRTIS by an authorized police agency or an RCMP-accredited private fingerprinting company.
• CCRTIS searches the National Repository to determine whether the fingerprints correspond to an existing criminal record.
• The applicable criminal record check result is issued based on the type and purpose of the application.

The main difference between a name-based and fingerprint-based check is how the RCMP confirms your identity before searching its criminal record information. Here are the key differences you should know:

The RCMP divides Criminal Record Checks into four categories:

How to Confirm Which Type You Need?

Your requesting authority or organisation should specify which category of the RCMP Criminal Record Check applies to your application. Confirm with the authority and only then apply for the report to avoid submitting the wrong results. 

Who Makes the Request for Vulnerable Sector Checks?

The hiring organisation must make the VSC request, not the individual. VSC results are only released to organisations located in Canada. It is an offence under the Criminal Records Act to conduct a VSC for a position that does not meet the legal requirements.

The information that shows up on your Criminal Record Check report varies according to its type and purpose we have discussed above. It is not the same for all applicants. An employment-related check, an immigration check, or a personal use check can have different disclosure requirements. This is why it is crucial to select the correct application type.

It is usually required when a government authority, employer, licensing body, or other organisation specifically asks for proof of your criminal record during your stay in Canada. Here are the conditions when an RCMP Criminal Record Check is asked: 

Canadian Immigration and Citizenship

You may need it when applying for purposes like permanent residence and citizenship. However, the exact requirement depends on the application and the instructions provided by the relevant authority.

Overseas Employment

An employer outside Canada may ask for an RCMP Criminal Record Check if you have previously lived in Canada. This can be particularly relevant for roles subject to professional or regulatory requirements.

Professional Licensing Abroad

Professionals applying for registration or licensing outside Canada may be asked to provide the report from Canada. This can apply to regulated professions such as healthcare, law, finance, engineering, etc., where background screening is a crucial part of the process. 

International Adoption

It can also be required during an international adoption process. The specific documents and type of check depend on the adoption authority and the country involved.

Third-Country Immigration

If you previously lived in Canada and are now applying to immigrate to another country, the destination country's immigration authority may ask for an RCMP Criminal Record Check.

Personal Review

You can also request an RCMP Criminal Record Check for your own use. This allows you to obtain information about your Canadian criminal record for personal, legal, or application-related purposes.

Record Suspension Applications

If you are applying for a record suspension in Canada. Applicants should follow the current application instructions for the required type of check.

What Is The Six-Month Rule? 

Many immigration authorities require an RCMP check only if the applicant lived in Canada for 6 consecutive months or longer. Some employers and licensing bodies require it regardless of residency duration. So, destination countries and requesting authorities have their own rules about when a background check is required. It is important to confirm with the requesting authority. 

Documents Commonly Required for an RCMP Criminal Record Check

Keep from the original outline - but make it specific. Cover:

• C-216C fingerprint card (or RCMP-accepted equivalent)
• Two valid government-issued photo IDs
• Consent form if results are being sent to a third party
• Reason for application
• Payment of $25 CAD federal processing fee
• Any authority-specific forms from the requesting organisation

If you are applying within Canada, your fingerprints can be captured electronically and submitted to the RCMP through an authorised fingerprinting provider.

Where Can You Get Fingerprinted for RCMP in Canada? 

You have two main options: 

• RCMP-accredited private fingerprinting companies in Canada - These providers capture your fingerprints digitally and submit them electronically to CCRTIS.
• Local police services or RCMP detachments - You can also have your fingerprints taken by an authorised police service that offers RCMP fingerprinting. 

Steps to Apply:

1. First, you need to confirm the specific RCMP Criminal Record Check required by the authority.
2. Visit an authorised fingerprinting provider with the required identification and application details. Your fingerprints will be captured electronically for RCMP submission.
3. The authorised provider submits your fingerprints electronically to CCRTIS for further processing.
4. Once processing is complete, the RCMP issues the applicable criminal record check. 

International applicants need to arrange for the relevant RCMP fingerprint card and get fingerprinted locally for submission through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada. 

Where Can You Get Fingerprinted for an RCMP Check Outside Canada?

If you are outside Canada, you can arrange ink fingerprinting locally through these options:

• Local Police Services 

You can contact your local police station or law enforcement agency to check whether ink fingerprinting is available for an RCMP Criminal Record Check.

• Professional Fingerprinting Providers

Another option is private fingerprinting providers who have experience in collecting ink fingerprints for international background checks. Make sure they have the required equipment and can complete the official fingerprint form without any errors or missing details.

• Mobile Fingerprinting Services

Mobile fingerprinting providers, like Globeia can arrange fingerprint collection at a location convenient for you. Globeia provides mobile fingerprinting services in several international locations that helps applicants to complete the fingerprinting stage professionally, without visiting a traditional fingerprinting office.

Steps to Apply for an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Outside Canada

Step 1: Arrange Ink Fingerprinting Locally

After confirming the RCMP Criminal Record Check requirement from the requesting authority, have your fingerprints professionally collected on the required fingerprint form through the selected provider.

Step 2: Send the Original Fingerprint Card to Canada 

The original fingerprinted card must be sent to an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company in Canada, like Globeia Incorporated for submission.

Step 3: Submit the Application to the RCMP 

The RCMP-accredited provider digitizes the fingerprints and submits the application electronically to CCRTIS for processing.

Step 4: Receive Your RCMP Criminal Record Check

After the RCMP completes the processing, the result is issued according to the purpose of the check and the applicable disclosure requirements. 

Challenges Faced by Applicants Outside Canada

The steps may appear simple, but applying for an RCMP Criminal Record Check from outside Canada involves several additional challenges. Since fingerprint collection and RCMP submission take place in different countries, applicants must coordinate each stage carefully.

• Finding a provider that can properly collect ink fingerprints for an RCMP application.
• Ensuring the fingerprint card is completed correctly and meets submission requirements.
• Arranging safe and secure international courier delivery of the original fingerprint card to Canada.
• Avoiding fingerprint rejection caused by poor-quality or incomplete impressions.
• Coordinating the Canadian submission and allowing time for RCMP processing and document delivery.

This is why many international applicants choose Globeia for RCMP Criminal Record Check submission coordination. Globeia helps coordinate the fingerprinting and Canadian submission stages, providing a smooth process for applicants completing their RCMP check from outside Canada.

Step 1: Start Your Application Online

The coordination process can be started online through Globeia SmartForm. Mention all the required details correctly in the form. 

Step 2: Upload Your Identification and Complete Payment 

Upload the required government-issued identification through the SmartPortal and select your preferred result delivery method. You can access your application and payment details through the portal. 

Step 3: Complete Your C-216C Fingerprint Form

Globeia offers professional in-office and mobile fingerprinting services in several locations, check and select the available location to get fingerprinted. If Globeia’s fingerprinting services are not available in your area, you can have your  fingerprints collected locally using the ink-and-roll method on the official C-216C fingerprint form. 

Step 4: Send the Original Fingerprint Form to Globeia

Mail the completed original C-216C fingerprint form to Globeia's RCMP-accredited office in Canada. 

Step 5: Quality Review, Digitisation and RCMP Submission

Once Globeia receives the original fingerprint form, its team reviews the documents for completeness and fingerprint quality. The fingerprints are then digitized and electronically submitted to the RCMP. Usually, the electronic submission is completed on the same day the original package is received at Globeia’s Canadian office. 

Step 6: Track Your Application

The SmartPortal enables you to monitor the application status so that you can follow the process after submission.

Step 7: Receive Your RCMP Criminal Record Check

Once RCMP processing is complete, your results are delivered according to your selected preference, which may include direct RCMP mail, or international tracked courier, or a digital copy through the SmartPortal after the physical certificate has been issued.

There are various factors that affect the complete timeline of your RCMP Criminal Record Check application and results delivery. It does not have a fixed turnaround time. These factors include, the type of check, submission method, fingerprint processing, and whether additional document handling is required.

Majorly, RCMP controls how long it takes to process your Criminal Record Check once your fingerprints are received and accepted. But that is only one part of the overall timeline. Before your application reaches the RCMP, there are several steps you can also control.

For the full timeline and understanding how you can get the RCMP report faster by avoiding mistakes that can delay the overall process, see the detailed guide on How Long Does a Canadian Criminal Record Check Take?

Your RCMP Criminal Record Check report is only useful when it matches the specific requirement behind the request. For applicants outside Canada, the added distance between fingerprint collection and Canadian processing can make the application more difficult to coordinate, particularly when the original fingerprint documents must reach an RCMP-accredited provider in Canada.

Globeia helps bridge this gap by coordinating the fingerprinting and Canadian submission stages through its RCMP-accredited office, with application tracking and result delivery support. Start your RCMP Criminal Record Check with Globeia to begin your application.