RCMP Criminal Record Checks for Applicants Outside Canada

Please verify that your package contains all of the following before shipping. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.

1. The Fingerprint Forms

• [ ] Original Ink Prints: Physical hard copies only. Forensics Canada Inc. cannot accept scans or photocopies.

• [ ] Standardized Format: Use the RCMP C-216C or FBI FD-258.

• [ ] Official Verification: The form must be signed and stamped by the local police or authorized official who took the prints.

2. Identification (Mandatory)

• [ ] Two Pieces of ID: High-resolution color photocopies of two valid government-issued IDs.

  • One must be a Photo ID (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License).

• [ ] Clear Legibility: Ensure no parts of the ID are cut off or obscured by glare.

3. Application & Authorization

• [ ] Forensics Canada Intake Form: Your completed and signed the CardScan application form.

• [ ] Third-Party Consent: (If applicable) Signed authorization if you want Forensics Canada Inc. to mail your results to a lawyer, employer, or a third party.

4. Payment

• [ ] Proof of Payment: A copy of your receipt or a completed Credit Card Authorization form (if paying via card-on-file).

If the RCMP deems the fingerprint quality too low (unclear ridges or smudging), they will reject the submission. You will need to redo the fingerprinting process and resubmit.

• Pro Tip: To minimize this risk, ensure the technician uses high-quality black ink and that your hands are well-hydrated (not overly dry or sweaty) during the session.

The cost of an international RCMP Criminal Record Check is $150.00 plus applicable taxes.

• No Match Found: If you have no criminal record, the RCMP usually processes the request within 3 to 10 business days once they receive the digital file.

• Match Found/Manual Review: If there is a potential match or a criminal record, processing can take 120 days or more.

  Note: These times do not include the courier time it takes for your ink prints to reach the Canadian agency or for the final certificate to be mailed back to you.

Yes, if you want the results mailed to someone other than yourself (e.g., an employer, a lawyer, or a visa office). You must sign a consent form authorizing the RCMP to release your results to that specific third party

You will need to mail or courier the following documents:

• Two pieces of valid government-issued identification (e.g., passport and driver’s licence). At least one must include a photo.

• One recent passport-size photograph.

• Completed fingerprint forms (C-216).

• Our CardScan application form.

• Credit card authorization form. (If you prefer to use another payment method, please contact us.)

Yes, as long as the agency is authorized to take fingerprints and provides original ink and roll impressions on an accepted fingerprint card.

The RCMP accepts fingerprints taken by:

• Local police services.

• Foreign government departments.

• Embassies or Consulates (Note: Many Canadian embassies no longer provide this service).

• Notaries Public.

• Accredited private fingerprinting companies

No. The RCMP does not accept scanned, emailed, or photocopied fingerprints. Only original ink fingerprint cards sent by mail or courier can be processed.

Yes. The RCMP accepts FBI FD-258 fingerprint cards for applicants outside Canada, provided the fingerprints are taken correctly using ink and roll impressions and the card is submitted in its original form.

• The official RCMP C-216 form.

• The FBI FD-258 form.

• Standard police fingerprint forms from other countries, provided they include the same basic information and a full set of “rolled” and “flat” impressions.

Yes. Forensics Canada Inc. uses “CardScan” technology that can digitize the FBI FD-258 or other international police forms, as long as the layout is standard.

Yes, the RCMP can mail the results to an international address via regular airmail at no extra cost. However, because regular mail is untracked and can be slow, many applicants choose to have the results sent to their Forensics Canada Inc, which then couriers them internationally (for an extra fee).

Yes. “RCMP clearance letter” is a commonly used term for an RCMP Criminal Record Check issued by the RCMP.

Total turnaround time is usually 2 to 4 weeks, factoring in:

1. Time for you to mail your prints to Canada.

2. The 3-10 day RCMP processing window.

3. The return shipping time to your international address.