What is the difference between digital fingerprinting and traditional ink & roll fingerprinting?

Digital fingerprinting is completed using an electronic scanner and submitted directly to the RCMP (CCRTIS) on the same day, making it faster, cleaner, and the preferred method for Canadian immigration, citizenship, employment, and record suspension applications.

Ink & Roll fingerprinting is done using ink on paper fingerprint cards (such as FD-258) and is typically required for FBI background checks, foreign police clearances, and certain out-of-country licensing. These cards must be mailed by the applicant or requesting agency, so processing times are longer.