Private fingerprinting agencies cannot speed up the internal RCMP processing queue for your Record Suspension. While they can transmit your fingerprints to Ottawa electronically in seconds, if you have a criminal record, the RCMP will still take up to 120 days to manually process and mail your official background check.
Debunking Myths About Expedited RCMP Background Checks
When applying for a federal Record Suspension in Canada, the very first step is obtaining your certified criminal record from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). 🔍 Many applicants living in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary see advertisements from private fingerprinting agencies promising “expedited” or “fast-track” processing. These marketing claims can be highly misleading, causing unnecessary confusion and frustration for Canadians trying to clear their names.
It is critical to understand the difference between the submission method and the actual background check process. A private agency that is accredited by the RCMP uses advanced digital scanners to capture your biometrics. They do provide a faster service than the old-fashioned ink-and-roll method by sending your file securely and instantly to the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) database in Ottawa. However, once the file hits the federal server, the agency’s job is completely finished.
If you have a criminal history-which is guaranteed if you are applying for a pardon-the RCMP must manually verify every detail of your indictable offence or summary conviction. 💼 No private company, law firm, or local police station can force the RCMP to jump you to the front of this manual queue. Working with a reputable agency ensures your application is formatted perfectly to avoid rejections, but it does not buy you VIP processing speed.
Step-by-Step Process for Fingerprinting in Canada
Whether you reside in Winnipeg, Montreal, or Halifax, the procedure to secure your official RCMP background check for the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) follows a strict national standard.
Step 1: Locate an RCMP-Accredited Agency
You cannot simply go to any private business to have your fingerprints taken. The agency must be officially accredited by the federal government. You can find a list of approved providers on the official RCMP website. Many local police stations also offer this service, but private agencies often have faster appointment availability.
Step 2: Bring Proper Identification and Documentation
When you arrive for your appointment, you must clearly state that the reason for the background check is to apply for a Record Suspension. 📄 This ensures the correct federal code is used. You must present two pieces of valid, government-issued identification, such as a provincial driver’s licence and a Canadian passport. Health cards are generally not accepted as primary ID in most provinces.
Step 3: Digital Biometric Capture
The technician will use a live-scan machine to digitally record your fingerprints. This process takes less than ten minutes. The digital file is then securely encrypted and transmitted directly to the CCRTIS system in Ottawa. The agency will provide you with a Document Control Number (DCN) receipt, which you should keep for your records.
Step 4: The RCMP Processing Queue
This is where the waiting begins. 🕐 Because your fingerprints will match an existing criminal file in the CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) system, the automated computer system will flag your application for a manual review. An RCMP officer will pull your paper and digital files, verify all past convictions, and print a formal certificate detailing your entire criminal history.
Step 5: Receiving Your Certified Record
The RCMP does not email certified criminal records. The official, stamped document will be mailed via Canada Post directly to your home address, or to your lawyer if you have authorized a legal representative. You must include this original physical document in your final application package to the Parole Board of Canada.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Acquiring your RCMP background check involves two separate fees: the private agency’s service fee and the federal government’s processing fee. Here is what you can expect to pay in CAD:
- Agency Service Fee: Most private fingerprinting agencies charge between $50 and $100 CAD for capturing and submitting your biometrics.
- RCMP Federal Fee: The government charges a mandatory $25 CAD processing fee for certified criminal record checks.
- Total Estimated Cost: You will generally pay between $75 and $125 CAD at the agency counter, as they collect the federal fee on behalf of the RCMP.
Comparing Digital vs. Ink-and-Roll Fingerprints
Understanding why digital submissions are preferred can save you months of delays. 📍 Here is a comparison of the two methods.
| Feature | Digital Live-Scan (Accredited Agency) | Traditional Ink-and-Roll (Paper) |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Time | Instant electronic transmission to Ottawa. | Requires physical mailing via Canada Post. |
| Rejection Rate | Extremely low. The machine verifies print quality instantly. | High. Smudged ink often results in the RCMP rejecting the card months later. |
| RCMP Processing Limit | Up to 120 days for files with a criminal record. | Can exceed 120 days due to manual data entry requirements. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The actual appointment at a local agency in Edmonton or Toronto takes about 15 minutes. 📅 However, the RCMP processing times are out of your control. If no criminal record is found (which is not your case if you need a pardon), it takes 3 business days. Because you have a record, the RCMP publicly states it takes up to 120 business days to process and mail the certificate. Do not panic if you do not see the envelope for three to four months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I pay a premium fee to jump the RCMP queue?
Absolutely not. The RCMP processes all background checks on a first-come, first-served basis. Any private agency claiming they have a special relationship with the federal government to bypass the queue is not telling the truth.
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected for poor quality?
If you have worn-out fingerprints due to manual labour or skin conditions, the digital scanner may struggle. If the RCMP rejects the prints, you will receive a letter. You must return to the agency to have them taken again, usually at no extra cost if you provide the rejection letter.
Do I have to go to an agency in the province where I was convicted?
No. The CCRTIS system is a centralized federal database. You can have your fingerprints taken at an agency in Vancouver even if your criminal offence occurred in Ottawa. The RCMP will access your nationwide record regardless of where you submit your biometrics.
Will the background check show my youth offences?
Generally, no. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, most youth records are automatically sealed or destroyed after a specific period of good behaviour. If your youth record was properly sealed, it will not appear on the adult RCMP certificate required for your Record Suspension.
Can I use a background check from last year?
No. The Parole Board of Canada strictly requires your RCMP criminal record check to be no older than 12 months at the time you submit your final Record Suspension application package. If it expires, you must start the fingerprinting process all over again.
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