If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires an RCMP fingerprint check for a Canadian citizenship application, you must visit a private, accredited fingerprinting agency. Crucially, the federal RCMP fee of $25 CAD is waived for Canadian citizenship applicants, meaning the total cost is only the private agency’s digital LiveScan service charge, typically ranging from $30 to $60 CAD.
Applying for Canadian citizenship involves rigorous security and background screening to ensure the safety of the country. Often, applicants are surprised and alarmed to receive a formal letter from IRCC requesting an official RCMP fingerprint check. Many people panic, assuming they are suspected of a crime or that their application is in jeopardy.
In reality, receiving this request is extremely common. It usually happens because your name or date of birth closely matches someone in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. 👮♂️ To rule you out and confirm your clean record, the government requires biometric proof. In Canada, you cannot simply mail in ink prints on a piece of paper; you must use a digitized system. This guide explains how to navigate the RCMP fingerprinting process, where to go, and the exact costs involved.
Step-by-Step Process for RCMP Fingerprinting in Canada
Getting your fingerprints taken for a citizenship application is a quick and highly standardized process. Follow these steps to ensure your biometric data reaches IRCC without delays.
Step 1: Receive the Formal IRCC Request Letter
You must wait until you receive the official fingerprint request letter from IRCC. This document contains vital information, including your specific citizenship application number and the IRCC file number. Do not go for fingerprinting before receiving this letter, as the RCMP will not know where to send the final results.
Step 2: Locate an Accredited Private Fingerprinting Agency
While some people assume they should go to their local police station, most municipal police forces in Canada (like the Toronto Police Service or Vancouver Police Department) no longer process civil fingerprints for citizenship. Instead, you must visit a private agency accredited by the RCMP, such as Commissionaires, Red Seal Notary, or local specialized biometrics clinics.
Step 3: Bring the Correct Documentation
When you attend your appointment, you must bring the IRCC request letter and two pieces of valid government-issued identification. At least one piece of ID must contain your photograph (such as your PR card, a provincial driver’s licence, or a foreign passport). Health cards and Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards are generally not accepted.
Step 4: Digital LiveScan Fingerprinting
The agency will use a LiveScan machine to digitally capture your fingerprints. 🖥️ There is no messy black ink involved. The technician rolls your fingers across a glass scanner, which instantly digitizes your prints to ensure they meet the RCMP’s strict quality standards. This physical appointment usually takes less than 15 minutes.
Step 5: Direct Transmission to the RCMP and IRCC
Once captured, the private agency transmits your digital fingerprints securely to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) in Ottawa. The RCMP will run the prints against their database and mail the certified criminal record check directly to the IRCC office handling your citizenship file.
Where to Get Fingerprinted: Private Agency vs Police
| Facility Type | Availability for Citizenship Checks | Processing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Private Accredited Agency | Highly available. Walk-ins usually accepted. Recommended by IRCC. | Digital LiveScan (fastest transmission to Ottawa). |
| Local Police Detachment | Rarely available. Most police stations strictly handle criminal arrests. | Often use older ink-and-roll methods if they provide the service at all. |
| Canadian Embassies Abroad | Do not provide LiveScan services. Can only assist with traditional ink prints. | Ink prints must be mailed to a Canadian agency for digitization. |
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The cost of obtaining a certified criminal record check is relatively low, but you are responsible for paying the entire amount out of pocket.
- RCMP Federal Fee: $0 CAD. The RCMP completely waives the standard $25 CAD federal processing fee for Canadian citizenship applicants.
- Private Agency Service Fee: The accredited clinic will charge an administrative service fee for using their LiveScan equipment and processing your biometrics. This typically ranges from $30 to $60 CAD.
- Total Estimated Cost: Since the federal fee is waived, you will only pay the private agency fee of $30 to $60 CAD at the counter.
- Overseas Digitization: If you are applying from outside Canada and must mail ink prints to a Canadian agency to be digitized, the service fees are much higher, often ranging from $150 to $250 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
If you have no criminal history, the RCMP system is incredibly fast. Clean records are typically processed by CCRTIS within 3 to 10 business days. ⏳ However, if you have a criminal record, or if the system requires a manual review by an officer, processing can take up to 120 days. You are generally given 30 days from the date of the IRCC letter to have your fingerprints taken, so you must visit an agency promptly to avoid having your citizenship application abandoned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did IRCC ask for my fingerprints?
IRCC requests fingerprints for two main reasons: either your name and date of birth match someone in the RCMP criminal database, or your file was randomly selected for a quality assurance security screening. It does not mean you are in trouble.
What happens if I have a criminal record in Canada?
If the RCMP finds a record, they will generate a Certified Criminal Record Check detailing your convictions and send it to IRCC. Certain criminal convictions, particularly indictable offences, can render you ineligible for Canadian citizenship.
Will the RCMP send the results to my home address?
No. When fingerprints are taken specifically for an IRCC citizenship application, the RCMP mails the official results directly to the IRCC processing centre listed on your request letter. You will not receive a physical copy.
Can I get my fingerprints taken if I am outside of Canada?
Yes, but it is more complicated. You must get traditional ink-and-roll fingerprints taken by local police in your current country, and then mail those physical cards to an accredited Canadian agency. The Canadian agency will digitize the cards and transmit them to the RCMP.
Leave a Reply