If IRCC sends you a fingerprint request during your citizenship application, do not panic. This is a routine procedure used when your name or birthdate matches someone in the RCMP criminal database. You must submit your digital fingerprints via an accredited Canadian agency within exactly 30 days to avoid delays.
Applying for Canadian citizenship is an exciting milestone, but the process is filled with rigorous federal security checks. 🔍 It is not uncommon for an applicant with a perfectly clean record to suddenly receive an official letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requesting their fingerprints. For many permanent residents, this letter causes immediate anxiety, sparking fears that they are under criminal investigation or that their application is about to be denied.
In reality, this is a standard administrative hurdle. When you apply for citizenship, IRCC runs your name and date of birth through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). If you happen to share a name or a birthday with someone who has a criminal record, the system flags your file. The only legal way for the RCMP to definitively prove that you are not the person with the criminal history is by comparing biometric data. Understanding how to fulfill this request quickly ensures your citizenship journey stays on track.
Step-by-Step Process for Submitting Fingerprints
Because background checks are a matter of federal security, the rules are strict and apply equally whether you live in Ottawa, Edmonton, or Victoria. 📋 You must follow the IRCC instructions precisely.
Step 1: Reading the IRCC Request Letter
When you receive the fingerprint request, it will clearly state a strict deadline-typically 30 days from the date on the letter. You must not ignore this. If you fail to submit your fingerprints within the allotted timeframe without a valid explanation, IRCC will assume you have abandoned your application and will close your file. Bring this exact letter with you to your appointment, as it contains the specific IRCC file number the RCMP needs to route your results correctly.
Step 2: Locating an Accredited Fingerprinting Agency
You generally cannot go to your local municipal police station (like the Toronto Police or Vancouver Police) for citizenship fingerprints. 👨⚕️ The federal government requires you to use a private fingerprinting agency that is officially accredited by the RCMP. Companies like Commissionaires or local private security firms have the specialized digital scanners required to send your biometric data directly to the RCMP headquarters in Ottawa over a secure network.
Step 3: Attending the Appointment
When you arrive at the accredited agency, you must present two pieces of valid, government-issued identification. Your Permanent Resident (PR) card and your foreign passport are the best options. The technician will digitally scan your fingers-no messy ink is used in Canada anymore. The process takes less than 15 minutes. The agency will then electronically transmit the data directly to the RCMP.
Step 4: The RCMP Processing and IRCC Update
Once the RCMP receives your digital prints, they run them against the national criminal database. ⏳ If you have no criminal record, the system clears you automatically. The RCMP then sends a certified civil fingerprint screening certificate directly to IRCC on your behalf. The certificate is not mailed back to you or your lawyer. Once IRCC receives the clearance, your citizenship application resumes its normal processing.
How Much Does Fingerprinting Cost in Canada?
Providing fingerprints for a federal background check is an out-of-pocket expense for the applicant. 💰 Here are the typical costs you will encounter in Canadian dollars (CAD).
| Service Provider | Estimated Cost (CAD) | What it Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Third-Party Agency | $50 – $85 | The fee for the digital scanning service and transmission. |
| RCMP Federal Fee | $25 | Often included in the agency fee; covers the database search. |
| Foreign Police Certificates | Varies | If IRCC separately asks for records from your home country. |
Keep the receipt provided by the fingerprinting agency in your personal files. If IRCC ever claims they did not receive the results, your receipt proves you complied with the deadline.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The speed of this process depends entirely on the RCMP’s workload. 🕐 If you have no criminal record in Canada, the RCMP usually processes the digital fingerprints and sends the clearance to IRCC within 72 hours. However, if the system finds a match and the prints require a manual review by an RCMP technician, or if you actually have a past criminal offence (like an old DUI), processing can take up to 120 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I am outside of Canada when I get the request?
If you are travelling, you must get traditional ink fingerprints done at a local police station abroad. You then mail those physical cards to an accredited fingerprinting company in Canada, which digitizes them and forwards them to the RCMP.
Did I do something wrong to trigger this request?
No. Fingerprint requests are completely routine. They are simply triggered by the CPIC algorithm when an applicant has a common name or shares a birthdate with someone in the criminal justice system.
Can I use the biometrics I gave when I applied for my PR card?
No. The biometrics collected for immigration visas and PR cards are stored in a different database. Citizenship background checks require a fresh, specific RCMP criminal record check.
What if I cannot get an appointment within the 30 days?
If you live in a remote area and cannot reach an accredited agency in time, you must contact IRCC immediately via their online web form to explain the situation and request a formal extension to the 30-day deadline.
Will IRCC tell me when they receive the fingerprint results?
IRCC will not send you an email confirming receipt. However, you can monitor your online citizenship portal. When the “Background Check” section changes to “Completed,” you know the RCMP clearance was successfully attached to your file.
What happens if I have an absolute discharge on my record?
If you have an absolute or conditional discharge that has not yet been purged from CPIC, it will delay the RCMP processing. However, a discharge is not a conviction and generally does not prevent you from getting Canadian citizenship.
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