Fingerprinting is an essential mechanism in the processing of background checks, criminal record checks, and vulnerable sector checks by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada. These services are managed through the Canadian Criminal Real-Time Identification Services, for identity verification.
The search based on fingerprinting remains one of the key elements to ensure that the country's public and vulnerable sectors are safe and secure. Some accredited third-party service providers excel in dealing with different types of fingerprints for efficiency and accuracy in the checks. These are Digital fingerprinting, mobile fingerprinting, and ink & roll fingerprinting.
Purposes of Fingerprinting in Canada
Fingerprinting is mainly used for legal and immigration purposes. Fingerprinting becomes necessary in three major areas: criminal record checks, immigration, and background and vulnerable sector screenings.
Certified Criminal Record Check
The RCMP may request fingerprints in this procedure to verify whether an individual has a criminal record. The fingerprinting will come in handy when confirming a criminal record to pinpoint an individual correctly. Fingerprinting is possible among local police and other private agencies accredited by the RCMP. Identification pieces are required in two, with all personal information being asked, such as full name, date of birth, sex, mailing address, and telephone number.
RCMP Accredited Fingerprinting Agencies
They have helped thousands of RCMP check applicants apply for their Canadian PCC from outside Canada. An RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency receives your fingerprints, quickly digitizes them, and forwards your request to the RCMP. Using them ensures faster and more secure processing of fingerprint records. They follow strict security protocols, reducing the risk of errors and identity theft. They also provide electronic submissions, leading to quicker response times from the RCMP. Thereby making them reliable for background checks, legal matters, and immigration processes.
Immigration Applications
Sometimes, this may involve fingerprinting for immigration applications. Most biometric appointments, including fingerprinting, are free. However, applicants can check the Visa Application Centre's website to see if additional service options are available.
Background and Vulnerable Sector Screenings
Fingerprints, in addition to criminal record checks, are also necessary for background checks and screenings in positions within the vulnerable sector, which are any positions that might have full or partial custody of a child or vulnerable adult. These give assurances that applicants will not have a criminal history that would render them unsuitable. The local police services perform vulnerable sector screenings, which process the fingerprints and send them to the RCMP via the CPIC database.
Application Process for a Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Search
Applicants seeking a fingerprint-based criminal record search must provide fingerprints through either a local police service or an authorized private agency. Individuals requesting a search shall produce two forms of identification, one government-issued with a photo. Individuals requesting a search shall provide the following personal information: legal name, date of birth, sex, mailing address, and contact number.
The application must specify under "Privacy Act application type" that it is for a criminal record search and identify that it is a request for a copy of the RCMP's criminal record holdings, which may include active criminal history, pardon records, and archived records.
Fingerprinting for Criminal Record Searches Within and Outside Canada
The RCMP requests a fingerprint search for individuals who have been residents of Canada for more than six months since reaching the age of 18. The procedures vary slightly depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside Canada.
In Canada
Applicants must attend in person at a local police service or a licensed fingerprinting agency. The vulnerable sector checks must be conducted directly by local police services, but they may be provided by a licensed company in the case of other checks.
Outside Canada
Applicants outside Canada should obtain, before sending their application, a paper copy of the fingerprints from a delegated authority in the applicant's country of residence. Authorities recognized for this purpose include police services, embassies, consulates, government departments, notaries, and private fingerprinting agencies. The fingerprint card should include ten black ink fingerprints, the name and address of the delegated authority that took the fingerprints, and the officer's signature.
Once the paper copy is prepared, applicants must contact an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency in Canada to digitize the fingerprints and electronically forward them to CCRTIS. CCRTIS will not accept fingerprints or physical applications forwarded directly by individuals.
Police Information Check
The RCMP necessitates a report based on fingerprints in cases of criminal records. The report contains active criminal history, pardon records, and archived records compiled from information in the CPIC database. Access to the database can be availed only for civil purposes, and information is provided upon receipt of fingerprint certification by submitting the same.
Methods of Fingerprinting
Electronic fingerprinting and ink-on-paper fingerprinting are both acceptable. CCRTIS only accepts ink-based fingerprints in cases where it is impossible to capture fingerprints electronically. Electronic fingerprinting services can be provided through agencies located throughout major cities like Montreal and Toronto. For groups and special cases, there is mobile fingerprinting, such as that from Executive Pardon and Waiver Service.
Conclusion
With Globeia, you can trust reliability and options that fit different needs. Our fingerprinting service, inclusive of digital fingerprinting, which ensures speed, accuracy, and security in processing, is sure of timely results. Our mobile fingerprinting service adds the convenience of bringing this service to you, thereby saving time and effort. Further, Globeia provides ink-and-roll fingerprinting for ultimate flexibility when digital submission may not be an option. At Globeia, you will get professional services with customized solutions to meet your requirements concerning fingerprinting at affordable prices.