If you require a Canada police check and you stay in Spain, this blog will help you. People have all sorts of reasons for getting this document - immigration, work, adoption, residency, visa, or even volunteering. The Canada police check is what discloses information regarding your criminal history in Canada. In this guide, you'll find details on the different types of police checks, the process of applying for them, tips on how to choose a third-party service provider, and vital dos and don'ts.

Various Types of Canada Police Checks

Several types of Canada Police Checks are available, each designed for different purposes. Understanding which type you need is crucial before starting the application process.

1. Criminal Record Check (CRC)

The Criminal Record Check is a basic criminal history verification process in Canada. It will reveal the criminal history records of an individual when checked against the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) and local police databases. It gives information on convictions, findings of guilt, and pending charges of the applicant. Such verification could be necessary for employment, volunteerism, and immigration.

2. Enhanced Criminal Background Check

An enhanced police records check is an even broader examination of a person's criminal past than the Canadian Criminal Record Check (CRC). An enhanced check such as the Police Information Check (PIC) reveals details about convictions, charges, warrants, and orders of the judiciary from several police databases and management systems.

In addition, conditional or absolute discharges, where a person is found guilty without being convicted of a criminal offense, may be disclosed through a PIC. Depending on the applicable jurisdictional law, non-conviction records (e.g., where charges were dismissed, withdrawn, or stayed) may also be included if considered relevant to the purpose of the background check. Hence, the enhanced check becomes a much more thorough and detailed way to look at someone's criminal history.

3. RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check

The most holistic criminal background check is the RCMP criminal record check, conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This fingerprint-matching process is quite different from name-based checks and does accurate and reliable identification. The fingerprints are scanned and compared against the RCMP's national criminal database, eliminating the risk of false matches caused by similar names or birthdates.

This Canadian Police Clearance Certificate (Canada PCC) is often compulsory for serious applications like immigration, permanent residency, and visa processing. This further extends to legal processes internationally, for foreign adoption or obtaining foreign work permits. The report would normally include criminal convictions, charges from other reporting authorities, outstanding warrants, and, where pertinent, judicial orders.

How to Apply for a Canada Police Check While in Spain

Use Globeia’s online services for Canadian background checks to apply seamlessly while staying in Spain.

Step 1: Determine the Required Type of Check

Ensure which kind of Canadian background check is relevant for your purpose, whether it's employment, immigration, or other legal reasons.

Step 2: Collect Required Documents

Prepare the required documents such as identity proof (like your passport, driver's license, or national ID).

Step 3: Get Fingerprints Taken (if Required)

For an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check, fingerprints such be taken by a recognized fingerprinting agency in Spain. Ensure the agency uses the standard fingerprint card (C-216C).

Step 4: Submit the Application

The website of Globeia provides the option of selecting and applying for a Canadian Criminal Record Check (CRC) or any other check online in simple steps - add your details, scan your ID, take a picture, and pay the fees. If you are considering an RCMP background check, you need to upload a copy of the fingerprinting card with your fingerprints to be reviewed by Globeia's team. After that, you can mail your original fingerprint document for processing to Globeia's Canadian headquarters.

Step 5: Receive Results

Attain your results easily. If you applied for a Canadian Criminal Record Check (CRC) or an enhanced background check (PIC) through the Globeia platform, results will be out in just 15 minutes. The results of an RCMP background check would be available within 72 hours.

Dos and Don’ts of Requesting a Canada Police Check in Spain

To ensure a smooth application process, keep these important dos and don’ts in mind.

Dos

Verify Requirements: Confirm the exact type of police check needed.

Use Professional Services: Ensure fingerprints are taken by a trusted fingerprinting agency or police service to avoid application rejection. Use the C-216C form and go through this detailed fingerprinting guide to avoid making errors.

Plan Ahead: Allow sufficient time for processing, especially if applying by mail.

Follow-up: Regularly check the status of your application using the provided tracking tools.

Don’ts

Submit Incomplete Forms: Incomplete applications will be rejected. Double-check all sections.

Use Unrecognized Service Providers: Avoid unreliable or unofficial agencies that might compromise your data.

Forget Payment Details: Ensure you use an accepted payment method to avoid delays.

Ignore Deadlines: Missing deadlines can disrupt immigration or employment timelines.

Additional Services You Might Need for Canada Police Check

Depending on your purpose for obtaining a Canada Police Check, you may require additional services.

1. Apostille

If your police check is intended for legal use in Spain or another country, you might need to get it apostilled to ensure international recognition. Use Globeia’s Canada apostille service to apply smoothly.

2. Certified Translations

Non-English-speaking authorities may require a certified Spanish translation of the police check document. Use Globeia’s translation service to have your document translated seamlessly.

Conclusion

Securing a Canada police check in Spain may sound complicated, but it is not so if you use the right approach. Understand the types of police checks and follow all application steps as well as know a reliable service provider to ensure that you are likely to get all formalities done within time. Also, don't forget to check the requirements of documents to plan and add any services if necessary. It may be comfortably done with complete preparation. Use Globeia’s services for CRC, PIC, or RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check and apply seamlessly.

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

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