Guide to Digital Fingerprinting Services in Canada

Digital fingerprinting is now the most efficient method for people in Canada to get their RCMP Criminal Record Checks done for immigration, employment, licensing, and international use. The RCMP is still accepting both ink and roll fingerprints along with digital submissions, but the current digital fingerprinting offered by the RCMP allows fingerprints to be taken electronically and sent to the RCMP securely, thus eliminating the usual problems of smudging, incomplete impressions, or delaying mailing that are all common with the paper-based method.

Digital fingerprinting gives applicants who need faster processing, more accuracy, and direct submission to the RCMP clear advantages. However, it does not exclude the option of ink and roll for other authorities or foreign agencies that require it. Providers like Globeia, which are recognized by the RCMP, provide both options, thus making sure that the applicants get the right fingerprinting solution for their purpose. In this way, the use of advanced digital systems together with the professional verification standards helps in speeding up the RCMP checks while at the same time being fully compliant with Canadian laws. 

Digital fingerprinting is an electronic process where fingerprints are captured using LiveScan technology rather than ink and paper. The fingerprints are scanned, checked for quality in real time, and securely transmitted to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) database.

Unlike traditional fingerprint cards, digital fingerprinting minimizes human error. The system automatically flags smudged or incomplete prints, allowing corrections immediately - before submission. This significantly reduces the likelihood of rejection and repeat appointments.

In Canada, digital fingerprinting is the preferred and often required method for RCMP criminal record checks. It ensures that results are accurate, verifiable, and legally accepted by immigration authorities, employers, licensing bodies, and government agencies.

Digital fingerprinting is required across multiple sectors in Canada, including:

Immigration and Citizenship

• Applicants for Canadian permanent residency, citizenship, work permits, or study permits may be required to submit fingerprints to the RCMP as part of IRCC background checks. Name-based police certificates are not sufficient in many cases.

Employment and Security Screening

• Federal, provincial, and regulated employers often require RCMP fingerprint-based checks, particularly for roles involving sensitive information, vulnerable populations, or national security.

Licensing and Regulatory Authorities

• Professionals in healthcare, finance, law, immigration consulting, and security often need RCMP digital fingerprinting to meet licensing or renewal requirements.

Legal and Personal Applications

• Digital fingerprints are also required for record suspensions (pardons), legal name changes, adoption cases, and court-related matters where identity verification is mandatory.

Step 1: Book Your Appointment

Schedule your RCMP digital fingerprinting session with Globeia using our SmartForm. Choose a convenient time at our Toronto office or another GTA location.

Step 2: Verification and ID Check

Bring two government-issued photo IDs. Globeia’s certified technicians verify your identity before capturing fingerprints.

Step 3: Digital Fingerprint Capture

Fingerprints are recorded using RCMP-approved Live Scan technology. This ensures clarity, accuracy, and compliance with Canadian and international standards.

Step 4: Secure Submission to RCMP

Your fingerprints are electronically submitted directly to the RCMP. Globeia’s secure system reduces errors and speeds up processing compared to traditional ink and roll methods.

Step 5: Receive Certified Results

Once processed, you receive your official RCMP Criminal Record Check. Globeia can also assist with apostille, notarization, and translations for international use.

Processing time depends on the applicant’s criminal history and RCMP workload.

If no criminal record is found, RCMP results are often issued within 72 hours of fingerprint receipt.

If a criminal record or potential match exists, processing can take up to 120 days or longer, as manual verification is required. Delays can also occur due to:

• Poor fingerprint quality (common with non-accredited providers)
• Incorrect personal details
• RCMP system backlogs
• Requests for additional documentation

Using digital fingerprinting through an accredited provider significantly reduces these risks.

Only RCMP-accredited fingerprinting companies are authorized to submit fingerprints electronically to the RCMP. Submissions from non-accredited sources may be rejected or delayed. Accreditation ensures that:

• Fingerprints meet RCMP technical standards
• Data is transmitted securely and compliantly
• Results are legally recognized across Canada and internationally

For applicants, this means fewer errors, faster processing, and peace of mind that their submission is valid.

Globeia is a leading RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting provider in Canada, offering secure, efficient, and reliable Live Scan services for individuals and organizations. With our office located at 1185 Victoria Park Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4B 2K5, clients in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area, and other Canadian cities can access professional fingerprinting services without hassle.

Our certified fingerprint technicians are well-trained in obtaining very good quality digital fingerprints, which meet the RCMP as well as international standards that in turn, minimize the chances of errors, rejections, or delays. We are the ones who electronically submit fingerprints directly to the RCMP, hence quicker processing times and legally valid outcomes.

Globeia also provides a comprehensive suite of add-on services, including:

• Apostille and notarization for international legal compliance
• Document translation services for foreign authorities
• Professional identity verification letters for enhanced security
• Assistance for immigration, employment, licensing, and adoption applications

Clients benefit from speed, accuracy, and convenience, with Globeia’s digital process typically 92% faster than traditional methods and 98% accuracy in capturing fingerprints. Our secure handling of personal data, combined with professional setup and advanced technology, makes Globeia the trusted partner for RCMP digital fingerprinting across Canada.

Whether you are applying for a Police Clearance Certificate, background check, or international visa requirement, Globeia ensures a streamlined, compliant, and stress-free experience from start to finish.

To ensure a smooth appointment:

• Bring two valid government-issued photo IDs
• Complete the electronic application form accurately
• Book your appointment in advance if possible
• Confirm payment methods accepted at your location

Proper preparation helps avoid delays and ensures fingerprints are submitted without issues.

• Using incorrect or expired identification documents at the appointment.
• Failing to complete the digital application form accurately before submission.
• Submitting low-quality or smudged fingerprints, causing rejections.
• Ignoring the RCMP-specific fingerprint format requirements.
• Not booking appointments in advance, leading to delays.
• Bringing only one ID instead of the required two government-issued IDs.
• Assuming name-based checks are sufficient for immigration or professional purposes.
• Forgetting to provide additional documents needed for apostille, notarization, or translations.
• Allowing personal data to be shared insecurely instead of using accredited services.
• Not verifying submission confirmation or tracking the digital fingerprint status.

Digital fingerprinting is now the primary method for RCMP background checks in Canada. The processing is quick, safe, and recognized for immigration, employment, licensing, and legal purposes when done through an accredited provider. Knowing how digital fingerprinting operates and preparing properly can help you avoid delays of several weeks in processing and rejections that are not necessary. The process of getting clearance based on RCMP digital fingerprints is easy and trustworthy when the proper approach and accredited support are available.