Complete Guide to Getting a Canadian Criminal Record Check from France

When you are living in France, a Canadian background check, such as a Criminal Record Check, is essential for legal, employment, or immigration purposes. Whether it is for a job application, residency in another country, or a visa requirement, understanding the process in advance is important, as applying without preparation can lead to delays or incorrectly submitted documentation.

This blog will explain what an RCMP criminal record check is and what its different purposes are, how to apply from France, what documents to prepare, and common mistakes to avoid.

An RCMP Criminal Record Check is a fingerprint-based background check conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through its Canadian Criminal Real-Time Identification Service (CCRTIS). Unlike name-based checks, which search databases using only a name and date of birth, the RCMP criminal record check uses biometric fingerprint data to search Canada's national criminal record repository, providing a definitive result tied directly to the applicant's unique biometric profile.

For applicants in France, this document matters because French immigration authorities, professional licensing bodies, adoption agencies, and employers in regulated industries specifically require the fingerprint-based RCMP criminal record check rather than a local name-based alternative.

Because fingerprints are unique to each individual, this method eliminates identity confusion and provides French authorities with the level of verification certainty required for official applications.

A Canadian criminal record check is required in more situations than many people expect. Whether you are a Canadian living in France or a French resident with ties to Canada, the following situations commonly require one:

Canadians Living in France Applying for Immigration to a Third Country

Many countries require applicants to provide a criminal record check from every country where they have lived for a defined period. Canadians residing in France who are applying for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, or another destination will typically need to provide a Canadian criminal record check alongside checks from France and any other countries of previous residence.

French Residents Who Previously Lived in Canada

Individuals who lived or worked in Canada at any point and are now based in France may need a Canadian criminal record check for immigration applications, employment screening, or professional licensing in their current or future country of residence.

Individuals Applying for Long-Stay Visas

Long-stay visa categories may require applicants to provide criminal record documentation from countries of previous residence. Canadians or individuals with a Canadian residence history applying for these visa types will typically need a Canadian criminal record check.

International Adoption

A Canadian criminal record check is commonly required as part of the eligibility assessment for families pursuing international adoption, particularly when one or both parents have lived or worked in Canada.

Renewing Permanent Residency or Citizenship Applications

Canadian permanent residents who are renewing their residency status, applying for citizenship, or completing other official immigration processes may be required to provide an updated criminal record check as part of their application documentation.

For applicants living in France, the fingerprinting process for an RCMP Criminal Record Check works differently from how it operates within Canada. Understanding the process in advance helps avoid common errors.

Only Ink Fingerprinting Is Available Outside Canada

Digital or electronic fingerprint capture is only available inside Canada. Applicants in France must have their fingerprints captured using ink on the official C-216C fingerprint card. You can book your ink fingerprinting appointment with Globeia through their SmartForm.

Fingerprints Must Be Captured by a Trained Associate

The C-216C card must be completed by a trained associate following the requirements for RCMP Criminal Record Check submissions. Self-completed fingerprint cards are not accepted by the RCMP. A trained associate ensures the correct rolling technique, proper positioning, and appropriate ink coverage for each impression.

Completed Cards Are Mailed to RCMP Accredited Company in Canada

Once fingerprints have been captured on the C-216C card, the completed card is securely packaged and mailed to an RCMP-accredited agency like Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, which then digitizes and submits the cards to RCMP CCRTIS. 

Practical Preparation Tips for Your Fingerprinting Appointment

1. Stay hydrated in the days before your appointment. Well-hydrated skin retains better ridge definition and produces clearer impressions.
2. Moisturise lightly the night before; dry or cracked skin can obscure ridge detail. Avoid heavy creams on the day of the appointment.
3. Avoid hand sanitiser for at least one hour before; sanitiser temporarily smooths the skin surface and reduces ridge clarity. Wash hands gently with plain soap instead.
4. Keep your hands relaxed during rolling; tension in the fingers distorts natural ridge impressions. Let the trained associate guide the movement.
5. Avoid heavy manual work on the day; activities that roughen or abrade fingertips can temporarily affect print quality.
6. Bring two valid government-issued IDs; identity verification takes place at the appointment and cannot proceed without correct documentation.

Applying for a Canadian criminal record check from France involves several steps. The method you choose will depend on your personal circumstances and document needs.

Determine the Type of Check You Need

The first step in how to get a Canadian background check is to determine which type of background check you need and for what specific reason, like for employment, immigration, visas, adoption, or legal processes. Each of these checks has a different purpose, and you should, therefore, choose the right one.

Most of the time, a Canadian Criminal Record Check (CRC) is accepted for general employment or volunteer purposes. For roles involving vulnerable populations, a Vulnerable Sector Check may be required and this is processed through local Canadian police services and is not available through third-party agencies. An RCMP background check is required for immigration, permanent residency, and international legal matters. Confirm the specific check type required with the requesting organization before applying.

Gather Required Documents

For an RCMP Criminal Record Check:

• Two valid government-issued IDs are required. At least one must include your name, date of birth, signature, and photograph. Photocopies of both IDs are required for submission purposes.
• Ink fingerprints must be captured by a trained associate on the official C-216C fingerprint card. The card cannot be self-completed.
• Supporting application forms as specified by the RCMP or the coordinating agency.
• Payment for the applicable fee.

These documents verify your identity and support your application for the criminal record check.

Choose the Application Method and Complete the Application

For applicants in France, applicants cannot submit fingerprint cards directly to the RCMP from outside Canada- all submissions must go through an RCMP-accredited provider based in Canada.

You could use a third-party agency accredited by the RCMP, such as Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, for civil fingerprint submissions. This is the recommended path for applicants in France.

How it works:

• Complete Globeia's SmartForm online with your personal details and application requirements.
• A trained Globeia associate visits your location in France with the official C-216C fingerprint card and all required materials.
• Ink fingerprints are collected and reviewed on-site for quality and completeness.
• The completed C-216C card is securely mailed to Globeia Incorporated in Toronto.
• Globeia Incorporated digitizes the card and electronically submits your fingerprints to RCMP CCRTIS.
• The RCMP independently processes the submission and issues the Criminal Record Check result directly.

The federal processing fee is payable to the Receiver General of Canada and is separate from Globeia's service fee. Both fees will be confirmed at the time of application.

Receive Results

Receive your results easily. If you have applied for a Canadian Criminal Record Check with Globeia then Globeia's platform provides a guided application process with clear submission instructions. RCMP Criminal Record Check processing times are determined entirely by the RCMP and can range between 3 to 120 days and vary based on application volume and individual circumstances.

For most official purposes, yes, your Canadian criminal record check will need to be apostilled depending on the destination country you are submitting to.

Why an Apostille Is Required

If the country where you plan to use your Canadian document is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the document may need an apostille to be legally recognised there. An apostille confirms that the document is an authentic official record issued by a recognised Canadian authority, allowing it to be accepted by authorities in other Hague Convention member countries without additional legalization.

Without an apostille, immigration offices, professional licensing bodies, adoption authorities, and other official institutions will generally not accept the Canadian criminal record check as a valid document.

For a Canadian Criminal Record Check, the apostille is issued by Global Affairs Canada. This is a separate step from obtaining the criminal record check itself.

Globeia can help coordinate the apostille submission on your behalf; however, it is important to note that the apostille itself is issued by Global Affairs Canada, not by Globeia.

If you are applying for a Canadian Criminal Record Check (CRC) or any other check, follow these steps for a smoother application process.

• Provide Accurate Information: Ensure that you provide accurate details in the application.
• Submit Clear Fingerprints: For a fingerprint-based check, ink fingerprints must be captured carefully on the official C-216C card, following the requirements for RCMP submissions.
• Prepare Required Documents: Ensure that you submit the correct documents along with your application.
• Consider France-Specific Requirements: Confirm whether the requesting authority in France requires a certified French translation or notarization of your Canadian background check before submitting.
• Plan Around Processing Timelines: Factor in both RCMP processing time and international mailing time when planning your application. Starting the process well in advance of any visa, employment, or residency deadline is strongly recommended.

RCMP-Accredited Submission

Ink fingerprints collected in France are mailed to Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, the RCMP-accredited entity that handles digital submission to the RCMP directly.

Built for Applicants Abroad

From fingerprint collection to submission coordination, Globeia's process is designed specifically for applicants outside Canada.

Apostille and Translation Coordination

Globeia coordinates apostille submission to Global Affairs Canada and certified translation support, managing documentation requirements alongside the criminal record check application.

Mobile Fingerprinting Support

A trained Globeia associate can come to your location in France with the official C-216C card and all required materials; no need to visit a police station or navigate local fingerprinting services unfamiliar with RCMP requirements.

SmartForm Guided Application

Globeia's SmartForm guides applicants through every required field, reducing the risk of incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications before cards are mailed to Toronto.

Confidential Handling

Personal information and biometric data are handled with care and confidentiality throughout every stage of the coordination and submission process.

Obtaining a Canadian Criminal Record Check from France does not need to be complicated, but it does require following the correct process from the start. Confirming the type of check required, ensuring fingerprints are collected on the proper form, and submitting the application through the appropriate channels can help avoid unnecessary delays and resubmissions.

Whether you need an RCMP Criminal Record Check for immigration, employment, professional licensing, or another official purpose, having the right guidance can make the process significantly smoother.

Globeia supports applicants throughout France with a coordinated application process, helping ensure fingerprint collection, document preparation, and mailing to Globeia Incorporated in Toronto are handled correctly before electronic submission to RCMP CCRTIS.