Criminal Record Check in Edmonton: Complete Guide From Application to Requirements

Edmonton is one of Canada's most internationally connected cities, with a large federal government presence, a thriving oil and gas sector, a growing healthcare industry, and one of Canada's most active provincial nominee programs.

This diversity creates consistent demand for official criminal record documentation across employment, immigration, licensing, adoption, and international use. What many applicants discover too late is that not all criminal record checks are equal, and using the wrong one means starting over.

This blog covers every check type available in Edmonton, who needs which one, how to apply correctly, and where Globeia fits in for RCMP submissions.

1. Police Information Check (PIC): Name-Based Check

It is issued by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). The check searches EPS records, Alberta court records, and the national CPIC database using your name and date of birth. It is commonly used for jobs, professional licensing, and volunteer positions within Canada.

This check cannot be used for immigration applications, record suspensions (pardons), adoptions, or positions that require a Vulnerable Sector Check.

2. Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS)

This check is required for jobs or volunteer roles that involve unsupervised contact with vulnerable people, such as teachers, nurses, daycare workers, coaches, social workers, and healthcare volunteers. Under the Criminal Records Act, this check can also reveal pardoned sexual offence records when legally permitted.

Key rules:

• Only EPS can conduct a PIC-VS. No third-party provider can complete a Vulnerable Sector Check regardless of accreditation level.
• Proof of Edmonton-area residency required (documentation dated within 90 days).

3. RCMP Criminal Record Check: Fingerprint-Based

This is the only criminal record check that confirms a person's identity using fingerprints. Your fingerprints are sent to the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real-Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) in Ottawa and compared against the National Repository of Criminal Records. The result is an official RCMP criminal record check certificate.

It is required for immigration (PR, citizenship, work/study permits), use in foreign countries, record suspension applications, adoption CCRTIS screening, federal government security clearances, and following an Incomplete PIC result.

Processing times are set entirely by the RCMP and can range from as little as 3 business days to as long as 120 days.

Online (recommended):

You can apply online through the Edmonton Police Service's secure portal. Your identity is verified electronically, and once your application is processed, the results are emailed to you and remain available in your online account for 31 days. Be sure to download your results as soon as you receive them.

In-person applications:

You can also apply in person at the Edmonton Police Service main office located at #108, 14315-118 Avenue (Nexus Business Park).

Office hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Closed on Thursdays, weekends, and statutory holidays.

Please note that Police Information Check applications are not accepted at divisional police stations.

Fingerprinting at EPS

Fingerprinting services are available on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis at the main EPS office during the hours listed above.

A second fingerprinting location is available at Southeast Division, 104 Youville Drive E NW, where appointments and walk-ins are accepted every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments can be booked online in advance.

An RCMP Criminal Record Check is a fingerprint-based background check conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through their Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

Unlike name-based Police Information Checks, which search databases using your name and date of birth, the RCMP Criminal Record Check uses ink fingerprint impressions collected on the official C-216C form to search the National Repository of Criminal Records.

Because fingerprints are unique to each individual, this method provides a definitive result with no risk of identity confusion caused by similar names or dates of birth.

A fingerprint-based check is done under the following circumstances:

• If the name-based check turns out to be inconclusive.
• If a vulnerable sector check requires further processing.
• When you are applying for legal processes like immigration.

Ink fingerprints for an RCMP Criminal Record Check can be collected at the Edmonton Police Service or by a trained associate from an RCMP-accredited private company. In both cases, the completed fingerprint card must be submitted to the RCMP CCRTIS by an RCMP-accredited company.

How It Differs From Other Edmonton Criminal Record Checks

Edmonton applicants have access to several check types: the Police Information Check (PIC), the Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS), and the Local Police Records Check (LPRC).

These are all conducted at the local level using Edmonton Police Service databases, Alberta court records, and the national CPIC database. The RCMP Criminal Record Check is different; it searches the RCMP's national fingerprint repository, which holds records submitted by law enforcement agencies across Canada.

This makes it the most comprehensive and authoritative Canadian criminal record check available.

The RCMP Criminal Record Check in Edmonton is required across a wide range of situations. While many applicants initially assume a standard local check will suffice, the following groups specifically require the fingerprint-based RCMP criminal record check:

Immigration and Permanent Residency Applicants

Many countries require applicants to provide a criminal record check from every country where they have lived for a defined period. Canadians and former Canadian residents living anywhere, including Edmonton, who are applying for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, or other destinations, will typically need to provide an RCMP Criminal Record Check.

Professionals Applying for International Licensing

Healthcare professionals, engineers, teachers, lawyers, and other regulated professionals who trained or worked in Canada and are applying for licensing recognition in another country are frequently required to provide an RCMP Criminal Record Check as part of their credential recognition application.

Adoptive and Foster Parents

Both domestic and international adoption and foster care proceedings require comprehensive criminal background documentation. An RCMP Criminal Record Check is a standard requirement as part of the eligibility assessment for prospective adoptive and foster parents, both for Canadian adoption authorities and for foreign adoption agencies.

Applicants for Record Suspension

Individuals applying for a record suspension through the Parole Board of Canada are required to submit a fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check as part of their application documentation.

Security Clearance and Sensitive Role Applications

Some federal government positions and high-security roles require the fingerprint-based RCMP check rather than the standard local PIC, as the national fingerprint database provides a more comprehensive and definitive result.

Through Accredited Third-Party Fingerprinting Agencies (Recommended)

Most applicants requiring an RCMP criminal record check in Edmonton use an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company. These providers collect ink fingerprints on the official C-216C form and submit them electronically to RCMP CCRTIS from their RCMP-accredited Canadian office like Globeia.

Through the Edmonton Police Service (EPS)

The Edmonton Police Service also offers fingerprinting services for applicants who need an RCMP fingerprint-based criminal record check. Fingerprinting is available at the main EPS office on a walk-in basis during designated hours. A second location at Southeast Division accepts both appointments and walk-ins on selected days.

The RCMP does not accept fingerprint submissions directly from individuals. Fingerprints must be submitted through an RCMP-accredited private fingerprinting company, such as Globeia Incorporated in Toronto.

The documentation for various types of checks requires a different set of authorizations. This has been explained as under:

Online Application:

• Verify your identity electronically (often through credit history questions). Applicants who do not have a Canadian credit history may find identity verification through the online portal challenging. An accredited third-party agency provides an alternative application route for these applicants.
• Upload or provide digital copies of two pieces of government-issued ID (one must be a photo ID).
• Complete the application and pay the fee online.

In-person application:

• Bring two valid government-issued IDs (one with a photo).
• Provide proof of your Edmonton address for the past five years.
• Complete the application at the service counter.

Note: You must apply in person for vulnerable sector checks and cannot apply on behalf of someone else.

Youth Applicants: The Edmonton Police Service accepts applications from youth aged 12-17 for PICs, with specific guidelines regarding convictions and the type of organization requesting the check.

Residency Applicants: The PIC, PIC-VS, and fingerprint-based checks can only be done for residents of the Edmonton area. The vulnerable sector check requires proof of residency at the time of application.

Many countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, including most European countries, Australia, and many others, require Canadian documents to carry an apostille before they will be accepted by local authorities. The apostille is issued by Global Affairs Canada and certifies that the RCMP Criminal Record Check is a genuine Canadian government document legally recognised for international use.

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

Confirm the Correct Check Type Before Booking

Different organisations require different check types. Confirm whether you need a PIC, PIC-VS, or RCMP Criminal Record Check directly with the requesting employer, licensing body, or authority before booking your appointment. Applying for the wrong check type means starting over, confirming first and applying once.

Prepare Two Valid Government-Issued IDs in Advance

Both IDs must be valid and unexpired. At least one must clearly show your full name, date of birth, signature, and photograph. Do not assume your usual wallet contents will suffice, check the accepted ID list and prepare accordingly before your appointment date.

For Fingerprint Appointments, Prepare Your Hands

The quality of ink fingerprint impressions directly affects whether your submission is processed without delay. In the days before your appointment:

• Stay hydrated; well-hydrated skin produces better ridge definition and clearer impressions.
• Apply a light hand moisturiser the evening before your appointment; dry or cracked skin obscures ridge detail.
• Avoid hand sanitiser for at least one hour before fingerprinting; it temporarily dries and smooths the skin surface, reducing ridge clarity.
• Keep your hands relaxed during rolling; tension in the fingers and palms distorts the natural shape of impressions. Let the trained associate guide the hand movement.
• Avoid heavy manual work, gardening, or activities that roughen or abrade fingertips on the day of your appointment.

Arrive Early or Be Available at the Confirmed Time

For in-person appointments at a police station, arrive at least ten minutes before your scheduled time. For mobile appointments where a Globeia associate comes to you, ensure you are available at your confirmed location at the scheduled time with all required documents ready at the door.

Keep Copies of All Submitted Forms and Receipts

Retain copies of your completed fingerprint card, application forms, and any submission receipts before mailing. If any questions arise about your submission at a later stage, having documentation provides a useful reference and simplifies follow-up.

Fully Online Application

Complete your RCMP criminal record check application entirely online, without the need to do an office visit, queuing up in long lines, and no paper forms to print and mail.

RCMP-Accredited Submission

Fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Checks coordinated through Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, RCMP-accredited for civil fingerprint submissions.

Mobile Fingerprinting in Edmonton

A trained Globeia associate comes directly to your home, office, or workplace in Edmonton with the official C-216C card and all required materials. No travel, no queuing, no disruption to your day.

SmartForm Guided Application

Every required field is guided through Globeia's SmartForm, reducing the risk of incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications before anything is mailed to Toronto.

International Use Support

Need your Edmonton criminal record check apostilled or translated for use abroad? Globeia coordinates apostille submission to Global Affairs Canada and certified translation support through one organised workflow.

Criminal record checks in Edmonton are more than a formality; they are a critical document connecting applicants to employment, immigration, licensing, and international opportunities. Understanding the difference between the local Edmonton PIC and the fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check determines whether your application moves forward or faces unnecessary delays.

The process does not require a government office visit or a return trip to Canada. Globeia's mobile fingerprinting service brings everything to your door, with completed cards mailed to Globeia Incorporated in Toronto for RCMP submission. Start early, confirm your check type, and prepare your documents; the rest follows straightforwardly.