How Can I Get a Criminal Record Check in New Brunswick?

Obtaining a criminal record check in New Brunswick requires understanding which type of check is needed, what documents are required, and how to submit your application correctly, whether in person or through an online platform.

Criminal record checks are required across a wide range of situations beyond basic employment screening.

Whether you are applying for a new job, volunteering with a community organisation, pursuing professional licensing in a regulated industry, applying for immigration to another country, going through an adoption process, or need a Canadian criminal record for international verification purposes, understanding which check applies to your situation is the essential first step.

This blog explains the check types available, how to apply, what documents are needed, and what to expect throughout the process.

Name-Based Criminal Record Check:

This involves retrieving records from the CPIC database using the candidate's name and date of birth. It is generally used for employment and volunteer roles that do not include working with vulnerable people. Local police and accredited third-party agencies can coordinate this application on your behalf.

Vulnerable Sector Check:

The vulnerable sector check in New Brunswick is done for volunteer and employment opportunities that involve working with vulnerable adults and children. Examples include teaching, working in a care facility for elderly residents, nursing in the pediatrics department, etc. This type of check can only be done with the local police; no other agencies have the authority to do so for you.

RCMP Criminal Record Check (Fingerprint-Based):

The fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check is required when a name-based check returns an inconclusive result, or when the purpose of the application specifically requires fingerprint-based verification from the outset such as immigration, adoption, record suspension applications, or professional licensing in regulated industries. It is an enhanced check involving fingerprints that is to be submitted to the RCMP for further processing. You can arrange ink fingerprint collection through a local police station or an accredited third-party agency that offers mobile fingerprinting. A trained associate comes to your location with the official C-216C card.

Criminal record checks are required across a broad range of personal, professional, and legal situations. The following groups most commonly need one:

• Employers and Job Applicants: Employers across most industries conduct criminal background screening as part of standard pre-employment procedures. Roles involving financial responsibility, access to sensitive information, positions of trust, or work with members of the public commonly.
• Volunteer Organisations: Community organisations, sports clubs, faith groups, charities, and social service bodies routinely require criminal record checks for volunteers, particularly those who will have contact with children, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities.
• Professional Licensing Bodies: Regulated professions in New Brunswick,  including healthcare, education, legal services, engineering, finance, and security, require applicants to provide a criminal record check as a condition of initial registration or periodic licence renewal. The specific check type required varies by profession and licensing body.
• Immigration Applicants: Individuals applying for immigration, permanent residency, or citizenship in another country are frequently required to provide a criminal record check from every country where they have lived for a defined period. A Canadian criminal record check is the standard document requested by foreign immigration authorities for applicants with a history of Canadian residence.
• Adoptive and Foster Parents: Both domestic and international adoption and foster care proceedings require prospective parents to undergo comprehensive background screening. A Criminal Record Check, and in most cases the fingerprint-based RCMP criminal record check, is a standard requirement as part of the eligibility assessment process.

Many applicants are surprised to discover that they require a fingerprint-based RCMP criminal record check even when they initially applied only for a standard name-based check. Understanding what triggers this requirement avoids unexpected delays.

Name Match on the Database

The most common trigger is a name match. When a name-based Criminal Record Check returns results that match the applicant’s name and date of birth against existing criminal records in the CPIC database, the RCMP cannot confirm without additional verification whether those records belong to the applicant or to another individual who shares similar identifying details.

Mandatory Requirement for Specific Purposes

Regardless of name match results, certain applications automatically require the fingerprint-based RCMP criminal record check from the outset:

• Immigration and permanent residency applications to Canada or other countries requiring Canadian criminal history.
• International adoption and foster care proceedings.
• Applications for record suspension (formerly known as a pardon).
• Legal name change applications in certain circumstances.
• Professional licensing for regulated industries where the licensing body specifically requires the RCMP criminal record check.

You can apply for a criminal record check in two ways:

In-person application:

You can submit an in-person application at your local police station in New Brunswick. For this, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Two pieces of accepted identification (ID) have the person’s name and date of birth.
• Proof of New Brunswick address.

Online Application:

Applicants can also apply through an online platform coordinated through an RCMP-accredited third-party agency. Globeia Incorporated in Toronto holds RCMP accreditation for civil fingerprint submissions and provides an online application platform for eligible check types.

Depending on the type of check required, third-party providers can offer a convenient alternative to applying in person. However, Vulnerable Sector Checks must generally be obtained through the applicant's local police service, and not all criminal record check types are available through third-party providers. Applicants should confirm eligibility and requirements before applying.

For processing your criminal record check in New Brunswick, you will need the following:

• 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.

Examples of Acceptable Identification Documents

• Driver’s license
• New Brunswick government-issued photo ID card
• Passport
• Permanent resident card
• Canadian citizenship card
• Work or study permit
• Firearms license
• Military identification card
• If you apply at the police station, you must submit proof of residency for New Brunswick. 
  For volunteers or employment involving vulnerable persons, a letter on official agency letterhead stating the purpose of the check and the applicant’s role may be required.

• Name-based Criminal Record Checks: These are submitted through an online platform and are typically processed more quickly than fingerprint-based checks. Processing times are determined by the relevant authority. If a name match is found in the database, meaning another individual's records share the applicant's name and date of birth, fingerprint-based verification through the RCMP is required to confirm whether those records belong to the applicant.
• In-person checks: The in-person checks depend on your appointment, and the process may take up to 10 days or more depending on the police service. Confirm current processing options directly with your local police service, as procedures vary by jurisdiction.
• Fingerprint-Based Checks: Fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Checks are processed by the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). RCMP processing times range from 3 to 120 days and are determined entirely by the RCMP based on application volume and individual circumstances. Mailing time is additional.

Fully Online Application

Complete your criminal record check in New Brunswick entirely online, without office visit, long queues, and no paper forms to print and mail.

RCMP-Accredited Company

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

Mobile Fingerprinting Across New Brunswick

A trained Globeia associate comes directly to your home, office, or workplace with the official RCMP C-216C card and all required materials.

SmartForm Guided Application

Globeia’s SmartForm guides you through every required field, reducing the risk of incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications before anything is mailed.

International Use Support

If you need your New Brunswick criminal record check apostilled or translated for use abroad, Globeia can coordinate the entire apostille submission and translation process alongside your application through one organised workflow.

Informed Throughout

Globeia keeps you informed throughout the coordination and submission process. Once submitted to the RCMP, processing is conducted independently by the RCMP.

Confidential Handling

Your personal information and documentation are handled with care and confidentiality at every stage of the process.

Applicants can complete a criminal record check in New Brunswick by following the correct process for their specific check type. If you have an upcoming deadline, preparing all required documents in advance and choosing a coordinated online platform like Globeia helps ensure your application is submitted completely and correctly.