How to Get an RCMP Criminal Record Check Outside Canada

Getting an RCMP Criminal Record Check outside Canada has become a common requirement for individuals applying for Canadian immigration, work permits, international visas, foreign employment, or government licensing. RCMP is the only authority that issues an official Canadian police clearance. Applicants living abroad often face challenges - no direct submission from overseas, differences in fingerprinting standards, and the need to meet strict RCMP formatting requirements. This creates confusion for many applicants across the UK, Spain, the UAE, India, and other countries who are unsure how to complete the process correctly from abroad. 

This guide provides a clear and factual explanation of how to obtain an RCMP Criminal Record Check outside Canada, including the exact documents required, how to complete the fingerprint form, where to get fingerprints taken overseas, why the submission must go through an RCMP-accredited company, and how long the processing typically takes. 

An RCMP Criminal Record Check is the most reliable background check in Canada. It is issued directly by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the submission of certified fingerprints. It is the only check that uses biometric fingerprints to confirm an individual's identity and criminal record status, ensuring accuracy and legal validity for immigration, licensing, and security-sensitive applications.

A critical aspect that many applicants are not aware of is that the RCMP Criminal Record Check cannot be done through a simple name-based check. Only such personal details as full name and date of birth are used in a name-based check. While it is suitable for basic screening within Canada, it does not meet RCMP standards, cannot confirm identity with certainty, and is not accepted for immigration, permanent residency, citizenship, foreign work permits, or international government procedures.

This misunderstanding usually arises because both checks seem to be similar in purpose, but they are essentially different in the way they are conducted and their legal standing. To obtain an official RCMP Criminal Record Check, the fingerprints must be taken on the C-216C form (or its approved equivalent), and then the process of electronic transmission to the RCMP through an accredited company in Canada is carried out. Those who are applying from outside Canada are not allowed to send the forms directly to the RCMP, which is why the accredited intermediary is a must.

Individuals living abroad are asked to provide an RCMP Criminal Record Check because it is the only background check that carries national-level authority and biometric verification from Canada. 

• Canadian Immigration Applications: Required for permanent residency or visa processing to verify criminal history directly from Canada.
• Citizenship Verification: Ensures authorities have a federal-level record check for Canadian citizenship applications.
• Professional Licensing: Certain jobs abroad or in Canada require RCMP-issued background clearance for regulated professions.
• International Employment: Employers outside Canada may request an RCMP Criminal Record Check to confirm applicants’ Canadian criminal history.
• Legal or Security Requirements: Governments, regulatory bodies, or institutions may require an RCMP-issued certificate for compliance and verification purposes.
• Global Recognition: RCMP certificates are considered authoritative and are accepted internationally, unlike local or name-based checks.

• Cannot Submit Directly to RCMP: Applicants abroad must go through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada for submission.
• Fingerprint Capture in Home Country: Fingerprints must be taken locally on the C-216C form or RCMP-accepted equivalent by local police or authorized fingerprinting agencies.
• Digital Submission via Accredited Company: The accredited company digitizes the fingerprints and submits them securely to the RCMP.
• Accuracy is Critical: Clear, rolled fingerprints and correctly filled forms are required to avoid delays or rejections.
• Certificate Delivery: Once processed, the RCMP sends the certificate to the accredited company, which then arranges secure delivery to the applicant abroad.
• Additional Coordination Required: The process involves coordination between foreign authorities, the accredited provider, and the RCMP, making it more complex than applying from within Canada.

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• Collect all necessary identification documents, such as a valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
• Ensure your details (full legal name, date of birth) are consistent across documents to avoid delays.

Step 2: Capture Your Fingerprints

• Have your fingerprints taken on the official C-216C fingerprint form or equivalent form.
• Fingerprints can be obtained at:
  - Local police stations (appointments may be required)
  - Authorized private fingerprinting agencies.
  - Accredited third-party providers offering RCMP-compliant fingerprint services abroad.
• Ensure fingerprints are rolled, clear, and complete, as poor quality prints can lead to rejection.

Step 3: Complete the C-216C Form Accurately

• After fingerprints are captured, fill out the C-216C form with your full legal name, date of birth, contact information, and purpose of the request.
• Sign the form and include any required consent declarations.
• Accuracy is crucial to prevent processing delays or rejection by the RCMP.

Step 4: Submit Fingerprints and Form Through an RCMP-Accredited Provider

• Applicants outside Canada cannot submit directly to the RCMP.
• An RCMP-accredited provider:
  - Receives your C-216C form and fingerprints.
  - Digitizes the fingerprints for secure electronic submission to the RCMP.
  - Acts as the liaison between you and the RCMP, reducing errors and expediting processing.

Step 5: RCMP Processing

• The RCMP conducts a criminal record check based on your fingerprints.
• The check searches national databases to confirm if any criminal history exists.
• This ensures that the resulting RCMP Criminal Record Check certificate is legally recognized.

Step 6: Receive Your RCMP Criminal Record Check Certificate

• The accredited provider delivers the certificate securely:
  - Via courier to your international address (trackable and secure)
  - Or through digital means if allowed by the provider
• Ensure you track your application and confirm receipt of the certificate.

Obtaining an RCMP Criminal Record Check outside Canada can seem complex, but Globeia simplifies the entire process with a full-service, end-to-end solution. From start to finish, Globeia ensures your application is handled professionally and securely. You can have your fingerprints captured through Globeia fingerprinting officers, and Globeia’s Canadian-based team verifies all your documents, ensuring accuracy before submission.

Once verified, Globeia digitizes your fingerprints and securely submits them to the RCMP, reducing errors and speeding up processing. Beyond this, Globeia offers additional services such as translation of documents, providing apostilles, authorization and legalization -  making it a one-stop solution for applicants worldwide. Globeia is RCMP-accredited with an office in Canada, ensuring that your RCMP Criminal Record Check is processed through trusted, recognized channels. With Globeia, you don’t have to worry about multiple providers, international submissions, or tracking - everything is managed under one roof for a smooth, reliable, and legally recognized RCMP Criminal Record Check.

When applying for an RCMP Criminal Record Check from abroad, the processing time can vary depending on multiple factors, including the completeness of the application, quality of fingerprints, and the applicant’s background.

• Typical Processing Time: For standard applications with clear fingerprints, applicants usually receive their RCMP certificate within 2-4 weeks.
• Complex Cases: If the RCMP identifies a potential record, requires additional verification, or encounters discrepancies, processing can take up to 120 days or more. This ensures that any records are thoroughly checked and accurately attributed.
• Submission Method Impact: Using accredited providers like Globeia can streamline submission, digitize fingerprints, and help reduce delays, but official RCMP verification timelines still apply.

When applying from different countries, there are several important factors to keep in mind:

• Local Fingerprinting Availability: The collection of fingerprints that meet RCMP standards is not permissible at police stations in all countries. A private accredited provider or mobile fingerprinting service may be necessary.
• Document Translation: Before submission to the RCMP, certain countries demand that official documents or forms be translated into English or French.
• Mailing Restrictions: Customs regulations and international shipping times might influence the delivery of fingerprints or returned certificates.
• Time Zone and Communication: Support and updates from a Canadian RCMP-accredited provider may require taking the time zone differences into account.
• Legal and Privacy Regulations: Local laws concerning fingerprint collection, data privacy, or consent may vary from one country to another, and the applicants will have to follow the rules applicable to their country before submission.

If applicants are mindful of these factors and take up a service provider like Globeia, they can easily get a smooth, legally recognized RCMP Criminal Record Check process and avoid unexpected delays, no matter what country they are coming from. 

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect fingerprint forms.
• Using non-accredited agencies to take or send fingerprints.
• Failing to sign or provide consent declarations on the C-216C form.
• Not verifying that the fingerprints are clear and rolled properly.
• Expecting name-based checks to replace an RCMP Criminal Record Check.
• Missing additional services like translation or apostille when required for foreign authorities.

Acquiring an RCMP Criminal Record Check outside Canada has become easier and more dependable if proper methods are followed. International applicants are to prepare documents accurately, get their fingerprints done correctly, and submit them through the authorized channel to avoid any delays. Globeia with its Canada RCMP-accredited office, provides a total end-to-end solution - from fingerprinting to form submission, digitization, and delivery, thus guaranteeing that your RCMP Criminal Record Check is done quickly and safely.