Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Canadian Criminal Record Check in Colombia

Obtaining a Canadian criminal record check from Colombia is a manageable process when the correct steps are followed. Whether you are a Canadian living in Colombia, a Colombian national with Canadian residence history, or an international professional with ties to Canada, understanding which check is required and why can help you avoid delays and unnecessary paperwork.

This blog explains the types of Canadian criminal record checks, when the fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check is specifically required, how the entire process works, and what Globeia coordinates on your behalf.

This is the most important thing to understand before submitting any application.

Canada operates a layered system of criminal record checks. There is no single universal document; different checks search different databases, are issued by different authorities, and are legally valid for different purposes.

The terminology can add to the confusion. Words like "background check," "CPIC check," "Criminal Record Check," and "RCMP check" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

1. Name-Based Criminal Record Check (Basic CRC / CPIC Check)

This check uses your full legal name and date of birth to query the national criminal record database and local police databases. It is used for general domestic employment, volunteer screening, and some licensing purposes in Canada.

There are three possible outcomes from a name-based check:

• Negative: No record found. This is the most common result.
• Positive: A confirmed record on file.
• Incomplete: The system could not determine either way, a name or date-of-birth match was too ambiguous for a conclusive result. An Incomplete result does not mean a criminal record exists. It means fingerprints are needed to confirm identity before a final result can be issued.

2. Fingerprint-Based RCMP Criminal Record Check

The RCMP Criminal Record Check uses biometric fingerprint data to search the National Repository of Criminal Records, maintained by the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real-Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) in Ottawa. The national repository holds approximately 4.2 million criminal record files submitted by law enforcement agencies across Canada.

Because fingerprints are unique to each individual, this is the only Canadian criminal record check that positively confirms the applicant's identity. Electronic fingerprint capture (livescan) for RCMP submissions is only permitted from within Canada at an accredited location. All international RCMP submissions must begin with ink fingerprints collected on the official C-216C form.

An RCMP Criminal Record Check is the most comprehensive Canadian criminal record check and uses fingerprinting to obtain accurate details about an individual’s criminal history. This Canadian Criminal Record Check is typically required for immigration, visa, and other major reasons.

Globeia coordinates the RCMP Criminal Record Check process for applicants in Colombia. A trained associate collects ink fingerprints on the official C-216C form at your location.  Completed ink fingerprint cards are mailed to Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, where they are digitized and submitted to the RCMP. Processing times are determined entirely by the RCMP upon receipt of the submission.

An RCMP Criminal Record Check is not required for every application. In many cases, a name-based criminal record check may be sufficient. However, certain organizations and government authorities specifically require the fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check because it provides the highest level of identity verification.

You may need an RCMP Criminal Record Check in Colombia if you are:

• Applying for immigration, permanent residency, or visa programs in Canada or another country that requires proof of your Canadian criminal history.
• Completing an international adoption or foster care application.
• Applying for a Record Suspension (Pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada.
• Seeking professional licensing or registration in a regulated industry where the licensing authority requires a fingerprint-based criminal record check.
• Asked to provide fingerprints after a name-based criminal record check returns a possible match or an inconclusive result.

If the requesting authority specifically asks for an RCMP criminal record check based on fingerprints, a standard name-based check will not meet the requirement.

Choosing the right agency is important to ensure a background check is carried out efficiently. These factors will help you select the right service provider.

Accreditation

For fingerprint-based RCMP Criminal Record Check submissions, the coordinating agency must work through an RCMP-accredited entity. Globeia Incorporated in Toronto holds RCMP accreditation for civil fingerprint submissions. Accreditation assures that the agency follows Canadian legal standards and provides secure services. You can also check the list made by the RCMP of approved third-party agencies on their website.

Reputation

A well-regarded agency with a verifiable track record helps applicants navigate the process with confidence. You can read about the testimonials from the people who have used the services in the past through various mediums such as Google, independent review platforms, social media, etc.

Processing Times

Processing timeframes of different criminal record checks can be affected by the type of service provided by third-party service providers. Understanding typical coordination timelines helps applicants plan around employment, visa, or immigration deadlines. Note that final processing times are determined entirely by the relevant authority, such as the RCMP.

Customer Support

Good customer service is important while navigating through the application procedure. Select an agency with quick and dedicated customer service, so that your queries can be addressed promptly and delays can be avoided. Clear communication can help you use the service efficiently and correctly.

Applicants in Colombia can complete an RCMP Criminal Record Check without travelling to Canada. Globeia coordinates the process from start to finish through its SmartForm, SmartPortal, and network of trained fingerprinting associates.

Step 1: Complete the SmartForm

The process begins by completing Globeia's online SmartForm. This collects the information needed to determine the correct type of criminal record check, verify identity details, and prepare the required application documents. Once submitted, Globeia reviews the information and provides instructions for the next steps.

Step 2: Access Your SmartPortal

After your application is created, you receive access to the secure SmartPortal. The portal allows you to upload identification documents, review application details, track progress, and communicate with the Globeia team throughout the process. All required documents and updates are managed in one place.

Step 3: Arrange Fingerprinting with a Trained Associate

For fingerprint-based RCMP submissions, Globeia coordinates fingerprint collection through a trained associate in Colombia. The associate can meet you at your home, office, hotel, or another convenient location.

Your fingerprints are collected using ink on the official RCMP C-216C fingerprint card. Electronic fingerprint capture is not available outside Canada, so all international RCMP submissions must begin with ink fingerprints.

Step 4: Secure Shipment to Canada

Once the fingerprint card has been completed, it is carefully packaged and sent to Globeia Incorporated in Toronto. The fingerprint card is reviewed to ensure all required information is present before submission.

Step 5: RCMP-Accredited Digitization and Submission

Globeia Incorporated is accredited to submit civil fingerprint applications to the RCMP. The ink fingerprints are digitized and submitted electronically to the RCMP CCRTIS for processing.

Step 6: RCMP Processing

The RCMP reviews the application and conducts the criminal record check. Processing times are determined entirely by the RCMP and can vary depending on application volumes and whether additional review is required.

Step 7: Receive Your Results

Once processing is complete, the RCMP Criminal Record Check certificate is issued. If required, Globeia can also coordinate apostille services, certified translations, and international document delivery so your document is ready for use abroad.

From the initial SmartForm through fingerprint collection, RCMP submission, and final document delivery, the entire process is managed through a single application and point of contact.

If you plan to use your Criminal Record Check in Colombia, you may need an apostille. Colombia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, and many Colombian authorities require Canadian documents to be apostilled before they can be accepted.

For the RCMP Criminal Record Check, Global Affairs Canada is responsible for issuing apostilles for eligible federal documents. In some cases, a certified translation may also be required. For other police checks issued by municipal or provincial police services, the apostille is generally issued by the competent provincial authority.

Please note that Globeia does not directly apostille official government documents and does not perform apostille services on behalf of any government authority. All apostille and authentication requests are submitted by our company to the designated government authority responsible for processing them.

This list of dos and don’ts will help you apply smoothly and avoid common mistakes.

Dos

The following steps help ensure a complete and correctly submitted application.

• Add Correct Details: It is important to add your precise details when completing your application. Adding correct details helps in smoothly carrying out the Canadian background check. After you have added your details, review for any mistakes and correct them right away before submitting your application.
• Prepare All Necessary Documents: You must prepare your documents before applying. Make sure to note what documents are eligible for the type of Canadian criminal record check that you are applying for. Providing the right documents ensures that identity verification and background check procedures are done correctly.
• Arrange Fingerprints: For fingerprint checks, ensure that your fingerprints meet the RCMP quality standards. Go to the police department or an authorized fingerprinting company to have your fingerprints professionally taken. For an RCMP Criminal Record Check, the official RCMP C-216C fingerprint card must be used. Fingerprints must be captured by a trained associate following RCMP submission requirements.
• Read the Guidelines Carefully: All RCMP-approved service providers give detailed instructions about the Canadian criminal record check services. Instructions on acceptable forms of ID, fingerprinting processes, and payment methods are just some of the information provided. Take the time to read this thoroughly to avoid common mistakes. Guidelines often provide critical information that, if ignored, may lead to delays.

Don’ts

Here is a list of some factors that must be avoided while applying.

• Submit Incorrect Documents: Attaching the wrong documents is a common mistake that can hamper the application processing. You should submit the correct documents so that the background check is conducted smoothly. Outdated documents or discrepancies in documents may lead to requests for resubmission and thereby cause needless delays.
• Provide Inaccurate Information: It is necessary to add the information accurately when applying for a Canadian criminal record check. False details like an incorrect address or wrong date of birth could cause issues while running the background check.
• Submit Poor-Quality Fingerprints: Issues in carrying out fingerprint-based background checks are usually due to blurry, incomplete, or poorly taken fingerprints. For overseas applicants, resubmitting these fingerprints would entail a lengthy, tedious process, sometimes even incurring an expense. Ensure your fingerprints are captured by a trained associate using the correct ink rolling technique on the official RCMP C-216C card.

Getting a criminal record check in Colombia starts with understanding which type of check your situation actually requires. A name-based check and an RCMP Criminal Record Check are not interchangeable. The RCMP criminal record check is the required document for immigration, adoption, record suspension, and international use, and it is the only check that definitively confirms your identity.

Globeia supports both Canadian and international applicants in Colombia by coordinating the entire process and apostille coordination, helping applicants complete their requirements with a single point of contact.