Top 10 Reasons Your RCMP Criminal Record Check May Be Rejected in Canada

Getting an RCMP Criminal Record Check sounds simple on paper - until your application comes back rejected. For many applicants in Canada, the frustration doesn’t come from serious issues, but from tiny technical mistakes that most people don’t even realize matter. A fingerprint taken by the wrong person, a form that looks “almost right,” or a submission sent through the wrong channel can quietly derail the entire process.

The worst part? Rejections often arrive weeks later, forcing you to start over just when deadlines for immigration, employment, or licensing are closing in. If you’re applying for an RCMP Criminal Record Check and want to avoid costly delays, understanding why applications get rejected in the first place is critical. Below are the top reasons RCMP applications are returned or refused, starting with the ones that cause the most trouble for applicants across Canada.

1. Fingerprints Submitted Through a Non-Accredited Channel

• One of the fastest ways to get an RCMP application rejected is submitting fingerprints through a company or method that isn’t officially accredited by the RCMP. While many services claim they can “send fingerprints to the RCMP,” only RCMP-accredited intermediaries are authorized to transmit fingerprint data in a format the RCMP accepts.

• Applicants often assume that mailing fingerprint cards themselves or using a general fingerprinting service is enough - it isn’t. If the RCMP cannot verify that the submission came through an approved channel, the application is typically returned without processing. This results in lost fees, wasted time, and the need to redo fingerprinting entirely.

• Using an accredited intermediary ensures that fingerprints are reviewed, converted into the correct digital format, and securely submitted according to RCMP standards, reducing the risk of rejection at the very first stage.

2. Fingerprints Taken by Someone Who Is Not Authorized

• Even perfectly clear fingerprints can be rejected if they were taken by the wrong person. The RCMP requires fingerprints to be captured by authorized and properly trained personnel who follow specific procedures for orientation, pressure, and identification verification.

• In Canada, applicants sometimes use local police stations, private shops, or informal services without confirming whether the technician is recognized for RCMP submissions. When fingerprints are taken by unauthorized individuals, the RCMP cannot validate how they were collected and that uncertainty alone is enough to trigger rejection.

• To avoid this issue, fingerprints should always be taken by technicians working with or approved by an RCMP-accredited intermediary. This guarantees both technical accuracy and procedural compliance, which are equally important for acceptance.

3. Using the Wrong Fingerprint Form or Layout

The RCMP is very strict about how fingerprints are presented, not just how clear they look. Submissions must use the official C-216C fingerprint form or an RCMP-approved equivalent with the correct layout and orientation.

Rejections often happen when applicants:

1. Use outdated versions of the form
2. Download unofficial templates online
3. Submit forms where fingerprints are reversed, rotated, or placed incorrectly

• Even when fingerprints are clean and readable, the RCMP may still reject the application if the form does not match their technical requirements for digital processing. This is a common issue for first-time applicants who are unaware that format errors alone can invalidate the entire submission.

• Working with professionals who routinely handle RCMP fingerprint submissions helps ensure the correct form is used and completed properly the first time.

4. Incomplete or Conflicting Personal Details

• One of the most overlooked reasons for RCMP Criminal Record Check rejection is inconsistency in personal information. Even small differences such as a missing middle name, a typo in your place of birth, or an address that doesn’t match your ID, can raise red flags during verification.

• The RCMP relies on exact data matching to confirm identity. If your application form, fingerprint submission, and identification documents don’t align perfectly, the file may be paused for manual review or returned altogether. Applicants often underestimate how strict these checks are, which is why reviewing every field carefully before submission is essential to avoid unnecessary delays.

5. Missing or Invalid Supporting Documents

• Fingerprints alone are not enough to complete an RCMP Criminal Record Check. Applications must be supported by valid identification and, in some cases, consent or authorization forms. Submissions are commonly rejected when documents are expired, unclear, or simply missing.

• For example, a low-quality passport scan, outdated proof of address, or an unsigned consent form can stop processing entirely. The RCMP does not request missing items individually - instead, the application is often returned, forcing applicants to start over. Ensuring all required documents are current, legible, and correctly attached is a key step in preventing rejection.

6. Fingerprint Cards That Are Physically Compromised

• Even when fingerprints are captured correctly, their condition at the time of submission matters. Fingerprint cards that arrive folded, creased, smudged, or faded may be deemed unusable by the RCMP. Ink impressions that bleed, smear, or appear too light can also fail quality checks.

• This issue is especially common when fingerprint cards are mailed without proper protection. Exposure to moisture, pressure, or rough handling during transit can damage otherwise valid prints. Using secure packaging and professional handling reduces the risk of physical damage and helps ensure fingerprints remain clear and processable upon arrival.

7. Submission or Delivery Errors

• A surprising number of RCMP applications are rejected due to how they are submitted, not what they contain. Incorrect mailing addresses, incomplete packages, or failure to follow RCMP submission protocols can all result in returned applications. Once an application is lost or deemed improperly submitted, the RCMP does not retrieve or correct it.

• This is why many applicants choose RCMP-accredited intermediaries to manage submission. Accredited providers ensure that fingerprint data and documents are transmitted through approved channels, tracked securely, and delivered in compliance with RCMP requirements - eliminating preventable submission errors that cause delays.

8. Stating the Wrong Purpose for the RCMP Check

• The RCMP Criminal Record Check must clearly match the reason it is being requested. Whether the purpose is immigration, employment, professional licensing, or volunteering, this information guides how the check is processed and issued. Applications are often delayed or rejected when the stated purpose does not align with what the requesting authority requires.

• For example, submitting a check intended for employment when an immigration authority specifically requires an immigration-based RCMP check can cause complications. Being precise about the purpose and ensuring it matches official instructions, helps avoid unnecessary reprocessing and ensures the final RCMP certificate is accepted where it’s needed.

9. Payment Issues That Stop Processing Before It Begins

• RCMP Criminal Record Check applications are only processed once the correct fee has been successfully received using an accepted payment method. Problems arise when applicants submit outdated fee amounts, incomplete payment information, or payment types that the RCMP does not support for their specific submission route.

• In many cases, the RCMP does not notify applicants to correct payment errors - the application is simply returned unprocessed. This can be especially frustrating when fingerprints and documents are otherwise valid. Verifying the current RCMP fee structure and ensuring payment is handled correctly through an approved channel helps prevent this avoidable setback.

10. Missing Consent or Improper Authorization

• Consent is not a formality - it is a mandatory legal requirement for every RCMP Criminal Record Check. Applications are rejected when consent sections are left unsigned, partially completed, or filled out incorrectly. This issue frequently occurs when applicants rush through paperwork or misunderstand which forms require signatures.

• When a third-party or RCMP-accredited intermediary is involved, proper authorization becomes even more critical. The RCMP must clearly see that the applicant has granted permission for their personal information and fingerprints to be submitted and processed. Without valid consent, the application cannot proceed, regardless of how accurate the rest of the submission may be.

• Use an RCMP-accredited intermediary for secure submission.
• Ensure fingerprints are clear, properly captured, and on the correct form.
• Double-check all personal information for completeness and consistency.
• Include up-to-date supporting documents.
• Sign all consent forms accurately.
• Align the purpose of the check with RCMP guidelines.
• Avoid submitting old or damaged fingerprint cards.
• Track your application to respond to queries promptly.

Accuracy and compliance are key to getting your RCMP Criminal Record Check approved in Canada. From correct fingerprint capture and form completion to submitting via accredited channels, each step matters. Working with experienced providers like Globeia minimizes mistakes, ensures faster processing, and gives peace of mind that your application meets RCMP standards.