If you need an RCMP fingerprint check, one of your first questions may be, “How long will it take?” The answer depends on how the RCMP processes your fingerprints. In many cases, an electronic submission with no match to a criminal record takes 3 business days or less. However, a case that requires manual processing or involves a possible match to a criminal record can take up to 120 business days.
These timelines come from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). They apply to electronic fingerprint submissions received by the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). They are approximate processing times. They do not necessarily include the time needed to book your appointment, complete your fingerprints, or receive your results by mail.
This guide explains the process in simple terms. It also explains why some applications move quickly while others take longer.
How long does an RCMP fingerprint check take?
For an RCMP fingerprint check, the RCMP currently lists two main processing timelines. If there is no match to a criminal record, the RCMP says the processing time is 3 business days or less. This applies to electronic fingerprint submissions received by CCRTIS.
If the application needs manual processing or there is a possible match to a criminal record, the processing time can reach 120 business days. In some situations, the RCMP says more time may be required. This can happen when the submitted information is incomplete or when the RCMP needs to clarify information with a local police service.
The difference between these timelines is important. A quick application does not mean every applicant will receive results within three business days. The RCMP reviews each submission based on the information and search results involved. The RCMP also advises applicants to plan ahead because processing times can vary.
What happens during the process?
An RCMP fingerprint check starts when an authorized police service or RCMP-accredited private fingerprinting company collects your fingerprints. For civil purposes, an accredited private fingerprinting company can submit your fingerprints electronically to CCRTIS. CCRTIS then verifies the fingerprints against the National Repository of Criminal Records.
The process generally involves several steps:
- You provide the required identification and application information.
- A fingerprinting provider captures your fingerprints electronically.
- The provider submits the electronic transaction to the RCMP.
- CCRTIS searches the relevant RCMP records.
- The RCMP processes the submission.
- The result is sent to the address or recipient specified for the application.
Electronic submission helps move information quickly between the fingerprinting provider and the RCMP. However, electronic submission does not guarantee that every application will receive a result within three business days. The RCMP notes that manual processing may still occur.
Why can processing take longer?
Several factors can affect an RCMP fingerprint check. The most important factor is whether the submission requires additional review. When there is no match to a criminal record, the RCMP lists a processing time of three business days or less. When a possible match exists, the application may require manual processing. The RCMP lists a processing time of up to 120 business days for these situations.
Incomplete information can also cause delays. The RCMP states that additional time may be necessary when information is incomplete or when officials need to clarify parts of an application with a local police service. The volume of applications can also affect processing. The RCMP explains that processing times may vary depending on the number of applications received at different times of the year and the amount of manual processing involved.
For this reason, applicants should avoid planning around the fastest possible timeline. If you have an immigration, employment, travel, licensing, or other deadline, start the process early.
Does electronic fingerprinting make it faster?
Electronic fingerprinting can make the submission process more efficient. An RCMP-accredited private fingerprinting company can electronically submit civil fingerprint transactions to CCRTIS. The RCMP uses certified electronic fingerprint capture systems for these transactions. Its accreditation requirements include the use of RCMP-certified vendor devices for electronic fingerprint services provided to the public.
However, electronic fingerprinting does not remove the RCMP’s processing stage. This is an important point. Your fingerprints may be captured and submitted electronically in a short appointment. The RCMP still needs to process the submission. The final timeline depends on the type of search and whether the submission requires additional review.
The RCMP specifically states that even when fingerprints are submitted electronically, manual processes may still be involved. So, electronic fingerprinting can help with the submission process, but it does not guarantee a specific turnaround time.
Is an RCMP fingerprint check the same as biometrics?
No. These services can involve fingerprints, but they serve different purposes. The Government of Canada explains that providing fingerprints for a police certificate is not the same as providing biometrics for an immigration application. Immigration biometrics can include fingerprints and a photograph. An RCMP fingerprint check relates to a fingerprint-based criminal record check. The fingerprints help confirm identity and allow the RCMP to search its national repository.
Biometrics, on the other hand, can form part of an immigration application process managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If an organization asks you for an RCMP fingerprint-based criminal record check, follow the specific instructions provided by that organization. Do not assume that completing an immigration biometrics appointment will replace an RCMP criminal record check.
Who needs an RCMP fingerprint check?
People may need a fingerprint-based criminal record check for different reasons. The RCMP identifies several purposes for certified criminal record checks. These include employment, volunteer work, immigration, travel, citizenship, adoption, name changes, and other purposes.
The exact type of check depends on the organization requesting it. For example, an employer may ask for a certified criminal record check as part of its screening process. An immigration authority may request an RCMP check for a specific application. A person applying for a record suspension may also need fingerprints submitted to the RCMP.
Always check the instructions from the organization requesting your record check. You should use the correct application type and purpose. Using the wrong type of check can create unnecessary delays.
Do you need fingerprinting for immigration?
Immigration applications require special attention. The Government of Canada states that you do not normally need to provide a Canadian police certificate when you first apply for permanent residence in Canada. IRCC will tell you if you need a Canadian criminal record check during the processing of your application.
If IRCC asks for an RCMP criminal record check, follow its instructions carefully. The Government of Canada also states that fingerprints for this purpose must be submitted electronically to CCRTIS. Applicants outside Canada need to work with an accredited company in Canada to digitize ink fingerprints and submit them electronically. Paper submissions sent directly to CCRTIS will not be processed.
This makes choosing the right fingerprinting provider important. If you are in Brampton, look for a company that is listed by the RCMP as an accredited private fingerprinting company like Four Pillars Fingerprinting.
Why choose an RCMP-accredited company?
An RCMP-accredited company is authorized to take fingerprints for civil purposes and submit electronic transactions to CCRTIS. The RCMP has specific accreditation requirements for private fingerprinting companies. These requirements include security and administrative controls, electronic submission capabilities, and approved fingerprint capture equipment.
This provides an important level of assurance when you need fingerprints for an official purpose. Before booking an appointment, confirm that the provider is accredited by the RCMP. The RCMP maintains a list of accredited private fingerprinting companies. The list includes providers in Brampton and other Canadian cities.
Can you get results in three days?
Sometimes, yes. The RCMP states that an electronic fingerprint submission with no match to a criminal record can take 3 business days or less. But three business days is not a guaranteed delivery time for every applicant. It is the RCMP’s approximate processing time for that type of submission. Your total wait can be longer because you may also need to account for your appointment, submission, processing, and delivery of the result.
The RCMP states that results are mailed to the address provided. Applicants should allow additional time for Canada Post delivery. For this reason, do not wait until the last few days before an important deadline.
What if there is a criminal record match?
A possible criminal record match can change the processing timeline. The RCMP states that applications involving manual processing or a possible match to a criminal record can take 120 business days. Some cases may require even more time. This does not mean that every applicant with a criminal record will automatically wait the same amount of time. The RCMP’s stated timeframe reflects the processing requirements for cases that need manual work or additional verification.
Additional information may need to be reviewed. The RCMP may also need to clarify information with a local police service. If your application falls into this category, patience and early planning are important.
What can you do to avoid delays?
You cannot control the RCMP’s processing queue. However, you can make sure your part of the application is complete. Start with the instructions from the organization requesting the check. Make sure you know which type of criminal record check you need. The RCMP offers different certified criminal record check products for different purposes.
Bring the required identification to your appointment. Provide accurate personal information. Tell the fingerprinting provider the exact purpose of the application. If you received an instruction letter, bring it with you. For immigration applications, follow the instructions from IRCC rather than ordering a check on your own. IRCC specifically advises permanent residence applicants to wait for its instructions when an RCMP criminal record check is required. These steps can help prevent avoidable problems.
Can a fingerprinting company speed up the RCMP?
A fingerprinting company can provide the fingerprinting service and submit eligible civil applications electronically. However, the company does not control the RCMP’s processing queue. This distinction matters. An accredited provider can help ensure that your fingerprints and application information are captured and submitted correctly. The RCMP then processes the submission through CCRTIS.
The RCMP’s published processing times apply to electronic fingerprint submissions received by CCRTIS. Therefore, a company should not promise that every RCMP fingerprint check will be completed within a specific number of hours or days. A professional provider should explain the difference between the fingerprinting appointment and the RCMP processing time.
What about vulnerable sector checks?
An RCMP fingerprint check is not the same as a vulnerable sector check. This is an important distinction for people applying for jobs or volunteer positions. The RCMP states that if you require a vulnerable sector check, you must go to your local police service. RCMP-accredited private fingerprinting companies do not provide vulnerable sector checks.
The organization requesting your screening should tell you what type of check you need. If you are unsure, ask the employer, licensing body, school, immigration authority, or other organization that requested the check. Getting the wrong type of check may not satisfy the requirement.
How long should you plan for?
The safest approach is to plan for more time than the fastest RCMP estimate. For a submission with no match to a criminal record, the RCMP lists 3 business days or less. For a submission involving manual processing or a possible match, the listed timeframe is 120 business days.
You should also consider the time needed for your appointment and delivery. If your application has a fixed deadline, start as early as possible. This is especially important for immigration, employment, licensing, travel, and other applications where a missing document could affect your timeline. The RCMP itself advises applicants to plan ahead because processing times can vary.