RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check from Outside Canada
Obtaining an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check (Police Certificate) while living outside Canada may feel complex—but with the right support, the process is straightforward and secure. Global Document Solutions specializes in assisting Canadians and foreign nationals abroad in obtaining RCMP police certificates for immigration, visas, work permits, citizenship, residency, employment screening, and international verification.
Below is a simple step-by-step guide to completing the process from outside Canada.
Step 1 — Complete Fingerprinting in Your Current Country
The RCMP requires ink fingerprinting for certified criminal record checks. While abroad:
Where to Get Fingerprinted
✔ Local police stations
✔ Government-approved biometric agencies
✔ Private fingerprinting centres or forensic labs
✔ Canadian embassies / consulates (only available in some regions)
Requirements
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Use an RCMP-compatible fingerprint card (e.g., C-216C) or local equivalent accepted in your country
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Provide valid government-issued photo ID
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Ensure fingerprints are taken in black ink and include:
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Signature of the official taking prints (if available)
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Agency stamp or seal (if available)
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If the agency cannot provide a stamp or signature: Obtain a short notarized letter confirming the fingerprints were taken legitimately.
Step 2 — Submit Your Fingerprints to the RCMP for Processing
Once fingerprints are captured, they must be submitted to the RCMP in Canada for electronic processing.
Fastest Submission Method
Global Document Solutions partners with Pacific Fingerprint Services, an RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting provider, to convert your ink fingerprints to digital format and submit directly to the RCMP.
What Happens Next
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Send your fingerprint card and required identification to our Canadian processing partner.
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They digitize and submit your prints electronically to the RCMP.
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The RCMP processes your application and issues a Certified Criminal Record Check, usually within 3–5 business days.
Results will be mailed directly to:
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Global Document Solutions (Ottawa Headquarters) for international certification
Step 3 — Certify Your RCMP Check for International Use
To be legally recognized abroad, your RCMP Criminal Record Check must be properly certified according to the destination country’s rules.
- Apostille Certification (for Hague Convention countries):
- Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2024, your document can now be directly Apostilled, making it valid in any Hague member country.
- Authentication and Legalization (for non-Hague countries):
- If the country where the certificate will be used is not part of the Hague Convention, the document must undergo authentication by Global Affairs Canada and legalization at the relevant embassy or consulate.
Global Document Solutions manages the entire international certification process on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and full compliance.
Why Choose Global Document Solutions
Canada’s Industry Leader in International Document Certification
| What You Get | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 30+ years of expertise | Trusted by government, legal, and global organizations |
| RCMP-accredited fingerprint processing through partners | Fast, secure, and highly accurate results |
| End-to-end service | Fingerprinting → RCMP submission → Apostille / Authentication & Legalization → Delivery |
| Worldwide support | Convenient service from any country |
| High-security handling | Protects sensitive identity and personal data |
| Trackable global delivery | Reliable and secure shipping to any destination |
Get Started with Confidence
Obtaining an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check from outside Canada doesn’t have to be complicated. With Global Document Solutions managing the process, you’ll receive a fast, secure, internationally accepted result—without delays or errors.
📞 Call 1-800-336-1132 (Mon–Fri, 9AM–5PM EST)
📝 Request a quote online to begin
RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check from Abroad FAQ's
When completing fingerprints outside Canada for an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check, the fingerprint card must meet RCMP submission standards. Our trusted partner Pacific Fingerprint Services will guide you through what is required, but in general, ensure the following:
Fingerprint Form Requirements
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Two complete sets of rolled fingerprints (each of the 10 fingers rolled individually)
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Two sets of flat impressions:
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Four fingers together for each hand
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Flat impressions of both thumbs
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Ink or Digital Printing
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Ink fingerprints must be completed in black ink
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Digital fingerprints are acceptable but must be printed onto a fingerprint form
Verification & Certification
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The form should include the signature of the official who took the fingerprints
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It should also include the stamp or seal of the agency where the prints were taken
If a Stamp or Signature Is Not Available
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You can obtain a notarized letter verifying that the fingerprints were taken properly
The processing times for electronic fingerprint submissions to the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) depend on the circumstances:
- No Criminal Record or Match Found:
- If there is no match to an RCMP fingerprint record, processing is completed within 72 hours (3 business days).
- The RCMP will mail the results to the applicant or a designated third party within this timeframe.
- Note: Additional time should be allowed for delivery via Canada Post.
- Criminal Record or Match Found:
- If there is a match to an RCMP fingerprint record or the applicant has a criminal record, processing can take up to 120 days or longer due to the need for manual review.
Important Reminder:
- Consider these factors and allow sufficient time for the results to arrive by mail before making any status update inquiries.
Unfortunately, we cannot process scanned or photocopied versions of your fingerprints, as per RCMP protocol. Please ensure you courier the original fingerprint form along with the required documents, as outlined by your agent.
The Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) destroys fingerprint submissions related to civil screening after 90 days, once the search process is complete. These fingerprints are not added to the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records and cannot be used for future searches.
