How to Get a Canadian Police Check from Australia

Imagine preparing for a visa application or overseas job, only to realize you need a Canadian police check—but you’re currently living in Australia. You might be wondering, “Can I still get my Canadian criminal record check from here?” The good news is yes—you absolutely can, and it’s easier than you think.

A Canadian police check (officially called an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check) is often required for immigration, employment, or visa purposes. Even if you’re outside Canada, you can still apply remotely through an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company such as the Legalization Service Centre (LSC), which is authorized to digitize and submit international fingerprints electronically to the RCMP in Ottawa.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to get a Canadian police check from Australia, including what it is, why it’s important, what documents you’ll need, and the simple steps to apply. You’ll also learn how accredited companies like LSC make the process secure, fast, and stress-free for applicants worldwide.

Need help with document apostille/legalization/authentication/attestation — and/or criminal record check in Canada? Contact us via our form, call us at +1-613-501-0555 (WhatsApp available) or +1-800-857-1215 (toll-free), fax us via 1-844-786-2001, or text us at info@lsccanada.ca.

What Is a Canadian Police Check and Why Do You Need One?

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada’s federal police authority, issues an official and certified document called a Canadian Police Check, commonly referred to as a Certified Criminal Record Check or Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). It confirms whether or not an individual has a criminal record in Canada and is often required for employment, immigration, or residency purposes.

This document is generated through the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) database, the RCMP’s national repository of criminal records. It is the most reliable form of Canadian background check, as it uses fingerprint-based verification to ensure identity accuracy.

Your fingerprints will be taken by the local police or a professional fingerprinting company when you apply or request a police clearance in Canada. These fingerprints are safely delivered to the RCMP for processing and confirmation. Additionally, this procedure guarantees that your record search is precise, thorough, and complies with federal laws in Canada.

If you’re outside of Canada, such as living or working in Australia, you can still get a Canadian police certificate through designated third-party services via Canada Post or through Canadian police clearance services like Legalization Service Centre. They act as your authorized representative, helping you manage the application, authentication, and delivery process on your behalf.

For visa applications, immigration procedures, and background checks for legal or professional reasons, obtaining a Certified Criminal Record Check from outside Canada is crucial. After it has been properly authenticated and legalized, your certificate can be used overseas as verification of your criminal record status in Canada.

In short, getting a Canadian criminal record check from outside Canada helps confirm your good standing with the federal authorities, ensuring your Canadian documents are recognized and accepted wherever you need them.

When Is It Required?

You may need a Canadian police clearance certificate for several purposes, such as:

Immigration or visa applications
Employment or volunteer work in Canada or abroad
Adoption or name change procedures
Record suspension (pardon) applications
International travel or citizenship processes
Business licensing or corporate background checks

Essentially, any organization that requires proof of good conduct or background verification may request a criminal record check from the RCMP.

Types of Criminal Record Checks in Canada

Before learning how to get a Canadian police check from Australia, it’s important to know there are two main types of checks in Canada:

1. Name and Date of Birth-Based Check

Conducted by local police services or private background check providers.
Searches the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database.
Suitable for general employment or volunteer positions.
Not accepted for visa or immigration purposes.

2. Certified Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Check

Conducted and carried out through the RCMP’s CCRTIS system.
Requires your original fingerprints.
Considered the most accurate and official form of criminal record verification.
Accepted worldwide, including by immigration authorities and foreign governments.

If you’re living in Australia and need the document for a visa, immigration, or official purpose, you’ll need a fingerprint-based RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check.

How to Get a Canadian Police Check from Australia: Step-by-Step Process

Here’s a detailed guide to obtaining your Canadian police clearance certificate while residing in Australia.

Step 1: Get Your Fingerprints Taken in Australia

Your first step is to have your fingerprints taken on an official fingerprint card. You can do this at:

A local police station in Australia
A private fingerprinting agency
A Notary Public office

These offices typically provide ink and roll fingerprints, which must include all ten fingers and your personal information, such as:

Full name
Date of birth
Gender
Place of birth
Signature

Make sure the fingerprint form includes the name, address, and signature of the officer who took your prints.

Tip: Ask for a few extra copies of your fingerprint card—this can save time if there’s an issue with clarity or smudging.

Step 2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Along with your fingerprints, you’ll need to prepare:

A clear photocopy of two valid IDs (e.g., passport and driver’s licence)
A completed RCMP application form (can be obtained from LSC or downloaded online)
A signed consent letter if you’re authorizing LSC to receive the results on your behalf

If you plan to have your criminal record check legalized or apostilled, include any necessary forms for that as well.

Step 3: Send Your Documents to an RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting Agency in Canada

Once you’ve collected everything, you’ll mail your original fingerprint card and supporting documents to an RCMP-accredited company in Canada, such as the Legalization Service Centre.

They will:

Digitize your ink fingerprints
Securely transmit them to the RCMP through the CCRTIS
Handle all the required communication with the RCMP

You can send your documents by international courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS) or regular Australia Post international tracked mail.

Step 4: Processing by the RCMP

After your fingerprints are submitted, the RCMP searches their National Repository of Criminal Records.

Processing times depend on whether you have a criminal record:

No record found: Usually processed within 3–5 business days
Record found: May take up to 120 days

Once complete, the Certified Criminal Record Check is mailed either:

Directly to you in Australia via Canada Post regular mail, or
To your designated third party, such as LSC, who can courier it to you faster

Step 5: (Optional) Apostille or Legalization of Your National Police Certificate

If your Canadian police clearance certificate will be used for official or legal purposes in another country, you may need to have it apostilled (for countries in the Hague Apostille Convention) or legalized (for non-member countries).

Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024, the process is much simpler. LSC can handle this step for you, ensuring your document meets all international standards.

Where to Get Fingerprints Taken in Australia

You can get your fingerprints taken at:

Local police stations in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth
Private fingerprinting agencies specializing in background checks
Notary Public offices that offer fingerprinting services

Make sure your fingerprints are taken by an authorized officer and properly signed, stamped, and dated.

Documents You’ll Need to Apply for a Canadian Criminal Record Check

Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your application goes smoothly:

Original ink fingerprint card (with officer’s name, address, and signature)
Two pieces of government-issued ID (passport, driver’s licence, etc.)
Application form for RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
Proof of payment (if applicable)
Consent letter if sending via a third party
Return address (for delivery via courier or Canada Post)

How Long Does It Take to Get a Canadian Police Clearance from Australia?

Processing time varies depending on delivery and record status.

Stages:

Fingerprinting at local police: 1–3 business days
Courier from Australia to Canada: 5–10 business days
RCMP processing (no record): 3–5 business days
RCMP processing (record found): Up to 120 days
Return delivery (Canada Post or courier): 5–10 business days

Total average time: About 3 to 4 weeks if there’s no record, assuming smooth delivery.

How Long Is the Canadian Police Certificate Valid?

A Canadian police certificate has no fixed expiry date, but most organizations and immigration authorities consider it valid for six months to one year from the date of issue.

If your visa or immigration process is delayed, you may need to request an updated version.

Common Reasons for Delays or Rejections

To avoid unnecessary setbacks, ensure that:

Your fingerprint impressions are clear and complete.
All personal details match your ID documents.
You’re using the correct RCMP-accredited agency.
You provide a valid mailing address.
Smudged fingerprints or missing information are common causes of rejection.

Why Choose Legalization Service Centre for Your Canadian Police Check

When applying for a Canadian criminal record check from Australia, it’s crucial to work with a trusted, accredited company. Here’s why Legalization Service Centre (LSC Canada) stands out.

1. RCMP-Accredited and Certified

LSC is officially authorized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to digitize and transmit fingerprints electronically through Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). This ensures your fingerprints are processed directly and securely by the RCMP.

2. Worldwide Assistance

LSC can handle your Canadian criminal background check online, regardless of where you are—in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or anywhere else in Australia. All you have to do is mail your fingerprint card, and we will take care of the rest.

3. Fast Turnaround and Secure Delivery

Applications are processed within one business day upon receipt, and results are delivered directly to you or a designated third party. LSC can even apostille or legalize your police certificate for international use.

4. Over 15 Years of Experience

Since 2009, LSC has helped thousands of Canadians and foreign nationals obtain police checks, apostilles, and document authentications for visas, jobs, and international travel.

5. End-to-End Support

From fingerprint processing to RCMP submission and document authentication, LSC takes care of every step so you can focus on your plans abroad—stress-free.

Get Your Canadian Police Check from Australia — Fast and Hassle-Free

Getting a Canadian police check while living in Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. With the help of an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company like Legalization Service Centre, you can complete the process quickly, securely, and entirely by mail or courier.

If you need your Certified Criminal Record Check for immigration, work, or official purposes, start the process today with confidence.