RCMP Police Clearance and Criminal Record Check for PR

Have you recently applied—or are planning to apply—for permanent residence (PR) in Canada and came across a request for an RCMP police clearance? You’re not alone. Many applicants find this part confusing, especially when asked to submit fingerprints or criminal record checks through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

A police clearance is one of the most important documents for any immigration or citizenship application. It helps the Canadian government verify your criminal background, ensuring you meet admissibility requirements. Whether you’re applying from inside or outside Canada, understanding how the process works—and when it applies to you—can save weeks of delay.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the RCMP police clearance for PR in Canada. We’ll cover who needs it, how to apply, what documents are required, how long processing takes, and how accredited fingerprinting companies can help. We’ll also share how the Legalization Service Centre (LSC) can assist you with authentication, apostille, and criminal record check services across Canada.

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 [email protected].

Understanding the RCMP Police Clearance for PR

A police clearance, sometimes referred to as a criminal record check, record check, or police certificate, is an official document confirming whether you have any Canadian criminal record. This verification is usually conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) through the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) — the national repository of police records and fingerprints.

For permanent residence (PR), citizenship, or landed immigrant status applications, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may require a police clearance or certified criminal record check to verify if you have any convictions in Canada or outside of Canada. This is typically required for applicants who have lived in Canada for six months or longer after the age of 18.

Unlike name-based checks done through a local police service, the RCMP fingerprint-based criminal record check uses your unique fingerprint data to search the criminal real time identification services database and confirm your identity with accredited accuracy. In some cases, such as a vulnerable sector check, additional information may be required depending on the purpose of your application.

Who Needs an RCMP Police Clearance for PR?

Not all PR applicants need to provide this clearance, but it’s often required in the following cases:

You have lived in Canada for six months or more since turning 18.
You were previously in Canada on a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa.
IRCC or another government agency specifically requests a fingerprint-based police record check for immigration purposes.
You are applying for a criminal record verification through the RCMP website to get a police clearance for your PR or citizenship application.
You are applying for Canadian citizenship or permanent residence and need to prove a clean background.
You are renewing or updating your permanent resident card and must apply for a new online police record check through an accredited company within Canada.

If you have lived outside of Canada for extended periods, you may also need to provide police checks or certificates from other countries where you resided for six months or longer. Applicants need to make sure their check applications are fully filled out and correct to prevent any processing delays.

Types of Criminal Record Checks in Canada

There are types of criminal record checks conducted by Canadian police services and the RCMP. It’s important to know which one applies to your situation:

1. Name and Date of Birth-Based Criminal Record Check

Conducted using your full name and date of birth.
Commonly used for employment or volunteer work, but not sufficient for PR applications.
May not be accepted by IRCC because it cannot confirm identity with certainty.

2. Fingerprint-Based Criminal Record Check

Uses digital or ink fingerprints to verify identity.
Conducted by the RCMP’s CCRTIS.
Required for immigration and permanent residence purposes.
Produces a Certified Criminal Record Check, the most accurate and internationally recognized version.

3. Vulnerable Sector Check

Uses digital or ink fingerprints to verify identity.
Conducted by the RCMP’s CCRTIS.
Required for immigration and permanent residence purposes.
Produces a Certified Criminal Record Check, the most accurate and internationally recognized version.
Learn the difference between a vulnerable sector check and a standard record check.

For PR applications, the RCMP-certified fingerprint-based check is the one you’ll need.

How to Apply for an RCMP Police Clearance for PR

The process to apply for a certified criminal record check can vary depending on whether you are inside or outside Canada. Below are the general steps to help you apply online or through an accredited company within Canada.

If You’re Inside Canada

1. Find an Accredited or Private Fingerprinting Company

The RCMP only accepts electronic fingerprint submissions from an accredited or private fingerprinting company. These service providers capture your fingerprints and photo digitally and submit them securely to the RCMP for processing through the national repository of criminal records. Applicants who require a criminal background check for immigration purposes must contact a recognized provider to ensure accuracy.

2. Book an Appointment

You can contact an accredited company within your city to schedule an appointment if you are applying in person or apply online if the provider offers that option. Some fingerprinting offices allow same-day appointments or walk-ins to meet urgent travel deadlines.

3. Bring the Required Documents

Two pieces of government-issued identification, one with a photo.
Any letter from IRCC requesting a criminal record check (if available).
Your completed application form (if applicable).
Include any instructions provided by IRCC or canada.ca to ensure your submission meets all federal requirements.

4. Get Fingerprinted

During your appointment, your fingerprints will be scanned electronically using an RCMP-accredited system. The accredited or private fingerprinting company will then submit your fingerprint submissions directly to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS), which serves as the national repository of criminal records. Your results are generated based on name and date of birth and cross-checked for accuracy.

5. Receive Your Results

After processing, the RCMP will send your Certified Criminal Record Check either to your address or directly to the organization that requested it (such as IRCC). There may be delays in mailing due to ongoing labour disruptions at Canada Post. To address this, the RCMP might adopt a temporary strategy to prioritize urgent applications, especially those related to immigration matters or upcoming travel deadlines.

If you’re unsure which fingerprinting company to choose, you must contact an accredited or RCMP-approved provider for guidance.

If You’re Outside Canada

If you are applying for PR but are currently living outside Canada, the process involves a few extra steps:

Visit a local police service or fingerprinting agency in your country to have your fingerprints taken on the official RCMP fingerprint forms.
Ensure the form includes your full name, date of birth, and signature.
Send the original fingerprint form to an accredited fingerprinting company within Canada, who can then submit it to the RCMP electronically on your behalf.
Pay the relevant processing fee, which differs based on the company and your mailing choices.
Wait for your criminal record check results to be mailed to you or IRCC.

This approach is particularly helpful for applicants outside of Canada who cannot submit fingerprints directly to the RCMP. Working with a trusted local police agency ensures your fingerprint results meet RCMP standards, helping avoid delays or rejections in your criminal record checks.

Processing Times

Processing times for an RCMP criminal record check depend on several factors, including your submission method, accuracy of information, and current workload at the RCMP. Generally:

Electronic fingerprint submissions: 3–10 business days.
Paper fingerprint submissions: 2–3 months or longer, especially if mailed internationally.
Disruption of Canada Post services or ongoing labour disruptions may cause delays in delivery times.

What Happens If You Have a Criminal Record?

If your RCMP background check shows that you have a criminal record, it doesn’t mean you are automatically ineligible for applying as a permanent resident. IRCC will review the nature and severity of the offence to determine admissibility.

In some cases:

Minor or older offences may be considered rehabilitated after a certain period.
More serious convictions, such as a sexual offence, may require further review by IRCC before determining admissibility.
You may be asked to provide additional documentation or clarification.
You must remain transparent in your application to avoid misrepresentation.

If you’re uncertain about the next steps after getting your results, seek advice from an immigration lawyer or a reputable document authentication service.

Tips to Avoid Delays When Applying for a Police Clearance

To ensure your criminal record check is processed smoothly, keep these tips in mind:

Always use an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company.
Double-check that all forms are complete and signed.
Provide accurate personal details (full name, date of birth, current address).
Avoid submitting laminated or damaged documents.
Keep a copy of your receipt and tracking number for follow-up.

If IRCC gives you a deadline, apply early to account for mailing time and possible disruptions at Canada Post.

Why Choose Legalization Service Centre for RCMP Police Clearance and Document Services

A person presses a blue stamp onto a document on a clipboard, with a pen and a partially visible laptop on a dark desk.

When it comes to document authentication, apostille, and legalization — including help with RCMP police clearances for PR — the Legalization Service Centre (LSC) is one of the most trusted names in Canada.

With more than 15 years of professional experience, we at LSC have established a reputation for being accurate, dependable, and efficient. Whether you need your RCMP criminal record check, birth certificate, academic documents, or corporate papers authenticated, LSC ensures your paperwork meets all international and government requirements.

Our customer-centric approach sets us apart. We at LSC work closely with Global Affairs Canada, provincial authentication authorities, and Canadian embassies and consulates, guaranteeing that your documents are properly verified and ready for international use. With fast turnaround times—as quick as one business day—and nationwide service from Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and beyond, you can trust LSC to handle your documentation with precision and care.

Get Your RCMP Police Clearance the Right Way!

Applying for permanent residence is a big step toward building a life in Canada. Getting your RCMP police clearance is one small but crucial part of the process—and understanding how to do it correctly will save you time, stress, and unnecessary costs.

Whether you’re in Canada or abroad, make sure to contact an accredited fingerprinting service or company and submit your application early. And if you need help with authentication, apostille, or any other official documentation, the experts at Legalization Service Centre are here to help.