What Does a Criminal Record Check Show? A Complete Guide

Are you curious about what happens when a government agency, volunteer group, or company seeks a criminal background check? It’s crucial to comprehend the procedure whether you’re applying for a new employment, working with vulnerable individuals, or preparing paperwork for usage outside of Canada.

A criminal background check, also known as a record check or police record check, is a formal search of Canadian police databases to see if an individual has a criminal history. The type of check required depends on the purpose. It can be for employment, volunteering, immigration, or international document use, and can vary by province and local police service. Knowing what does a criminal record check show, and how it works, saves time and prevents surprises.

In this article, we’ll cover the types of police record checks in Canada, what each type reveals, how the process works by province, and special cases like vulnerable sector checks and international use. We’ll also explain key terms like non-conviction records, record suspensions, and the role of the RCMP. Finally, we’ll look at why choosing a trusted service matters for authentication and legalization if you need your criminal record check recognized outside of 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].

What Does a Criminal Record Check Show?

A criminal record check is an official search of police and court records to determine whether an individual has a history of criminal activity. The record check is requested by employers, volunteer organizations, or government agencies to assess suitability for a role or situation. The amount and type of information disclosed will depend on the specific check along with the level of responsibility or greater risk than the general population that the role involves.

Locally in Canada, a criminal record check may show different information based on its scope. For example, a basic check may confirm only criminal convictions, while more detailed checks can include findings such as probation and prohibition orders, non-conviction records, or judicial outcomes. Understanding these levels is important when you require a criminal records check for employment, licensing, volunteering, or immigration purposes.

Convictions for crimes under the Canadian Criminal Code or other federal laws.
Non-conviction information (cases where charges existed but did not result in conviction).
Outstanding charges, peace bonds, and probation or prohibition orders.
Convicted of not committing a crime due to a mental illness or disorders.
Records under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (though disclosure is limited).
Sexual offence records requiring vulnerable sector checks.

It’s important to note that a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) removes certain records from public disclosure. However, sexual offences and some other cases may still appear in a vulnerable sector check.

Types of Criminal Record Checks in Canada

Canadian police services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recognize different levels of checks. The type of record check is requested based on the role, responsibility, and level of criminal risk involved. Since record check results can show different information, applicants seeking employment, licensing, or volunteering should understand which type of police background check applies to their situation.

1. Basic Criminal Record Check

A basic criminal record check searches the national repository of criminal records maintained by the RCMP. It is conducted using an applicant’s name and date of birth, and is usually a situation where a basic criminal check is enough. This type of check will show different information about every criminal offence that has not been suspended, unless the individual was found guilty under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which may not appear in the results.

2. Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (Level 2)

This is often referred to as a level 2 criminal record check and includes everything from a basic check along with additional details. It can include judicial information such as peace bonds, probation, prohibition orders, and matters that resulted in a finding but not necessarily a conviction. This type of check is commonly required for applicants seeking employment or licensing where the employer may require a criminal records check that goes beyond a simple name-based search.

3. Vulnerable Sector Check

A vulnerable sector check is required when working or volunteering with vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, or people at higher risk than the general population. In addition to all level of criminal and judicial information, this check includes a search for pardoned sexual offences using fingerprints. Since the check is intended for sensitive roles, only local police services can complete this type of police background check, ensuring compliance with the schedule to the Criminal Code for applicants in high-trust positions.

4. Certified Criminal Record Check

A certified criminal record check requires fingerprints to be submitted to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). It is considered the most reliable method to get a police record check, often needed when applying for a police record for immigration, adoption, or international work. This check may also be requested in situations where authorities require a criminal record that is verified beyond doubt, since it is directly tied to fingerprint evidence.

Criminal Background Check Process

The criminal record check process depends on the type of check and where you apply.

1. Requesting the Check. Apply through your local police service or an RCMP-accredited company. Some checks can be done online, while others require in-person applications.

2. Providing Identification. Two pieces of valid ID are typically required (driver’s licence, passport, or Ontario photo card). For certified checks, fingerprints must be submitted.

3. Processing the Check. Name-based checks may be completed in minutes to days. Fingerprint-based checks can take longer, especially for international use.

4. Receiving Your Criminal Record Check. Results may be emailed, mailed, or picked up in person. If applying outside of Canada, results can be sent abroad.

Criminal Record Checks by Province

Each province works with local police services, and requirements can differ slightly.

Ontario

Offers three types of checks: Criminal Record Check, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, and Vulnerable Sector Check.
Applicants can apply online through police portals or in person.
Ontario Photo Card is accepted as ID if you don’t have a driver’s licence.

British Columbia

Criminal record checks are often processed through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General for those working with vulnerable groups.
Local police services handle other types of checks.

Alberta

Police Information Check is the common term.
Available through Edmonton Police Service, Calgary Police Service, and local detachments.

Quebec

Police record checks are available through the Sûreté du Québec or municipal police services.
French-language applications are standard.

Manitoba

Winnipeg Police Service provides online and in-person record check applications.
Vulnerable sector checks must be completed locally.

Saskatchewan

Record checks available through Saskatoon Police Service, Regina Police Service, and RCMP detachments.

Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador)

Local police or RCMP detachments process requests.
Processing times can be longer in rural areas.

Territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut)

Local RCMP detachments are the main providers.
Fingerprint submissions may be required for certified checks.

Special Considerations

Youth Criminal Records

Governed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Disclosure is limited, and most youth records are sealed after certain time periods.

Record Suspensions

Granted under the Criminal Records Act.
Removes certain offences from public disclosure.
Does not erase the conviction but restricts access.

International and Immigration Use

If you live outside of Canada or need a check for another country, you’ll usually need a certified criminal record check with fingerprints.
Documents may also need authentication and legalization before they’re accepted abroad.

Need a Criminal Record Check in Canada? Here’s What to Do Next

A criminal background check is a vital document for employment, volunteering, immigration, and international use. Knowing what does a criminal record check show—and how the process differs across provinces—helps you avoid delays and ensures your application goes smoothly. Whether you need a basic check for local work or a certified check for use outside of Canada, understanding the requirements is the first step.

When requesting a record check, it’s important to know that the check is intended for applicants in different situations. For example, a name-based criminal record check may be enough for general employment or volunteering, but applicants applying for a vulnerable sector check will often need fingerprints for vulnerable sector verification through the Canadian Police Information Centre. Record check results may vary depending on the offence with which the individual has been charged, whether the person is 18 years of age or younger, or if a person has been granted a record suspension. In some cases, a broad record check or a level 2 criminal record and judicial matters check may be required, pulling details from local police databases as well. Understanding what criminal record information will appear helps applicants manage the application process with confidence.