Canada police certificate is issued by the local Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. You might be required to provide a Canada police certificate when applying for a work visa, adoption, overseas immigration, and permanent residence.
The validity period of the police report is not stated on the Canada police certificate, but the country of destination generally requires the police certificate to be issued within a specific time. For most counties, the Canadian Police Certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue. However, some countries may have their own criteria, for example, China requires the Canada police certificate must have been issued within the six months prior to the date you submit your application.
Types of Canada Police Certificate
Canadian Police Certificates can be issued using your name or using fingerprints. It depends on the requirements of destination country, even if you don’t have any convictions.
1.Name-based criminal record checks
Using names and dates of birth is the most common way to determine if a person have a criminal history on file.
Name-based criminal record checks are done checking against the RCMP’s Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system. They consist of a check of the National Repository of Criminal Records based on a person’s name and date of birth. It may also include searches of other national and local databases.
2.Fingerprint-based criminal record checks
Electronic fingerprint submissions are the correct way for a criminal background check. Paper fingerprints are not accepted.
We will help you to convert your paper fingerprints to electronic fingerprint. Then, a fingerprint search of the National Repository of Criminal Records will be conducted by RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).
The fingerprints submitted to CCRTIS for criminal record checks are only used to confirm your identity. At no time are fingerprints added to a database where they could be subject to search.
Sample of Canada Police Certificate issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Police Certificate issued by RCMP
Documents Required for Canada Police Certificate
1. Name-based criminal record checks
1) Application form
2) Scanned copy of the Canadian passport page
3) Scanned copy of a Canadian citizenship card or driver license
2.Fingerprint-based criminal record checks
1) Scanned copy of the Canadian passport page
2) Scanned copy of a Canadian citizenship card or driver license
3) Fingerprint card
Processing time for Canada Police Certificate
1. Name-based criminal record checks
The general processing time of the local police station is 2-3 working days.
2.Fingerprint-based criminal record checks
After the fingerprints arrive at the RCMP, they are expected to issue a police certificate within 7 working days.
Apostille or Consular legalization of Canada Police Certificate
Apostille and Authentication are two certification types provided by the relevant provincial authority or the federal government, or Global Affairs Canada.
We can help you to request both apostilles and Consular authentication certificate for a variety of documents to individuals, companies to be used out of Canada.
The country in which the document will be used determines the type of certificate needed.
- An apostille is for documents to be used in member countries of the Hague.
- Consular authentication certificate is for documents to be used in Non-Hague Convention countries and is only valid in the specific destination country.
Process and time of Apostille or consular legalization
Apostille Process
- Get it certified / notarized by the Canada Notary Public or lawyer.
- Get it Apostilled at the relevant provincial authority or the federal government, or Authentication by Global Affairs Canada.
Consular Legalization process
- Get it certified / notarized by the Canada Notary Public or lawyer.
- Get it authenticated at the relevant provincial authority or the federal government, or Authentication by Global Affairs Canada.
- Get it legalized at Embassy/Consulate of the destination country where the documents to be used.
Processing Time for Apostille and Consular Legalization
In general, it takes 5 business days for apostille service, and 15 working days to apply for the consular legalization of police certificate, not including the mailing time.