How to get a police certificate - Canada

Do I need to provide a police certificate with my application for permanent residence? No

Name of document to get: Criminal record check

If you are not a citizen of Canada:

If you live in Canada:

We will tell you if you need a Canadian criminal record check while your application is being processed. If we ask you to complete a criminal record check, visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for instructions.

You must bring:

• A full electronic set of fingerprints on form C-216C taken by one of these accredited companies or police services.
• A complete application form (available on your local police website)
• Reason for your request (e.g. For immigration)
• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Mailing address
• Phone number (and/or fax number and/or email address)
• Applicable fees

If you live outside of Canada:

We will tell you if you need a Canadian criminal record check while your application is being processed. If we ask you to complete a criminal record check, visit the RCMP website for instructions.

You must bring:

• A full set of fingerprints that have:
  • rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingers taken with black ink
  • full name, date of birth and sex of the applicant
  • the name and address of the police agency
  • the signature of the official taking the fingerprints
• A complete application form (available on your local police website)
• Reason for your request (e.g. For immigration)
• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Mailing address
• Phone number (and/or fax number and/or email address)
• Applicable fees

Special notes and considerations

Fingerprints must be submitted electronically to Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). Paper submissions will not be processed and will be returned to the originator.

Electronic fingerprint submissions to the RCMP is not currently available from outside of Canada. You may contact accredited companies within Canada who will digitize ink fingerprints and submit them electronically to the RCMP.