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If an employer, school, charity, or organisation has asked you for a Vulnerable Sector Check, you may be wondering: what exactly does that involve, why is it different from a regular criminal record check, and do you actually need to be fingerprinted?
These are the right questions to ask. A Vulnerable Sector Check is a distinct, specific type of police record check that exists in Canadian law for a defined purpose — and it is significantly more thorough than a standard criminal record check. Understanding what it involves, what records it searches, when fingerprints are required, and how to complete the process correctly in Ontario will save you time, help you avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure you meet your employer’s or organisation’s requirements on the first attempt.
This guide walks you through every step, clearly and in sequence — so you can get your RCMP criminal record check done correctly from wherever in the world you are
What Is an RCMP Criminal Record Check?
What Is a Canadian RCMP Criminal Record Check and Why Is It Needed?
An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check — also called a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — is a formal document issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirming whether a person has a criminal record in Canada’s National Repository of Criminal Records.
| Purpose | Who Needs It |
|---|---|
| Immigration Applications | Applicants for immigration to Canada or other countries requiring proof of Canadian criminal history. |
| Employment Abroad | Canadians working internationally in regulated industries or security-sensitive roles. |
| Foreign Visa Applications | Many countries require a police certificate from each country where you have lived. |
| IRCC Immigration Processing | Applicants for Canadian PR or citizenship who have lived in Canada previously. |
| Professional Licensing | Internationally regulated professions requiring background checks from all countries of residence. |
| Adoption | International adoption processes requiring a police certificate from all countries. |
| US Entry Waiver | Canadians seeking US admissibility waivers. |
| Cross-Border Security Clearances | NEXUS and similar programmes. |
The RCMP criminal record check checks your fingerprints against Canada’s National Repository — not just a name-based search. This is why fingerprints are required, and why they must be submitted through an accredited channel.
Can I Get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Outside Canada?
Is It Possible to Apply for a Canadian Criminal Record Check While Living Abroad?
Yes — the RCMP explicitly accepts applications for certified criminal record checks from outside Canada. The process differs from the in-Canada process in one critical way: instead of attending an RCMP-accredited agency in Canada for digital livescan fingerprinting, you must:
- Get ink and roll fingerprints taken on the correct card form at a locally authorised agency in your country
- Mail or courier the completed physical fingerprint card to an RCMP-accredited Canadian fingerprinting agency
- The Canadian agency digitises your ink card and submits it electronically to RCMP CCRTIS on your behalf
You cannot bypass the accredited Canadian agency. Direct submissions to the RCMP from abroad — without going through an accredited agency — are not processed.
Step-by-Step: How to Get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Outside Canada
What Are the Steps to Get a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate from Abroad?
Step 1 — Determine the Type of Check You Need
Before getting fingerprinted, confirm the exact type of RCMP check your requesting authority requires:
| Check Type | What It Is | Who Requests It |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Criminal Record Check | Standard fingerprint-based RCMP check. | Employers, immigration authorities, and foreign governments. |
| RCMP Police Clearance Certificate | Same check, specifically labelled as a “Police Clearance Certificate”. | IRCC, immigration applications, and visa applications. |
| Vulnerable Sector Check | Includes pardoned sex offender database and is only available inside Canada. | Employers hiring for positions involving vulnerable populations. Not available from outside Canada. |
Important: A Vulnerable Sector Check cannot be obtained from outside Canada. If a foreign organisation is requesting a VSC and you are outside Canada, explain that it is only available for positions inside Canada and confirm whether a standard RCMP criminal record check will suffice.
Step 2 — Identify an Authorised Agency in Your Country
You cannot take your own fingerprints — they must be taken by an authorised official. The RCMP accepts fingerprints from outside Canada taken by any of the following:
- Local police services (police station in your country of residence)
- Embassies or consulates of foreign governments in your country (note: not Canadian government embassies)
- Government departments authorised to take fingerprints
- Notaries public (in some countries)
- Foreign private fingerprinting companies that have a memorandum of understanding with an RCMP-accredited Canadian agency
Check with your local police station first — this is the most universally accessible option and typically the most reliable for producing technically acceptable ink fingerprints.
Note about VFS Global: VFS Global operates in several countries and provides an expedited RCMP criminal record check service in partnership with the RCMP. In countries where VFS operates this service — including the UAE, USA, China, and others — they handle the complete process end-to-end, including ink fingerprinting and submission. Check vfsglobal.com to see if this service is available in your country.
Step 3 — Get Your Fingerprints on the Correct Card
This is the most technically critical step. The fingerprints must be taken on the correct card form, in black ink, with ink and roll technique capturing all ten fingers.
Accepted card forms for outside-Canada RCMP submissions:
| Card Form | Accepted for RCMP? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RCMP C-216C | ✅ Yes — Preferred | Standard RCMP civil fingerprint card and the most commonly recommended format for international submissions. |
| FBI FD-258 | ✅ Yes — Accepted | Standard US FBI fingerprint card that is accepted by the RCMP for applicants applying from outside Canada. |
| Country-Specific Forms | ⚠️ Sometimes — Check First | Some national police fingerprint forms may be accepted. Always confirm with the RCMP-accredited agency before fingerprinting or printing forms. |
What the completed fingerprint card must include:
- All ten individual rolled fingerprint impressions (one per finger, nail to nail)
- Four-finger simultaneous flat impressions (both hands)
- Thumb flat impressions (both thumbs)
- Your full legal name and date of birth completed in the fields provided
- The name, address, and official stamp/signature of the authorised agency that took your fingerprints
- The date the fingerprints were taken
Quality requirements: The card must meet RCMP quality standards for the impressions to be digitisable. Smudged, too-light, or incomplete prints will cause the submission to be rejected after digitisation. Ensure the fingerprinting official rolls each finger completely from nail edge to nail edge with consistent, even pressure.
Step 4 — Gather Your Supporting Documents
Along with your fingerprint card, you will need:
Government-issued ID (two pieces):
- At least one must include a photograph
- Both must confirm your name and date of birth
- Examples: Passport, driver’s licence, permanent resident card, citizenship certificate, health card, birth certificate
Completed application form:
- If using Lotey Fingerprinting or another accredited agency, they will provide the application form or guide you through the required information
- You will need to confirm the purpose of your criminal record check on the application
Return address details:
- Where you want the RCMP result sent — your home address abroad, or a third party authorised to receive it on your behalf (employer, immigration consultant, lawyer)
Step 5 — Contact an RCMP-Accredited Canadian Fingerprinting Agency
Before mailing your fingerprint card, contact an RCMP-accredited Canadian fingerprinting agency to:
- Confirm their mailing address for international ink card submissions
- Confirm which card formats they accept (C-216C, FBI FD-258, other)
- Understand their fees for the digitisation and submission service
- Confirm what supporting documents to include with the mailing
- Arrange payment (most agencies handle international payments via credit card or bank transfer)
Do not mail your fingerprint card without first contacting the Canadian agency. Lost or misdirected cards are a significant and avoidable setback — the fingerprint card is an original document that must be preserved.
The RCMP maintains a public list of all accredited private fingerprinting companies at: → rcmp.ca/en/criminal-records/criminal-record-checks/private-fingerprinting-companies-accredited-rcmp
Lotey Fingerprinting in Brampton accepts couriered ink fingerprint cards from international applicants. Contact us at loteyfingerprinting.ca before sending to confirm current requirements and mailing address.
Step 6 — Mail or Courier the Fingerprint Card to Canada
Once you have confirmed the receiving agency’s address and requirements:
- Use a trackable courier service (FedEx, DHL, UPS) rather than standard mail — your fingerprint card is an original, irreplaceable document
- Keep the tracking number until you have confirmed the package was received
- Include all required supporting documents in the same envelope or package
- Keep a photocopy of the fingerprint card before sending — in case the original is lost in transit
Do not fold the fingerprint card. Most fingerprint cards are on card stock that should not be folded — folds can damage the ink impressions and cause problems during digitisation.
Step 7 — Accredited Agency Digitises and Submits to RCMP CCRTIS
Upon receiving your physical fingerprint card, the accredited Canadian agency will:
- Inspect the card for completeness and quality
- Digitise the fingerprint impressions using an RCMP-certified cardscanning device
- Submit the digital transaction electronically to RCMP CCRTIS via the RTID system
- Provide you with the Transaction Control Number (TCN) confirming submission
If the card is rejected for quality reasons at this stage, you will need to arrange new fingerprints abroad — which is why getting them right the first time matters significantly.
Step 8 — Wait for RCMP Processing and Receive Your Result
| Scenario | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| No Criminal Record Found | 3 Business Days or Fewer |
| Criminal Record Match — Manual Review Required | Up to 120 Business Days |
| Postal Delivery of Result | Additional 1–4 Weeks Depending on Destination |
The result is issued by the RCMP and delivered either:
- By mail to your address (including internationally) — non-trackable standard mail
- To an authorised third party (employer, immigration consultant, lawyer) if you designate them on your application
- Through the agency if they manage the complete process on your behalf
Keep your TCN until you receive your result. If results are delayed beyond expected processing times, the TCN is what the Canadian agency needs to follow up with RCMP CCRTIS.
Country-Specific Notes for Common Applicant Locations
How Do I Get Fingerprinted in My Specific Country for an RCMP Check?
| Country | Recommended Local Agency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Local Police Station or VFS Global (Select US Cities) | FBI FD-258 accepted. VFS offers expedited service in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington DC. |
| India | Local Police Station, Passport Office, or Indian Embassy/Consulate | Plan early, as arranging local ink fingerprinting appointments can take time. |
| United Kingdom | Local Police Station | Fingerprint quality is generally high. Confirm accepted card formats with your Canadian agency before booking. |
| Australia | Local Police Station (AFP or State Police) | AFP-certified fingerprinting is recommended whenever available. |
| UAE | VFS Global (Expedited RCMP Service) | VFS UAE operates a complete RCMP criminal record check service from fingerprinting through submission. |
| Philippines | NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) | NBI fingerprinting is commonly used for international police clearance requests. Confirm card format beforehand. |
| Mexico | Local Ministerio Público or Federal Agency | Always verify accepted fingerprint card formats with your Canadian agency before attending. |
| Germany / Europe | Local Police Station (Polizei, Gendarmerie, etc.) | European police agencies generally provide reliable and high-quality ink fingerprinting services. |
| China | VFS Global (Expedited RCMP Service Available) | VFS China offers a complete RCMP criminal record check service including fingerprint collection and submission. |
For countries not listed: contact your local police station first and ask for ink fingerprinting on either the RCMP C-216C form or the FBI FD-258 card. Both are internationally recognised and widely understood.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take from Outside Canada?
What Is the Total Timeline for an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Abroad?
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Arranging Local Fingerprinting Appointment | 1–10 Business Days |
| Fingerprinting Session | 1 Day |
| International Courier Delivery to Canada | 3–10 Business Days |
| Digitisation and Submission by Canadian Agency | 1–2 Business Days After Receipt |
| RCMP Processing (No Record Found) | 3 Business Days or Fewer |
| RCMP Processing (Possible Record — Manual Review) | Up to 120 Business Days |
| Delivery of Result to Your International Address | 2–4 Weeks (Standard Mail) |
| Total Timeline (Best Case — No Record, Fast Courier) | Approximately 2–4 Weeks |
| Total Timeline (Worst Case — Manual Review + Slow Delivery) | Up to 6 Months |
If you are applying for immigration, employment, or a visa with a hard deadline, start this process as early as possible — ideally 3 months before the deadline, to allow for any complications.
What Fees Are Involved?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Canadian Criminal Record Check from Outside Canada?
| Fee | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Local Fingerprinting Fee | Varies by Country and Agency | Local Police Service or Fingerprinting Agency |
| International Courier (Your Card to Canada) | $30–$80 CAD Depending on Country | Courier Service |
| RCMP-Accredited Agency Service Fee (Digitisation + Submission) | Varies by Agency | Canadian Accredited Agency |
| RCMP Federal Processing Fee | $25 CAD | Paid Through the Canadian Agency to RCMP |
| Return Courier (Result to You) | Varies if Trackable Courier is Requested | Agency or RCMP |
The total cost from outside Canada is typically higher than an in-Canada digital fingerprinting appointment due to the courier and digitisation components. Contact the Canadian agency at the time of booking for a full fee breakdown.
Common Mistakes When Applying from Outside Canada
What Should I Avoid When Getting a Canadian Criminal Record Check Internationally?
- Using the wrong card form — if your local agency uses a national card that is not accepted by the RCMP, your submission will be rejected. Confirm the accepted card forms with the Canadian agency before your fingerprinting appointment.
- Mailing without confirmation — contacting the Canadian agency after mailing risks the card being lost, misdirected, or returned. Always confirm the mailing address and requirements first.
- Using standard untracked mail — for a document as important and irreplaceable as an original fingerprint card, use trackable international courier only.
- Folding the fingerprint card — folds damage ink impressions and can make digitisation impossible. Transport the card flat in a rigid envelope.
- Poor ink quality — too much pressure (smeared, dark), too little pressure (faint, incomplete), or sweaty hands at the time of fingerprinting will result in rejection after digitisation. Prepare your hands and work with an experienced fingerprinting official.
- Not allowing enough time — the end-to-end process from outside Canada can take 4–8 weeks in a best-case scenario. Starting too close to a visa or immigration deadline is one of the most common and costly mistakes.
Need to Send Ink Fingerprints to Canada? Lotey Fingerprinting Accepts International Submissions.
Lotey Fingerprinting Services in Brampton is RCMP accredited and accepts couriered ink fingerprint cards from international applicants for digitisation and electronic submission to RCMP CCRTIS.
Before mailing, contact us to:
- Confirm our current mailing address
- Confirm the accepted card formats (C-216C, FBI FD-258)
- Understand our fees and turnaround time
- Arrange payment from outside Canada
We respond to all international enquiries and will guide you through the documentation we need included with your fingerprint card submission.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Can I get a Canadian criminal record check while living outside Canada?
Yes — the RCMP accepts applications for certified criminal record checks from outside Canada. The process requires you to get ink fingerprints taken by an authorised local agency (police station, notary, government office, or a foreign private fingerprinting company with the appropriate relationship to a Canadian agency), then mail or courier the completed physical fingerprint card to an RCMP-accredited Canadian fingerprinting agency. The Canadian agency digitises your card and submits it electronically to RCMP CCRTIS on your behalf. You cannot submit directly to the RCMP from abroad — all submissions must go through an accredited Canadian agency.
What fingerprint card form do I need for an RCMP check from outside Canada?
The RCMP accepts two primary card formats from outside Canada: the RCMP C-216C (the standard Canadian civil fingerprint card) and the FBI FD-258 (the standard US fingerprint card). The FBI FD-258 is widely recognised internationally and is a convenient option since many local police services and fingerprinting agencies abroad are familiar with it. Your fingerprints must be in black ink, completed with the ink and roll technique, with all ten fingers plus four-finger flat and thumb impressions. Confirm the accepted format with your Canadian accredited agency before getting fingerprinted.
How long does an RCMP criminal record check take from outside Canada?
The total timeline from outside Canada depends on several factors. In a best-case scenario — fast local fingerprinting, international courier delivery, no criminal record found — the complete process takes approximately 2–4 weeks. In a worst-case scenario — manual review by RCMP CCRTIS, slow delivery of results — it can take up to 6 months. The RCMP’s own processing time after digital submission is 3 business days or fewer for applicants with no criminal record, and up to 120 business days if a criminal record match triggers manual review. Allow at least 3 months before any deadline when applying from outside Canada.
Who can take my fingerprints outside Canada for an RCMP check?
The RCMP accepts fingerprints taken by: local police services in your country of residence; embassies or consulates of foreign governments (not Canadian government embassies); government departments authorised to take fingerprints; notaries public in some countries; and foreign private fingerprinting companies with a memorandum of understanding with an RCMP-accredited Canadian agency or local government entity. The most reliably accessible option for most international applicants is the local police station. In select countries, VFS Global also provides RCMP criminal record check services end-to-end.
How long does a Vulnerable Sector Check take in Ontario?
Use a trackable international courier service such as FedEx, DHL, or UPS — not standard untracked mail. Keep the tracking number until the Canadian agency confirms receipt. Send the card flat in a rigid envelope so it does not get folded in transit, as folds can damage the ink impressions and prevent successful digitisation. Make a photocopy of the completed fingerprint card before sending, in case the original is lost. Never mail your card without first confirming the receiving Canadian agency’s address and what documents they need included.
Is the RCMP check result mailed to me internationally?
Yes — the RCMP result can be delivered to an international address. The standard delivery method is non-trackable standard mail, which can take 2–4 weeks to reach international destinations after the result is issued. If you need a trackable delivery option, some accredited agencies arrange for courier delivery of the result — confirm this with the Canadian agency at the time of application. Alternatively, you can authorise a third party in Canada (employer, immigration consultant, lawyer) to receive the result on your behalf.
Can I get a Vulnerable Sector Check from outside Canada?
No — a Vulnerable Sector Check is only available inside Canada and only for positions where work will be performed inside Canada. The VSC requires in-person application through a local Canadian police service. If you are outside Canada and a requesting organisation asks for a VSC, explain that it is legally only available within Canada. In most cases, a standard RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is accepted as an equivalent for international purposes — confirm with the requesting organisation.
What is the RCMP federal processing fee for a criminal record check from outside Canada?
The RCMP federal processing fee is $25 CAD per criminal record check, whether submitted from inside or outside Canada. This fee is collected by the RCMP-accredited Canadian agency and remitted to the RCMP as part of the submission. It is separate from the Canadian agency’s service fee, your local fingerprinting fee, and international courier costs.
What happens if my ink fingerprint card is rejected after digitisation?
If the digitised card does not meet RCMP quality standards — due to smudged, faint, or incomplete impressions — the submission will be rejected. In that case, you would need to arrange a new set of ink fingerprints locally and restart the submission process. This is why getting the fingerprinting quality right the first time is critical, and why working with an experienced fingerprinting official — not an unfamiliar office that rarely handles this type of request — matters. Ask your local agency how often they take fingerprints for international submissions and whether they are familiar with the RCMP’s card format requirements.
Does Lotey Fingerprinting accept international fingerprint card submissions?
Yes — Lotey Fingerprinting Services in Brampton accepts couriered ink fingerprint cards from international applicants for digitisation and electronic submission to RCMP CCRTIS. We are RCMP accredited and equipped with certified cardscan devices for digitising ink fingerprint submissions. Before mailing, contact us at loteyfingerprinting.ca to confirm our current mailing address, accepted card formats, documentation requirements, and fee structure for international submissions. We guide international clients through every step of the process and respond to all enquiries.
Can I authorise someone in Canada to receive my RCMP criminal record check result on my behalf?
Yes — you can designate a third party in Canada (an employer, immigration consultant, lawyer, or other authorised person) to receive your RCMP criminal record check result on your behalf. This is a common arrangement for employment or immigration purposes where the requesting organisation needs to receive the result directly. Confirm this arrangement at the time of your application with the Canadian accredited agency, and provide the authorised third party’s name and contact information on your application form.
Navneet Lotey
Navneet Lotey has over 5 years of experience in fingerprinting. He aims to deliver accurate, easy-to-understand fingerprinting solutions for individuals and businesses alike.