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Digital Fingerprinting

Digital fingerprinting is the primary method of processing RCMP police checks and certified criminal record checks. At Edmonton Fingerprinting Services, we use a combination of cutting-edge scanning technology, expertise, and years of experience to ensure digital fingerprinting in Alberta is fast, reliable, and affordable.

Digital Fingerprinting

What Is Digital Fingerprinting?

Digital fingerprinting involves the capture of a person’s fingerprints with an optical LiveScan scanner – at a designated capture station. We send your digital fingerprints directly to RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Information System (CCRTIS), along with formatted application details. Your application is then processed through a series of checks against the RCMP’s national criminal record database. RCMP will then issue a certified criminal record check result based on the search.

What Happens Next?

We are here to ensure your criminal record check application runs smoothly. We send your digital fingerprints – along with the completed application pack – to the RCMP. They then check those details against their database and issue a certificate to demonstrate a clear criminal record. If you have a criminal record, this will be indicated in your results. You’ll receive your certificate and report directly from the RCMP.

Why Choose Us for Digital Fingerprinting in Edmonton

Whether you complete the process abroad or at one of our digital fingerprinting locations, you are guaranteed a range of benefits, including:

 

  • State-of-the-art fingerprint scanning technology
  • Our expert advice and expertise
  • A thorough checking and verification process
  • A fast and efficient service that shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to complete
  • A confirmation number once your application has been sent to the RCMP
  • Our customer service guarantee

Your Search for “Digital Fingerprinting Services Near Me” Is Over

We specialize in RCMP-compliant digital fingerprinting. So if you need to apply for a criminal record certificate or police clearance, you’ve come to the right place. Book your appointment with one of our digital fingerprinting specialists today, or contact us to find out more about the process involved.

faq

Digital Fingerprinting

What is “Digital Fingerprinting”?

Digital fingerprinting is the electronic capture of a person’s fingerprints via an optical scanner at a capture station. The scanned fingerprints, along with the application details are then formatted into a standardized electronic package that is attached and emailed, via a secure link, direct to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Information System (CCRTIS). CCRTIS compares the fingerprint package against the RCMP’s criminal record database. If no record is present, the RCMP will issue a certificate indicating a clear record. If the applicant does have a criminal record this will be indicated in the results.

Do you provide Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check?

No, we do NOT provide Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check, and it can only be done at a local police station. Because a Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check will also include a check of local police records to determine the existence of a pattern of behavior that may result in harm to vulnerable persons. A Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check is required when the applicant will be in a position of trust or authority of children under 18 years of age, the elderly or the disabled. A position of trust or authority must be more than the opportunity for casual contact.

Who is a vulnerable person?

A vulnerable person is defined as a person who, because of their age, disability, or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, are (a) in a position of dependence on others or (b) are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by a person in a position or authority or trust relative to them.

How long will it take for digital fingerprints to be processed by the RCMP?

If the applicant does not have a criminal record and has never been fingerprinted for a criminal offence in Canada, the RCMP will make every effort possible to process the request within 72 hours of receiving the electronic submission. The results are mailed to the address provided and extra time should be allowed for delivery by Canada Post. If there is a criminal record, or if your fingerprints need to be processed manually for any reason, the processing time could be increased to 120 days or more.

 

Electronic Fingerprint Application

No Criminal Record: 5 – 10 business days

WITH Criminal Record: 120 days or more

Which kind of police certificate should I request for my US immigration application?

If you would like to obtain a Certified Criminal Record Check from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), you should book an appointment for Digital/Electronic Fingerprinting. Also, please make sure to let us know that you are requesting the record for United States immigration (not for travel or other purposes) under the PRIVACY ACT. The record will be specifically requested to include the “RCMP National Repository entire holdings.”

Who needs to be fingerprinted in Canada?

Those seeking employment with certain corporations and agencies
Applicants for foreign travel, passports, work permits, visas and US waivers
Citizenship, permanent resident and immigration applicants
International adoption applicants
Security license applicants
Volunteers

What identification do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

You must provide two pieces of valid government issued identification, at least one of which must be photo ID.

The following types of identification are acceptable:

  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
  • Birth Certificate
  • Canadian Citizenship Card or Certificate
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Certificate of Indian Status
  • Immigration Documents (Study Permit, Work Permit, Visitor Record, Landing Paper)
  • Military Family ID
  • Nexus Card
  • Federal Government Employee ID
  • Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)
  • Health Care Card (Not all provinces accept health cards as valid government issued ID. Please refer to provincial regulations.)

Please Note:

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN) can not be used as an ID.
  • Expired or temporary identification can not be accepted.
How long will it take for my fingerprints to be taken?

Our digital process is fast, efficient and clean. A complete fingerprint session normally takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Can all applicants choose digital fingerprints?

Digital fingerprinting is available to most applicants for the majority of application types. However in some cases, e.g., submissions to the FBI, applicants may not use digital fingerprinting. For these situations we offer traditional ink and roll fingerprinting. Our fingerprinting professionals can advise you on whether you may opt for digital fingerprinting or if you must use traditional ink and roll fingerprinting.

How are my results obtained?

Each applicant’s criminal record verification results can be sent directly to the individual or to a designated third party, such as an employer, immigration or record suspension (pardon) agency. If an applicant is under the age of 18 their results must be returned directly to the home address of the applicant. Please ensure that all of the address information for the applicant or third party is readily available during the application process.

Can I get a confirmation of my application?

For digital fingerprinting, you will be provided with a confirmation document with Document Control Number (DCN) after your application is submitted. It is important to keep this document until you or your designated third party receives the result from the RCMP. If this document is lost, there will be an administration fee to provide a copy of this document.

For ink and roll fingerprinting or livescan print-to-card clients, you will be provided with the original fingerprinting card after the fingerprinting is completed.

For fingerprints card scanning, we will email you a confirmation document with Document Control Number (DCN) after your application is submitted.

How can I find out about the status of a submission once it has been sent to the RCMP?

Once Edmonton Fingerprinting Services submits applicant’s fingerprints electronically and the fingerprints have been successfully received by the RCMP, the RCMP will not release any further information to Edmonton Fingerprinting Services.

No Criminal Record: 5 – 10 business days

WITH Criminal Record: 120 days or more

If the application has taken longer than the time indicated above, the applicant or authorized Third Party may inquire about the status of the electronic fingerprints submission by contacting the RCMP via email: CCRTIS-SCICTR@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

The following information must be provided in the inquiring email:

  • Applicant’s full name
  • Applicant’s date of birth
  • The type of application submitted (Criminal Record Check)
  • The date the application was submitted to the RCMP
  • A daytime contact phone number
  • The Document Control Number (DCN)

Please note: Do not expect an immediate e-mail response from the RCMP

I am living outside of Canada, how do I get a RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check?

If the applicant is living outside of Canada or an area that digital fingerprinting is not available, Edmonton Fingerprinting Services is accredited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to digitize ink fingerprints and then submit to the RCMP electronically.

Email Edmonton Fingerprinting Services (Contact Us) to obtain a package of  Fingerprints Card Scanning Application Forms and Instructions.

Can you provide Certified Criminal Records Search (CCRC) for my realtor license with RECA?

Yes, we can provide Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC) which is a certified fingerprint-based criminal record search for non-criminal purposes conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Ottawa, in which digital fingerprints are compared against the central repository of Canadian criminal records.

The result of the Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC) will be sent directly from RCMP to RECA.

Your identification must match the name that you provided to RECA, otherwise RECA will NOT accept it.

I received a letter from IRCC, can I complete Biometrics Collection in your office?

No, we cannot help you with Biometrics Collection. The purpose of our fingerprinting service is to obtain a police certificate.

If you received a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Biometrics Collection is required for your permanent residence or temporary residence application (non police clearance related), then you will have to follow the instructions on the letter and contact one of the official locations. If you are in Canada, you should contact one of designated Service Canada offices (SCOs). However, our office does not maintain a list of designated Service Canada offices (SCOs), you should look up this information on the internet or contact IRCC for more details.

Does the Criminal Record Check expire?

Criminal record checks are valid as of the date they were conducted. Results are provided with the date of completion rather than an expiration date. It is up to the requesting organization to determine their own thresholds for how long a check will be considered valid. If it has been too long since the completion of your check, the organization may request a renewal.

Can I conduct a Vulnerable Sector Check with fingerprinting?

RCMP policy states that a Vulnerable Sector Check must be conducted by the local police agency of the jurisdiction where the applicant resides.

If you have initiated the Vulnerable Sector Check through your local police agency and are asked to provide fingerprints to complete the Vulnerable Sector Check, we can assist you with the fingerprinting process and request the results be sent to the requesting police agency from the RCMP. In this case, a request letter from the local police agency is required.

Please ensure that this is the right check for you. Note that a refund will not be provided once the check has been processed.

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