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, directly 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.
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. This means that the RCMP will put the results in the mail for mailing back to the applicant or third party within 72 hours. In view of this, please ensure sufficient time is allowed for receipt of the results in the mail before commencing inquiries about the status of fingerprint records. If a criminal record is encountered during the verification process, processing will be increased to 120 days.
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 ink and roll fingerprinting.
Once Defend-it Fingerprinting Services submits your fingerprints electronically you will receive confirmation via e-mail (if an e-mail address is provided on your application) that your fingerprints have been successfully received by the RCMP. If you require further information or have questions regarding your fingerprints you can contact the RCMP Civil Fingerprint Screening Services via email at CCRTIS-SCICTR@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Yes. Appointments makes the process of fingerprinting more efficient. There is no waiting or delays when an appointment is made. We ask that if you cancel or change an appointment, please contact our office and we will be more than happy to accomodate the change.
Our digital process is fast, efficient and clean. A complete fingerprint session normally takes approximately 15 minutes to complete
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 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.
All applicants can receive a true copy of the digital submission to the RCMP. An additional charge may apply.
You must provide two pieces of valid government-issued identification, at least one of which must be a photo ID.
The following types of identification are acceptable:
Please note that it is recommended that applicants have with them any letter or file number provided by the requesting agency (if applicable). All digital fingerprinting requests for Canadian Citizenship must include a letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This letter must include the address for third party results submissions and should have a CIC file number. Please ensure this letter is available during your fingerprinting session.
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