# **How to Easily Get Your Canadian Police Check from Overseas**

If you currently reside outside Canada and need to show you don’t have a criminal background, you may be required to receive a **[Canadian police check from overseas](https://sekcheck.ca/services/canadian-police-clearance-certificate-from-overseas/)**. Canadian police checks are commonly required for immigration purposes, work, or a visa as an overseas applicant. Now, the question is how to get it.


To help you, we have created a guide that covers the types of Canadian police checks, how to get them step-by-step, and tips to avoid delays and mistakes.

So, read this guide till the end.

## **Types of Canadian Police Checks**

Two types of police checks exist in Canada:

**Name-based Criminal Record Check (CPIC)**

This check uses your name and date of birth to determine if there is a judicial record. Name-based checks are fast and easier. However, this method may not always be accepted for some purposes, such as immigration.

**Certified Criminal Record Check (Fingerprint-based)**

This checks your fingerprints as the basis for conducting a background check. It is a more definitive and accurate form of a criminal history check, typically required for visas or immigration, or sometimes for job requests where you will be working with kids or people deemed “at risk.”

If you are applying Canadian police check from overseas, the fingerprint check is normally the one you will need.

## **Step-by-Step for Getting a Canadian Police Check from Overseas**

Now that you understand the two types of Canadian police checks, let’s go through the simple steps to get your **[criminal record certificate in Canada](https://sekcheck.ca/edmonton-criminal-record-check-cost-processing-time/)**.

**Step 1: Determine Which Check You Need**

Before you get started, make sure you know which type of police check is needed. Ask the office or organization requesting it ( i.e., IRCC for immigration, or a job) if the check is name-based or if it is a fingerprint-based check. Most of the time, if you are doing this from abroad, you will need to have the fingerprint-based check done.

**Step 2: Get Your Fingerprint Done Locally**

Find a local police station or a private fingerprinting agency in your country. Inform them that you will be having your fingerprints taken for a criminal history check in Canada. They should do rolled fingerprints on the standard C-216C fingerprint form, or the version from your country, which shows all of your 10 fingers. Ensure they are cleared and properly stamped/signed.

**Step 3: Choose an Accredited Fingerprinting Company in Canada**

Since you are located outside of Canada, you can’t submit your fingerprints directly to the RCMP (Canada’s national police). You’ll need to select a company approved by the RCMP to send your fingerprints for you. Some of the more popular options are Commissionaires, Canadian Fingerprinting Services, and Reliability Screening Solutions.

**Step 4: Mail Your Documents to Canada**

When you have your fingerprints completed, mail them along with the other required documents to the company you chose.

Typically, you will need to submit:

* You required a fingerprint form
* A copy of your government ID ( passport is best)
* Your completed application form ( they will give it to you on their website)
* Your payment (usually made via bank draft, PayPal, or a credit card)
* Use a reliable courier, such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS, as you don’t want your documents to go missing.

**Step 5: Wait for Results**

Once the company receives your documents, it’ll forward them to the RCMP for processing. The process typically takes 15-20 business days. You will get your results by mail or email, depending on what you requested.

## **Tips to Make the Process Smoother**

By now, you likely understand the process of applying for anBy now, you likely understand the process of applying for an [**RCMP criminal record check outside Canada**](https://sekcheck.ca/services/canadian-police-clearance-certificate-from-overseas/). To help everything go even more smoothly, here are some simple tips to avoid delays and common mistakes.

* Before you send off anything, make sure you know what type of police check you will need, you have the right fingerprinting form, and your copy of ID is clear and readable.

* Some countries may require your police check to be authenticated or apostilled.

* Always check with the embassy, consulate, or immigration office of the country you're applying to, so you know exactly what’s needed.

* Criminal record checks don’t last forever. Many countries have conditions stating the police check must be less than 6 months or even a shorter duration.

* Don’t get your police check too soon. Ensure it is fresh enough to meet the requirements of the country or organization you are applying to!

## **Conclusion**

It may appear impossible to get a Canadian police check from overseas, but it can be done by following the steps outlined in this guide. So, start your application today and make sure you are one step closer to meeting your immigration, work, or travel goals.