Live Scan Fingerprinting
Fast. Secure. RCMP-Accredited.
We offer Live Scan digital fingerprinting—the most efficient and secure method for conducting criminal background checks and verifying criminal records in Canada.
Our service uses Live Scan technology to capture your fingerprints electronically and transmit them directly to the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) for processing.
How It Works
- Digital Capture: Your fingerprints are scanned using a certified Live Scan device.
- Secure Transmission: The fingerprint file and application details are formatted into a standardized electronic package and securely transmitted to the RCMP.
- Database Check: CCRTIS compares your fingerprints against the national criminal record database.
- Results Issued:
- Clear Record: A certificate is issued by the RCMP.
- Criminal Record Found: The RCMP will report the presence of a criminal record in the results.
Common Applications Requiring Digital Fingerprinting:
1. Civil / Employment Applications: Employment with Federal, Provincial, or Municipal governments, as well as Employment with private companies requiring background checks.
2. Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Applications: Canadian citizenship applications, Permanent residency applications, and Immigration programs, including Express Entry and other federal streams.
3. Criminal Record-Related Applications: Canadian criminal record checks, Pardon / Record Suspension applications, and U.S. Entry Waiver applications.
4. Foreign Travel and Visa Applications: Border crossing documentation, Work and study permits, and Extended-stay visitor visas.
5. International Immigration and Citizenship: Applications for permanent residence or citizenship in foreign countries.
6. Volunteer Vulnerable Sector Checks: For individuals working or volunteering with vulnerable populations, including children, Seniors, and Persons with disabilities. Common roles include: teachers, daycare workers, social workers, nurses, and coaches.
7. Foreign Passport Services: Passport applications, renewals, or extensions as required by embassies and consulates.
8. Access to Information and Legal Requests: Access to Information or Privacy Act requests, Name change requests, Canadian and international adoption processes, Social services, and court-mandated documentation.
9. Professional Licensing and Certification:
Required by regulatory bodies such as the Law Society of Ontario, Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), and Other professional and trade licensing organizations.
📌 Important Notes
- All fingerprint submissions to the RCMP must be electronic, except for agencies that specifically request ink submissions.
- We provide ink fingerprinting on both FD-258 (FBI) and C-216C (RCMP) cards.
- Multiple copies can be provided for applications to different agencies or countries.
Ink/Roll on Fingerprints
Traditional ink fingerprinting—also known as Ink and Roll—is still an essential method for a variety of international and official applications, even though digital fingerprinting has become the standard in Canada.
✅ When Do You Need Ink Fingerprints?
While the RCMP now requires digital fingerprinting for most criminal background checks, ink fingerprints are still required in specific cases, including:
- Police Certificates for Foreign Countries: Many international police agencies require ink fingerprints for processing police certificates. If you're applying for a visa, work permit, or permanent residence abroad, you may need this method.
- US FBI Identity History Summary (USA): The most common reason for ink fingerprinting is for an FBI Identity History Summary. This process uses the FBI FD-258 fingerprint card and is required for:
- Canadian Express Entry immigration
- Spousal sponsorships
- U.S. licensing and professional credentialing
- RCMP C-216C for Federal Departments: Some Federal Government departments in Canada still require fingerprints to be submitted on the RCMP C-216C Ink Card, especially for internal security clearance or background checks.
Certain countries require ink fingerprints taken in Canada to issue police certificates to the applicants.
The main countries that have an ink fingerprint requirement are:
- Hong Kong for the Certificate of Non-Criminal Convictions (CNCC).
- The Philippines for their NBI clearance.
- Nigeria for their Police Character Certificate.
- Bahrain for their Good Conduct Certificate.
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) from their Criminal Clearance Certificate or Certificate of Good Conduct.
- Dominica for their Criminal Record Information.
- Egypt for their Criminal Record Certificate.
- Ethiopia for their Certificate of Good Conduct.
- Qatar for their Police Clearance Certificate.
- Singapore for their Certificate of Clearance (COC).
- Mexico for their Constancia De Antecedentes Registrales.
- St. Vincent, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Haiti, British Virgin Islands, and Grenada for their Police Certificate.
Real Time Identification (RTID) System
The RTID system is a core element of Canada’s public safety and security infrastructure. It enhances the capacity of:
- Canadian law enforcement
- Government departments
- International law enforcement agencies
By enabling timely and accurate criminal background checks, RTID helps support:
- National security
- Public safety
- Economic prosperity
Who Benefits from RTID?
RTID plays a critical role for Canadian citizens who require a criminal record check as part of applications for:
- Employment (e.g., security clearance)
- International travel
- Immigration or residency purposes
Government Agencies and Law Enforcement
Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS)
The Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) is operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CCRTIS is responsible for maintaining the national repository of criminal records and managing fingerprint-based criminal background checks across Canada.
What Is CCRTIS?
CCRTIS compares submitted fingerprint records against the RCMP's national criminal database. If no match is found, the RCMP issues a certificate confirming a clear criminal record. If a record exists, it will be reflected in the official results.
Digital Fingerprinting
Digital fingerprinting involves the electronic capture of fingerprints using an optical scanner at an accredited capture station. Once captured, the fingerprints and relevant applicant details are securely transmitted to the RCMP’s database for processing.
Results
- Clear Record: If no criminal record is found, a certificate is issued.
- Record Found: If a record is identified, this will be detailed in the report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What identification do I need to bring to my appointment?
You must bring two pieces of valid government-issued identification, one of which must include a photo.
Accepted forms of ID include:
- Passport
- Citizenship Card or Document
- Immigration Documents (e.g., Student Visa, Work Visa, Landing Papers)
- Birth Certificate
- Driver’s License
- Permanent Resident Card or Record of Landing (for Citizenship applicants)
- Government-issued ID (for federal or provincial employees)
- Health Card with photo (Note: Health cards may not be accepted in all provinces)
Should I bring anything else to my appointment?
Yes. It is recommended that you bring any documentation or file number provided by the requesting agency, if applicable.
For digital fingerprinting requests related to Canadian Citizenship, you must bring the official letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). This letter should:
- Include your CIC file number
- Provide the address for third-party results submission
Can the RCMP expedite my results?
No. Unfortunately, the RCMP will not expedite any application for any reason.