Yes. The RCMP permits applicants residing outside Canada to obtain a certified criminal record check. However, fingerprints taken outside Canada must first be digitized and submitted electronically through an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company located in Canada. The RCMP do not accept direct paper fingerprint submissions from applicants living abroad.

If you have previously lived in Canada and now reside abroad, you may be required to obtain a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate (also known as an RCMP Criminal Record Check or RCMP Clearance Letter) for immigration, employment, visa applications, citizenship, licensing, adoption, or other legal purposes.

Many applicants assume they must travel back to Canada to complete the process. Fortunately, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) allows individuals outside Canada to apply for a certified criminal record check through accredited fingerprinting agencies in Canada.

A Canadian Police Clearance Certificate (RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check) may be requested for:

• Immigration and permanent residence applications
• Work permits and employment screening
• Foreign visa applications
• Citizenship applications
• International travel requirements
• Professional licensing and security clearances
• Adoption and legal proceedings

The certificate is issued based on fingerprint verification conducted by the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

Step 1: Obtain Your Fingerprints

Visit an authorized fingerprinting agency in your country of residence. This may include:

• Local police departments
• Government agencies
• Notaries

The fingerprint card should include:

• Rolled impressions of all ten fingers
• The name and address of the fingerprinting agency
• The signature and name of the official taking the fingerprints

The RCMP requires original ink fingerprints for applicants outside Canada.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents to an RCMP-Accredited Agency

Once fingerprints have been taken, send the original fingerprint form/card and supporting identification documents to an accredited Canadian fingerprinting agency. The agency will convert the fingerprints into a digital format and submit them electronically to the RCMP on your behalf.

Step 3: RCMP Processing

The RCMP reviews the submission and conducts a search of the National Repository of Criminal Records. Fingerprint-based verification is considered the most accurate method for confirming an individual’s criminal record status.

Step 4: Receive Your Canadian Criminal Record Check

After processing is complete, the RCMP issues the certified criminal record check. Depending on the service selected, the results can be mailed directly to you or to an authorized third party.

• Electronic fingerprint submission cannot be completed directly from outside Canada.
• Original fingerprint cards are required.
• Scanned or photocopied fingerprint cards are not accepted for processing.
• Processing times may vary depending on RCMP workload and whether a record match is identified.

For applicants living outside Canada, Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. provides professional assistance with RCMP criminal record checks, police clearance certificates, and fingerprint processing services.

Worldwide Forensic Services is an RCMP accredited fingerprinting agency that assists clients across Canada and internationally. Their services include:

• RCMP Criminal Record Checks
• Canadian Police Clearance Certificates
• Digital Fingerprinting
• International Fingerprint Processing
• Immigration and Visa Background Checks
• Secure Submission to the RCMP
• Background Checks for Local Employment
• Apostille Services

Whether you are applying from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or elsewhere, their team can guide you through the entire process from fingerprint collection requirements to final certificate delivery.

Obtaining a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate while living outside Canada is a straightforward process when handled correctly. By obtaining fingerprints from an authorized agency and working with an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting provider, applicants can complete the entire procedure without returning to Canada.

For expert guidance and secure processing, consider contacting Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. to assist with your RCMP criminal record check and Canadian police clearance requirements.