If you are applying for a Certified Criminal Record Check from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), an FBI Identity History Summary Check (USA), or a police clearance certificate from another country, you will most likely need to have your fingerprints taken.

Although the fingerprinting process is straightforward, the requirements vary depending on the country requesting the police certificate. Understanding these differences can help you avoid delays or fingerprint rejection.

If you require a Certified Criminal Record Check from Canada, you will need to have your fingerprints taken on paper and submit them, along with the required application documents, to an RCMP accredited fingerprinting agency in Canada.

The Canadian fingerprinting agency will:

• Digitize your ink fingerprints.

• Securely transmit them electronically to the RCMP.

• Monitor the application until processing is complete.

Once the RCMP completes its search, it mails the Certified Criminal Record Check to your address by Canada Post.

Unlike many countries, Canada offers two main types of police checks:

• Name and Date of Birth Criminal Record Check

• Fingerprint-Based Certified Criminal Record Check

For immigration, citizenship, foreign visa applications, or requests from government agencies, the fingerprint-based Certified Criminal Record Check is often required.

If you need an FBI Identity History Summary Check, your fingerprints must be taken on the standard FBI Fingerprint Card (FD-258).

The process is simple:

1. Complete your application and payment online through the FBI website.

1. Print the confirmation email received from the FBI.

1. Have your fingerprints taken on the FD-258 fingerprint card.

1. Mail/Courier the fingerprint card and confirmation page to the FBI.

Once your fingerprints have been processed, the FBI will send you an email with instructions to securely download your Identity History Summary report online.

Several organizations in Australia provide fingerprinting services depending on the destination country.

For Canadian RCMP Police Checks

You can usually obtain fingerprints from:

• Local police stations

• A notary public

• Canadian embassies or consulates (where available)

• Private fingerprinting agencies that have a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Canadian fingerprinting agency

For FBI Police Checks (USA)

For FBI applications, fingerprints can generally be taken by:

• Local police stations

• Professional fingerprinting agencies

Because the FBI uses fingerprint comparison for identity verification, it requires a very clear and properly rolled set of fingerprints. Fingerprints taken by a notary public often do not meet the FBI’s quality requirements and may be rejected.

Poor-quality fingerprints are one of the most common reasons for delays in processing police certificates.

Fingerprints may be rejected because of:

• Smudging

• Excessive or insufficient ink

• Improper rolling technique

• Low ridge detail

• Dry or damaged skin

• Inexperienced fingerprint technicians

Before having your fingerprints taken, read our guide on How to Avoid Fingerprint Rejection for RCMP and FBI Applications to improve the chances of first-time acceptance.

Many Australian police services provide fingerprinting appointments for overseas police certificate applications.

These include:

• Victoria Police

• New South Wales Police

• Western Australia Police

• South Australia Police

Most police agencies require appointments and publish current fees and booking procedures on their websites.

Visit this page and scroll down to see fingerprinting locations.

There are numerous private fingerprinting agencies operating throughout Australia.

If you are unsure which agency is closest to you, contact Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. We can recommend fingerprinting providers in various Australian cities.

Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. is one of Canada’s leading RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agencies.

We specialize in helping applicants outside Canada obtain Canadian police certificates by:

• Reviewing your application documents

• Providing the correct fingerprint forms

• Digitizing ink fingerprints

• Securely transmitting fingerprints to the RCMP

• Assisting throughout the application process

Over the years, we have successfully assisted more than 40,000 customers in Australia, providing fast, professional, and reliable service.

Simply send us a message and we will email you a complete application package, including:

• Fingerprint form

• Detailed instructions

• Document checklist

• Mailing guidelines

RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agencies generally accept fingerprints taken on:

• RCMP Fingerprint Form C-216C

• FBI Fingerprint Card FD-258

• Australian fingerprint forms

• Other fingerprint cards with a layout similar to the RCMP C-216C form

The important requirement is that the fingerprint impressions are clear and the fingerprint card follows a layout compatible with RCMP standards.

Both of the following are acceptable:

• Traditional ink fingerprints

• Live Scan fingerprints that have been printed onto paper

In some cases, Australian police agencies may mail the fingerprint forms directly to the Canadian fingerprinting agency. If so, be sure to provide them with the correct mailing address supplied by your Canadian fingerprinting agency.

Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. is a trusted fingerprinting agency providing professional fingerprinting and background screening services across Canada.

Our experienced forensic professionals offer:

• Live-Scan Digital Fingerprinting
  
• Ink & Roll Fingerprinting
  
• RCMP Criminal Record Checks
  
• Fingerprint Digitization Services
  
• International Police Clearance Assistance
  
• FBI Fingerprint Card Services
  
• Apostille and Document Legalization Support
  

For clients residing outside Canada, we also provide ink fingerprint digitization services. Once your fingerprints are digitized, they can be securely transmitted to the RCMP for Canadian police clearance applications.

Whether you need fingerprints for immigration, employment, citizenship, foreign travel, or international police clearances, our team is ready to assist you with fast, reliable, and professional service.

If you are applying for a Canadian RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check while living in Australia, Worldwide Forensic Services Inc. can simplify the entire process.

Our experienced team can guide you through every step—from selecting the correct fingerprint form to securely submitting your fingerprints to the RCMP—helping you avoid unnecessary delays and rejected applications.