Applying for Canadian citizenship is an exciting milestone, but some applicants may receive a request from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide RCMP digital fingerprints before their application can continue.

Receiving a fingerprint request does not mean there is a problem with your application. In many cases, IRCC requests fingerprints simply to confirm an applicant’s identity or complete a certified criminal record verification.

At F.I.P.S. (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services), we provide RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting services to help citizenship applicants complete this requirement quickly, securely, and accurately.

This guide explains when fingerprints are required, how the process works, and what you should expect.

What Is RCMP Fingerprinting for Canadian Citizenship?

RCMP fingerprinting is an electronic identity verification process used to complete a Certified Criminal Record Check through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Unlike a standard name-based search, digital fingerprints provide positive identity verification by matching your fingerprints against the RCMP’s National Repository of Criminal Records.

When IRCC requests fingerprints, they must be captured electronically through:

• An RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company

Service Canada centres do not accept fingerprints for citizenship applications.

When Does IRCC Request Fingerprints?

Not every citizenship applicant must submit fingerprints.

IRCC will contact you only if fingerprint verification is required during the processing of your application. Applicants should not obtain an RCMP criminal record check unless IRCC specifically sends a fingerprint request letter.

Reasons may include:

• Identity verification
• Completing a criminal record check
• Resolving similarities between applicants with similar names or dates of birth
• Additional background verification

Receiving this request is a routine step for many applicants and does not necessarily indicate a criminal record.

Who May Need RCMP Fingerprinting?

Fingerprint requests may be issued to:

• Adult citizenship applicants
• Applicants with similar personal information to another individual
• Applicants requiring additional background verification
• Applicants instructed directly by IRCC

Only applicants who receive an official request letter should complete fingerprinting.

How Does the Fingerprinting Process Work?

Step 1: Receive Your IRCC Fingerprint Request

Wait until you receive an official fingerprint request from IRCC before scheduling your appointment.

Step 2: Visit an RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting Agency

Bring:

• Your IRCC fingerprint request letter
• Two valid government-issued IDs (including at least one photo ID)

The request letter contains information needed to process your fingerprints correctly.

Step 3: Digital Fingerprint Capture

Your fingerprints are captured electronically using Live Scan technology.

The appointment usually takes about 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Electronic Submission

Your fingerprints are securely transmitted to the RCMP for processing.

Once completed, the RCMP sends the results according to IRCC’s instructions.

Can I Give Fingerprints Outside Canada?

For Canadian citizenship applications, IRCC requires that fingerprints be collected inside Canada. If you are outside Canada when you receive a fingerprint request, review the instructions in your request letter and contact IRCC if necessary.  At F.I.P.S. (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services), can convert ink fingerprints to digital format and submit your fingerprints to the RCMP.  This service is a Cardscan Service.

What Documents Do I Need?

Most applicants should bring:

• IRCC fingerprint request letter
• Two valid government-issued IDs
• At least one photo ID

Examples include:

• Passport
• Driver’s Licence
• Permanent Resident Card
• Provincial Photo ID Card

How Long Does RCMP Fingerprinting Take?

The fingerprinting appointment itself usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Overall processing times depend on:

• RCMP processing volume
• IRCC application processing
• Whether additional verification is required

IRCC has noted that RCMP criminal record checks can sometimes experience delays and may automatically extend document deadlines when those delays occur.

Why Choose Digital Fingerprinting?

Digital fingerprinting offers several advantages over traditional ink fingerprinting:

• Faster electronic submission
• Greater accuracy
• Better fingerprint quality
• Reduced risk of rejected fingerprints
• Secure transmission to the RCMP

It is the standard method used for most citizenship fingerprint requests.

Why Choose F.I.P.S.?

F.I.P.S. has over 30 years of experience providing fingerprinting and identity verification services.

Our Citizenship Services

• RCMP Digital Fingerprinting
• Citizenship Fingerprinting
• RCMP Certified Criminal Record Checks
• Identity Verification
• Immigration Fingerprinting
• Criminal Record Checks

Why Clients Choose F.I.P.S.

• RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting Agency
• Experienced Fingerprint Technicians
• Secure Electronic Submission
• Walk-In Service Available
• Fast and Professional Service
• Convenient Toronto and GTA Locations

We proudly serve clients throughout Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and the Greater Toronto Area.