If you’re applying for Canadian immigration, citizenship, employment, professional licensing, or a U.S. Entry Waiver, you may be asked to complete RCMP digital fingerprinting. Choosing an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency is essential to ensure your fingerprints are captured accurately and submitted securely.

At F.I.P.S. (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services), we provide professional RCMP digital fingerprinting services for individuals, businesses, and government applications across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

This guide explains what RCMP fingerprinting is, who needs it, how the process works, and why digital fingerprinting is the preferred option.

What Is RCMP Fingerprinting?

RCMP fingerprinting is the process of capturing your fingerprints electronically or on paper to verify your identity through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

For most Canadian civil applications, fingerprints are captured digitally by an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency and securely submitted to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) for processing.

Unlike name-based background checks, fingerprint-based checks use your unique biometric information, making them the most accurate form of identity verification.

Who Needs RCMP Fingerprinting?

RCMP fingerprinting is commonly required for:

Immigration Applications

Fingerprinting may be requested for:

• Permanent Residence
• Work Permits
• Study Permits
• Express Entry
• Family Sponsorship

Canadian Citizenship

IRCC may request fingerprints to verify an applicant’s identity during citizenship processing.

Employment

Many employers require fingerprint-based criminal record checks for positions involving:

• Government
• Healthcare
• Financial Services
• Education
• Security
• Law Enforcement

Professional Licensing

Many regulated professions require RCMP Certified Criminal Record Checks before issuing licences.

Record Suspensions (Pardons)

Applicants seeking a Record Suspension usually require fingerprint-based criminal record verification.

U.S. Entry Waivers

Fingerprinting is required when applying for a U.S. Entry Waiver.

International Travel and Foreign Visas

Many countries require certified fingerprint-based police certificates for immigration and employment.

What Is an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check?

An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is a fingerprint-based search conducted through the RCMP’s National Repository of Criminal Records.

Unlike a standard name-based check, fingerprint verification confirms your identity with a much higher level of accuracy.

It is commonly required for:

• Immigration
• Citizenship
• Adoption
• International Employment
• Foreign Visas
• Record Suspensions
• U.S. Entry Waivers

Digital Fingerprinting vs. Ink Fingerprinting

Digital Fingerprinting

Digital fingerprinting uses Live Scan technology to electronically capture fingerprints and submit them securely to the RCMP.

Benefits include:

• Faster processing
• Higher accuracy
• Secure electronic submission
• Lower rejection rates
• Better image quality

Ink Fingerprinting

Traditional ink fingerprinting is still required for certain foreign governments and FBI applications that do not accept electronic submissions.

What Documents Should You Bring?

Applicants generally need:

• Two pieces of valid government-issued identification
• At least one photo ID
• Any request letter or instructions from the employer or government agency (if applicable)

Examples include:

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

Identification requirements may vary depending on the application.

How Long Does RCMP Fingerprinting Take?

The fingerprinting appointment itself usually takes 10–15 minutes.

Processing times vary depending on:

• RCMP processing
• Application purpose
• Government review
• Whether additional verification is required

Because fingerprints are submitted electronically through accredited agencies, digital fingerprinting is generally faster than paper-based methods.

Why Choose an RCMP-Accredited Agency?

The RCMP authorizes accredited private companies to capture fingerprints electronically and submit them for certified criminal record checks. Accredited providers must meet RCMP security and operational standards.

Choosing an accredited provider helps ensure:

• Accurate fingerprint capture
• Secure submission
• Compliance with RCMP requirements
• Reduced risk of application delays

Why Choose F.I.P.S.?

F.I.P.S. has been helping clients with fingerprinting and identity verification for almost 30 years.

Our Services

• RCMP Digital Fingerprinting
• RCMP Certified Criminal Record Checks
• Criminal Background Checks
• Immigration Fingerprinting
• Citizenship Fingerprinting
• Record Suspension Fingerprinting
• U.S. Entry Waiver Fingerprinting
• Cardscan (Conversion from ink to digital format)
• Identity Verification Services

Why Clients Choose F.I.P.S.

• RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting Agency
• Over 30 Years of Fingerprinting Experience
• Professional and RCMP Accredited Fingerprint Technicians
• Secure Digital Submission
• Walk-In Service Available
• Convenient Toronto and GTA Locations
• Fast, Accurate Service

We proudly serve clients throughout:

• Toronto
• North York
• Scarborough
• Etobicoke
• Mississauga
• Brampton
• Vaughan
• Markham
• Richmond Hill
• Greater Toronto Area (GTA)