How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Canada
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document that confirms whether you have a criminal record in Canada. It is commonly required for immigration, visa applications, employment, adoption, international travel, professional licensing, and other legal purposes.
If you’ve been asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate, it’s important to understand which type of police record check is required and whether fingerprinting is necessary.
At F.I.P.S. (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services), we provide RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting and certified criminal record check services to help individuals obtain the documentation they need quickly and securely.
What Is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), sometimes referred to as a Police Certificate or Criminal Record Certificate, is an official document issued after a criminal record search has been completed.
Depending on the purpose of your application, the certificate may be based on:
- A name-based criminal record check
- A fingerprint-based RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
Many government agencies and organizations require a Police Clearance Certificate to verify an individual’s criminal history before approving an application.
Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate?
You may need a Police Clearance Certificate for:
- Immigration applications
- Permanent Residence
- Canadian Citizenship
- Work Permits
- Study Permits
- International Visa Applications
- Foreign Employment
- Professional Licensing
- Adoption Applications
- Volunteer Positions
- Employment Background Checks
- U.S. Entry Waiver Applications
The requesting organization will specify the type of police clearance required.
Types of Police Clearance Certificates in Canada
Not all Police Clearance Certificates are the same.
Name-Based Criminal Record Check
This check searches criminal records using your:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
It is commonly used for:
- Employment
- Volunteer work
- Licensing
- General background screening
RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is based on digital fingerprints.
Because fingerprints uniquely identify each individual, this is the most accurate type of Police Clearance Certificate available in Canada.
It is commonly required for:
- Immigration
- Citizenship
- Permanent Residence
- International Employment
- Foreign Visa Applications
- Record Suspensions
- U.S. Entry Waivers
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Canada
Step 1: Confirm the Required Type of Check
Before applying, confirm whether the requesting organization requires:
- A name-based Criminal Record Check
- An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
- Another type of police screening
Applying for the wrong type of check may delay your application.
Step 2: Gather Your Identification
Applicants typically need valid government-issued identification.
Examples include:
- Passport
- Driver’s Licence
- Permanent Resident Card
- Provincial Photo ID Card
Some applications may require two pieces of identification.
Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting (If Required)
If an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is required, your fingerprints must be captured by an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency.
Digital fingerprinting is fast, secure, and more accurate than traditional ink fingerprinting.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Once your identity has been verified and fingerprints (if required) have been captured, your application is securely submitted for processing.
Step 5: Receive Your Results
Processing times vary depending on:
- The type of Police Clearance Certificate requested
- RCMP processing requirements
- The requesting organization
- Whether additional verification is required
Why Is Digital Fingerprinting Important?
Many official applications require fingerprint-based identity verification because it offers:
- Greater accuracy
- Faster electronic processing
- Secure submission
- Reduced risk of rejected fingerprints
Digital fingerprinting has become the preferred method for RCMP Certified Criminal Record Checks.
Why Choose F.I.P.S.?
F.I.P.S. is an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency serving individuals throughout Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Our Services Include
- RCMP Digital Fingerprinting
- RCMP Certified Criminal Record Checks
- Immigration Fingerprinting
- Citizenship Fingerprinting
- Police Clearance Certificates
- Criminal Record Checks
- Record Suspension Fingerprinting
- U.S. Entry Waiver Fingerprinting
- Cardscan Services
Why Clients Trust F.I.P.S.
- RCMP-Accredited Agency
- Over 30 Years of Industry Experience
- Secure Digital Submission
- Professional Fingerprinting Specialists
- Walk-In Service Available
- Fast and Accurate Processing
- Convenient GTA Locations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document confirming whether an individual has a criminal record based on a criminal record search or fingerprint-based verification.
Police Clearance Certificates are commonly required for immigration, citizenship, employment, professional licensing, adoption, international travel, and visa applications.
Not always. Some applications require only a name-based criminal record check, while others require an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check based on digital fingerprints.
Fingerprints are generally required when an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check or biometric identity verification is requested.
Applicants typically need valid government-issued identification, including at least one photo ID.
Processing times vary depending on the type of certificate requested and the reviewing authority.
Yes. Police Clearance Certificates are commonly required for Canadian and international immigration applications, depending on the specific requirements of the immigration authority. For Canadian permanent residence applications, the government specifies when police certificates are required and from which countries.
You can obtain fingerprint-based Police Clearance Certificates through an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency such as F.I.P.S., depending on the type of check required.
A Police Clearance Certificate is an important document for many immigration, employment, licensing, and travel applications. Understanding the type of certificate you need—and whether digital fingerprinting is required—can help you avoid delays and complete your application with confidence.
If you need an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check or digital fingerprinting services, F.I.P.S. is here to help. Our experienced team provides secure, accurate, and professional fingerprinting services to support your Police Clearance Certificate requirements.