Fingerprinting Services in Canada for Immigration, Record Suspensions and FBI Checks
What is fingerprinting for a background check?
Fingerprinting for a background check means recording the ridges of your fingers, either digitally on a scanner or in ink, so an agency can match them to its records. The RCMP uses fingerprints for certified, fingerprint-based criminal record checks. The Parole Board asks for them in a record suspension application. The FBI requires them for an Identity History Summary. Accredited private companies and some police services can take your fingerprints.
Which type you need depends on who asked for the check and what they accept. The sections below explain each one.
RCMP: where to go for a criminal record check, Parole Board of Canada: get your criminal record, FBI: Identity History Summary checks.
Who needs fingerprinting, and for what?
Record Suspension
The Parole Board asks for fingerprints taken at an accredited fingerprinting company or an eligible police service. The submission must identify the record suspension purpose.
FBI clearance
An FBI Identity History Summary request needs fingerprints, either electronic or on a fingerprint card.
Immigration and visas
Many immigration and visa applications to other countries ask for an RCMP-certified criminal record check. Applications to Canada have their own police certificate rules, so follow the instructions for your application.
Family Sponsorship
A sponsorship file can ask for police certificates. The guide for your application lists which ones.
US entry waiver
A waiver application may ask for criminal record documents, which can include a certified record check.
Criminal rehabilitation
An application can need certified police records from every country where a conviction happened.
Employment and licensing
Some employers and licensing bodies ask for a certified criminal record check. If you need a vulnerable sector check, it must go through a police service.
Digital fingerprinting in Canada vs ink fingerprinting
| Digital fingerprinting (live scan) | Ink and roll fingerprinting | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Fingers are rolled on a scanner; images captured electronically. | Fingers are rolled in ink onto a paper card. |
| Typically used for | Certified criminal record checks and electronically submitted record suspension applications. | Mailed FBI card requests and paper prints for use in other countries. |
| How it is sent | Electronically to the receiving agency. | The fingerprint card is mailed or couriered. |
| Mess | None | Ink is washed off after the appointment. |
| Ask the requester | “Do you accept an electronic submission?” | “Do you need a paper card, and which form?” |
If you are unsure, ask the organization that requested your fingerprints which format it accepts. We can take both formats and will tell you which one your application needs.
What the RCMP says about paper prints: for people outside Canada, the RCMP asks for a paper copy of all ten fingers in black ink from an authorized agency in their own country. An accredited Canadian fingerprinting company then converts it to digital and submits it electronically. Fingerprints should not be mailed directly to the RCMP.
How RCMP fingerprinting works, step by step
Find out what you need
Check the requested format, forms and exact purpose. For record suspensions, state the record suspension purpose clearly.
Book your appointment
Book online or call us. Tell us what the fingerprints are for so we prepare the right format.
Bring your ID and documents.
We tell you what to bring when you book.
Have your fingerprints taken
For digital fingerprinting, your fingers are rolled on a scanner. For ink, they are rolled onto a card. We check the quality before you leave.
Submit or collect the prints
Digital submissions go to an agency electronically; paper cards are handled according to the requester’s instructions. Confirm GBWS submission procedures.
Wait for the result
The RCMP, FBI, Parole Board or IRCC set their own timelines, which change. We tell you what to expect when you book.
What to bring to your fingerprinting appointment
Tips for clearer fingerprints
Arrive with clean, dry hands. Avoid heavy hand cream just before the appointment. Cuts, worn fingertips or very dry skin can make prints harder to read, so mention these when booking.
The name on your ID should match the name on the application. If it does not, ask GBWS before you visit.
Appointment checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID.
- Instructions or forms supplied by the requesting organization
- Any required exact wording for the submission
- For an FBI request, confirmation or reference details if applicable
- A way to pay
What does fingerprinting cost, and how long does it take?
The provider sets its own service fee, and the receiving agency may charge a separate fee. For example, the FBI sets the fee for an Identity History Summary; an approved channeler may charge separately. Call 647-450-6000 for current fees. We confirm the full cost before we start.
How long it takes: the appointment itself is short, but the length of the appointment is not on the current site, so do not state minutes unless GBWS confirms. After that, the timeline depends on the agency. The RCMP, FBI, Parole Board, and IRCC set their own timelines, and they change. We tell you what to expect when you book. We do not promise a result date or an outcome.
Fingerprint-based check or name-based police check: which one do you need?
| Fingerprint-based check | Name-based police check | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is matched | Your fingerprints are compared with national records | Your name and date of birth are searched |
| Where it starts | An accredited fingerprinting provider or a police service | Your local police service |
| Common uses | Immigration, record suspensions, FBI requests, some foreign embassies | Many jobs, volunteering, housing |
| Fingerprints taken | Yes | Usually no |
| Who decides what you need | The organization asking for the check | The organization asking for the check |
Where to get fingerprinted with GBWS
- Toronto: fingerprinting for Toronto residents
- Brampton: Brampton fingerprinting services
- Oakville: Oakville fingerprinting
- Milton: fingerprinting for Milton clients
- Georgetown: Georgetown fingerprinting
- Halton Hills and Acton: Halton Hills fingerprinting
What if your fingerprints are rejected, and what happens after?
- Your prints are sent to the agency that handles your request, or given to you on an ink card, depending on the type of request.
- The agency processes the request on its own timeline. GBWS does not control it.
- You receive the result from the agency, or the agency sends it to the organization that asked for it.
- If the organization asks for more information, you follow its instructions.
Why people choose GBWS for fingerprinting
Digital and ink prints
Clients in and outside Canada
Related services in one place
Clear explanation of the process
Frequently Asked Questions
What ID do I need to get fingerprinted?
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
Is a fingerprint check the same as a police information check?
How much does fingerprinting cost?
Can I get fingerprinted if I live outside Canada?
Ready to get your fingerprints taken?
Global Background and Waiver Services Inc.
Pardon, waiver and fingerprinting support to help you move forward with confidence.