Criminal Record Check VS. Police certificate

[LeprechaunSean 0]

I'm just prepping my packet 3 stuff, and when I went to the RCMP, they said I can get a criminal record check or I can get a police certificate stating there are no convictions, etc. Which does the montreal consulate want? the RCMP said they usually issue police certificates for immigration, but I really don't know....

[Krikit 1,165]

Just go to your local police station and tell them you need a background check for immigration purposes. As long as it says it's Canada-wide you're good to go. You will only need something more detailed (i.e. fingerprints) is if you have a criminal history.

[LeprechaunSean 0]

that's pretty much what I thought too, they said the certificate is usually what they use for immigration stuff...thanks for the info

[lgg 2]

Okay, this is cool. So, I live in Toronto, I can just go into any police station and ask for a canada-wide name check for myself? I don't have a police record of any kind, btw...

.

Some places charge 80$ for it and some want to do fingerprints. I got confused.

Lemme know what you think/did and stuff.

I've asked this qquestion before but there's some different answers our there and stuff.

I don't have any police record so.l.. I'd like it be to be what NVC wants and not a heapload of cash for me.

Thanks all.

LGG

that's pretty much what I thought too, they said the certificate is usually what they use for immigration stuff...thanks for the info

[ashenflowers 5]

Does anyone know if this is something I can get done ahead of time, or do I have to wait until closer to the packet 3 arrival... we don't even have an NOA2, and I don't expect it until at least late August/early Sept, but I kinda hate waiting around for this onslaught of stuff that I need to do, and want to knock off a few things early... lol

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Does anyone know if this is something I can get done ahead of time, or do I have to wait until closer to the packet 3 arrival... we don't even have an NOA2, and I don't expect it until at least late August/early Sept, but I kinda hate waiting around for this onslaught of stuff that I need to do, and want to knock off a few things early... lol

I don't blame you! The check is good for a year, so getting it now may be a smart idea. I did mine early too.

[ashenflowers 5]

Does anyone know if this is something I can get done ahead of time, or do I have to wait until closer to the packet 3 arrival... we don't even have an NOA2, and I don't expect it until at least late August/early Sept, but I kinda hate waiting around for this onslaught of stuff that I need to do, and want to knock off a few things early... lol

I don't blame you! The check is good for a year, so getting it now may be a smart idea. I did mine early too.

awesome!! Thanks

I was too overzealous with my passport photos needed for medical and what not, and thought they'd be good for a few months, but then ended up just wasting money on an extra set that is now useless... d'oh. Trying to learn from that mistake lol

Edited June 28, 2009 by ashenflowers

[Krikit 1,165]

Okay, this is cool. So, I live in Toronto, I can just go into any police station and ask for a canada-wide name check for myself? I don't have a police record of any kind, btw...

Yes, just go into any police station. Here is the link for the VJ Wiki: Canada-Wide Name Check

[ashenflowers 5]

UGH... ok I'm still unclear about this, and want to make sure I got the right thing.

I just went to my local police headquarters today and asked them for a background check for immigration purposes. One girl knew what I meant by background check, but was confused about the immigration thing because I wanted her to clarify for me that I was getting the right thing, and I think it threw her off and made her second guess herself... lol Anyways, some other lady working there came to help me and seemed to know what she was doing.

The wiki says

"Note: If you obtain your police check from the RCMP please note that there is a difference between "Criminal Record Check" and "Canadian Police Certificate" the Canadian Police Certificate has been found to be accepted."

Mine just says 'Criminal Record Search' at the top.. blah blah blah my info. dada dada... "DOES NOT have a criminal record in the RCMP National Repository for Criminal Records in Canada"....

I would think that's sufficient for what they're looking for, but the 'Canadian Police Certificate' terminology makes me feel like I have the wrong thing now cause mine doesn't say that. It cost me $40 (and I'm dirt poor, trust me), so I'll be pissed. LOL

Thoughts?

Edited June 30, 2009 by ashenflowers

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Ashen, I'm sure thats totally fine. I had a small freak out after I obtained a Police check and it didn't say it used the national repository. I e-mailed the consulate in Montreal and I was told that as long as it made mention of searching a national database it was perfectly acceptable. When I went for the interview I saw the officer scan it and underline the part that said "national record check" and pretty much ignored the rest!

[trailmix 77]

UGH... ok I'm still unclear about this, and want to make sure I got the right thing.

I just went to my local police headquarters today and asked them for a background check for immigration purposes. One girl knew what I meant by background check, but was confused about the immigration thing because I wanted her to clarify for me that I was getting the right thing, and I think it threw her off and made her second guess herself... lol Anyways, some other lady working there came to help me and seemed to know what she was doing.

The wiki says

"Note: If you obtain your police check from the RCMP please note that there is a difference between "Criminal Record Check" and "Canadian Police Certificate" the Canadian Police Certificate has been found to be accepted."

Mine just says 'Criminal Record Search' at the top.. blah blah blah my info. dada dada... "DOES NOT have a criminal record in the RCMP National Repository for Criminal Records in Canada"....

I would think that's sufficient for what they're looking for, but the 'Canadian Police Certificate' terminology makes me feel like I have the wrong thing now cause mine doesn't say that. It cost me $40 (and I'm dirt poor, trust me), so I'll be pissed. LOL

Thoughts?

I think it's fine - the wording on the wiki for that is not really clear (I know - I wrote it ) - it means - either of them are acceptable. Yours sound fine.

[ashenflowers 5]

Yay!! Thanks guys, I feel better. lol

And they're still accept it for up to a year, right??

[trailmix 77]

Yay!! Thanks guys, I feel better. lol

And they're still accept it for up to a year, right??

Yes up to a year

[Carlawarla 1]

Okay, this is cool. So, I live in Toronto, I can just go into any police station and ask for a canada-wide name check for myself? I don't have a police record of any kind, btw...

.

Some places charge 80$ for it and some want to do fingerprints. I got confused.

Lemme know what you think/did and stuff.

I've asked this qquestion before but there's some different answers our there and stuff.

I don't have any police record so.l.. I'd like it be to be what NVC wants and not a heapload of cash for me.

Thanks all.

LGG

that's pretty much what I thought too, they said the certificate is usually what they use for immigration stuff...thanks for the info

I think in Toronto, you go to the Corp of Commissionaires. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Think it's like $25, or $30.00. However if the police can just do it for you, it would probably be easier. They can let you know I guess.