Police Check from outside Canada?

[rj1990 13]

I'm currently visiting my fiance and am at the step of scheduling my interview in Montreal. I had hoped to not go back to my permanent residence in Canada prior to the interview - is it possible to obtain the required police check from the US? Has anyone done this successfully?

Thanks very much for your help. 

[broppy 204]

It's a lot easier and cheaper to do it back home - assuming it would come back clean, you can just have your local police service do a CPIC check based on name/dob. From outside Canada, you have to go through RCMP and supply fingerprints. It takes forever if you send them inked prints directly, so best option is to pick one of their accredited fingerprint companies, check their precise requirements (certain forms, certified copy of ID, etc.) and mail your inked prints to them for digitization and speedier processing.

[rj1990 13]

Does it have to be local to the province where I'm from? Or can I plan to have it completed electronically in Montreal when I go for my interview? I see a lot of the fast digital print places recommended on the RCMP website have locations in Montreal - do you think that could work? 

[broppy 204]

I hadn't thought of that - sounds like it could be a good option. The US doesn't care where you get the certificate - just that it's a certified criminal record check. I'd call one to confirm total processing time and be sure you can pick up the certificate in person rather than have it mailed.

[Ontarkie 14,221]

It needs to be the jurisdictions of the police department you live near. You do not want to do digital it will not be accepted. They want a hard copy with seal. 

[broppy 204]

1 hour ago, Ontarkie said:

It needs to be the jurisdictions of the police department you live near. You do not want to do digital it will not be accepted. They want a hard copy with seal. 

I wasn't suggesting eCPIC. RCMP accredited companies will take your fingerprints (either in person or scan an inked set with acceptable proof of ID) and send them to RCMP for the check. The resulting hard copy certificate then comes from the RCMP. I know if you live abroad and use an agency to digitize your prints and forward to RCMP they'll post it to you - that's why I suggested OP check with the agencies in Montreal that it can be picked up in person rather than mailed somewhere.

[NikLR 13,227]

Op is a canadian resident.  They need a police certificate from the jurisdiction of their residence.  Really this normally takes 20 mins to a couple of days vs the weeks to months it takes when youre outside the usa.  

[broppy 204]

2 hours ago, NikLR said:

Op is a canadian resident.  They need a police certificate from the jurisdiction of their residence.  Really this normally takes 20 mins to a couple of days vs the weeks to months it takes when youre outside the usa.  

Yes, but OP isn't in Canada right now and wants to avoid making a trip home just to get the police certificate. The cost of a flight home to apply in person at a local police station probably outweighs the cost of getting the certificate remotely or trying to do it in Montreal as part of the medical & interview process.

[rj1990 13]

I called Commissionaires and was told that because it's a name based Canada-wide check that I needed to go in person to a Commissionaires in Montreal and they would have the hard copy signed and on official letterhead within 48 hours. She said they do this all the time for visa applications and they're essentially just a faster way to access the RCMP because many local stations do them very slowly. While some posters here have had luck getting them instantly, my local RCMP said 2 weeks minimum no exceptions. 

 

She also said even if I needed finger prints they would be able to do that within 4 business days. Since I have to be in Montreal the week before my interview for my medical this is the easiest way - no need to go home first! Thanks for your help! 

[NikLR 13,227]

3 minutes ago, broppy said:

Yes, but OP isn't in Canada right now and wants to avoid making a trip home just to get the police certificate. The cost of a flight home to apply in person at a local police station probably outweighs the cost of getting the certificate remotely or trying to do it in Montreal as part of the medical & interview process.

Its not about cost it was about time. Outside of Canada would take too long if the OP is at the booking interview stage.  But if the OP can get it in Montreal that's great, if improper.