Local Police Certificate or RCMP?

[Lordfalco 0]

Hi,

I'm very confused about which one to get. On one hand I read that RCMP is better because it's a Canada Wide search (and it avoids the 3 municipal checks I would need)but requires fingerprinting first, then application for a criminal check. When I called the 613-998-6362 number and they say there is a 150 day wait time on Criminal Checks (and I KNOW I don't even have a criminal record),

On the other hand, I look @ Toronto's Police Services and they use the same database as the RCMP and they DON'T require fingerprints, of course they also don't state how long it will take for the criminal check.

So which service do I use that will take the least amount of time? I'm 3 months away from my wedding date!

Thank you,

[Tinker 0]

I don't know about there.

Here (Kingston) I walked into the local RCMP offices, and right on the wall is a sign that says Certificate for Visa's $25. The woman took my info, no fingerprints, and handed me my CPIC in 5 minutes.

I've also gone down to the local police station, paid $20, and went back the next day to pick up my CPIC for work.

Same thing, just different places, if you don't have a criminal record, you don't need fingerprints as far as I know.

On the top of mine it says RCMP, and Canadian Police Certificate, for visa applicants, doesn't say criminal record check, maybe your asking for the wrong thing?

I think Lance and Liz are in Toronto, they might be able to give you local info.

Edited July 11, 2007 by Tinker

[Tinker 0]

sneaking back in here.

On the checklist it does say Police Certificate! That's a good thing

[neiks 19]

It doesn't matter which does it RCMP or local police. The check is called a CPIC check and all enforcement agencies in Canada use the same thing. You do not need to be fingerprinted for a CPIC check. Try calling the RCMP again. Do you have a local detachment you can call? A CPIC check takes less than 5 minutes to run. The wait will depend on how busy the office is that you request it from and when they can get around to doing it. 150 days sounds like the time it takes if you had to get fingerprinted for security clearance and I believe for immigration purposes you only have to get fingerprinted if you do have a criminal record.

[misa 2]

If you're in Toronto, go to the Commissionaires. Takes 5 days for a Canada wide check. Just tell them it's for U.S. immigration and you need a full name check (canada wide). Think it cost me $35.

http://www.commissionaires-greatlakes.ca/

You don't need fingerprints if you do not have a criminal record. Just a name check. The Commissionaires actually gets the RCMP to do the check.

[L_n_O 3]

For Toronto:

15 Toronto St, Suite 302 (Yonge & King)

8:00am - 4:30pm

Bring two forms of gov't ID (One with photo-id) OHIP card not accepted

416-363-9072

5 business days avg for p/u

$35 + GST = $37.10

For Mississauga:

6200 Dixie Rd (Dixie & 401)

8:00am - 3:30pm

Bring two forms of gov't ID (One with photo-id) OHIP card not accepted

905-564-7210

5-8 business days avg for p/u

$35 + GST = $37.10

Edited July 11, 2007 by liz_legend 'n Ol

[Tinker 0]

How aggravating is that? Days between Kingston and the GTA......UGH

Liz, your's looks like a real certificate (pretty) Mine is just a sheet of white paper. Salright though, it's the same thing

did you get a pic on yours too?

Edited July 11, 2007 by Tinker

[misa 2]

If you saw the yellow certificate in person, it looks like a kid did it on their computer. Mine is the yellow one too. The ink in the printer was all streaky and the photo they took, I'm still wearing my winter coat and scarf!

[Tinker 0]

I didn't get a pic.....you guys, stop that!!

I have the right one and I'm sticking with that!

[Billy_boy 0]

I had always thought the police clearance was faster than 150 days if you have no criminal record

[Tinker 0]

I know I have the right one, and like I said, 5 min's or the next day if the local station receptionist is busy.

AND Laura got the same one, same place and they took hers

[~Nini~ 2]

Don't worry Tinker, mine's the same as yours.

I walked into my local RCMP detachment and was done in a half hour. Cost $45, but meh.

[misa 2]

They're different all over the place. Some with photos, some not. Some yellow, some white. Some 1/2 size, some full sheet. All I know is that mine looks really ghetto.

[L_n_O 3]

Liz, ..............

did you get a pic on yours too?

Ya Mr Constable man pulled out his digital camera and took a picture of me as I sat in the chair.. kinda shocked and not at all prepared =)

Edited July 11, 2007 by liz_legend 'n Ol

[Misty1979 0]

Just don't do the RCMP one where you send it away to Ottawa. Mine was just mailed out yesterday, and I applied for it 3 months ago. They mixed up my name and my gender (they called me a "Mr" and had my last name wrong and were trying to run the check on the wrong person.)

Local ones are much quicker..and generally when they see you in person they don't mess up your gender. I hope.