Last updated: July 23, 2026
What an Apostille Is (and Why Canada Now Issues Them)
An apostille is a certificate. It makes a Canadian document legally recognized in other countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. Canada joined the convention on January 11, 2024. Before that date, a Canadian criminal record check abroad needed two steps. Those two steps were authentication and legalization through an embassy. For member countries, a single apostille now replaces it.
Foreign employers, immigration offices, and licensing bodies ask for apostilled record checks. This is for work visas, residency applications, teaching contracts, and adoptions. If your document is going to a country outside the convention, the older route still applies. That route is embassy legalization.
Which Criminal Record Check Can Be Apostilled
The document that works in almost every case is the RCMP certified criminal record check. It is the fingerprint-based certificate. Fingerprints confirm who you are with biometric data. That is what foreign offices want certified. Name-based checks are generally not accepted for an apostille. This includes the online checks Canadian employers use every day. So confirm the rule with the office requesting the document before ordering.
The Process, Step by Step
First, have your fingerprints taken at an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency. The agency submits them electronically to the RCMP in Ottawa. Second, the RCMP mails the original certified check to you. Third, send that original for the apostille.
Fourth, forward the apostilled document to whoever asked for it. Budget roughly six to eight weeks for the whole chain. Allow more time during busy periods.
Federal or Provincial: Where to Send It
Global Affairs Canada issues apostilles for documents from federal bodies, which covers RCMP checks. It does this through its Authentication Services Section. Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec run their own competent authorities for documents issued or notarized there. In practice, an RCMP check can go to Global Affairs Canada directly. Ontario’s provincial route needs a notary to certify the check first.
Where Instant Record Check Fits
Our online criminal record check is built for use within Canada. It covers employment, volunteering, rentals, and licensing, with results in about 15 minutes. It is a name-based check. So for an apostille, you should plan on the RCMP certified route described above. Some foreign requesters do accept a Canadian name-based check without an apostille. When in doubt, ask them first and save yourself six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a name-based criminal record check be apostilled?
Generally no. Most receiving countries and the offices that request apostilled checks expect the RCMP certified criminal record check. It confirms who you are with fingerprints. Confirm the exact rule with whoever is asking for the document before you order anything.
How long does it take to apostille a criminal record check?
Plan on roughly six to eight weeks end to end. This covers fingerprinting at an accredited agency and RCMP processing in Ottawa. It also covers the original mailed back to you, then the apostille itself. Start early when a visa or work permit deadline is attached.
Who issues the apostille in Canada?
Global Affairs Canada issues apostilles for federally issued documents such as RCMP checks. Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec run their own competent authorities for provincially issued or notarized documents. Ontario's route needs the check to be notarized first.
Instant Record Check Team
Writing on criminal record checks and background screening in Canada.