Getting an offer for your dream job in Canada is excellent news. But, first, the business might need to do a background check.
A background check in Canada is the process of an employer verifying information, such as:
- Criminal record
- Employment history
- Credit checks
- Identity verification
Many people get nervous about this and even head to Reddit for a quick solution:
“Very worried about a criminal background check for my dream job with a third party company.” – Reddit.com
Well, you’re in the right place to know all about Canadian record checks.
Here are five facts you need to know, before doing background checks in Canada.
This ensures the process is respectful to both you and your employer.
Fact #1: There Are 3 Common Types of Background Checks
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) — CPIC-direct name-based search of convictions, discharges, and warrants. Most reports return in minutes. $59.97 CAD per individual check.
- Enhanced Criminal Record Check (CRJMC, also called E-PIC) — everything in the CRC plus outstanding judicial matters, pending charges, peace bonds, probation, and conditional discharges. Same comprehensive scope as Sterling's Enhanced Police Information Check. $66.97 CAD per individual check.
- Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) — for positions working with children, elderly, or persons with disabilities. Not available online from any provider (including Instant Record Check) — requires an in-person visit to your local police detachment and fingerprinting. When you need a VSC →
- Business bulk rates — hiring at volume? Our B2B portal offers discounted per-check pricing for employers, staffing agencies, landlords, and volunteer organizations. Learn more on our business page →
Background checks have a significant effect on hiring. In Toronto alone, over 60% of employers need record checks for their employees.
The three common types of background checks are as follows:
Criminal Record Checks
The RCMP maintains the National Repository of Criminal Records, and criminal record checks examine that repository to see if you have a criminal history.
Searching for a criminal history is not always necessary — some instances may disqualify you from standard checks.
The table below sums up these situations for you:
| Applying for employment in a company. | Applying for work in the vulnerable sector. |
| Migrating to, or from, Canada. | Requesting a name change or record suspension. |
If your situation calls for these record checks, then get verified fingerprints from an accredited fingerprinting company and send them to the RCMP with a request letter for a criminal background check.
Criminal record checks take either:
- Three business days or less, if there is no criminal record match.
- 120 business days, if there is a possible criminal record.
You can contact Instant Record Check to facilitate the process.
The RCMP issues a certified Clearance Letter once the search is complete, showing:
- A summary of your criminal convictions (if any).
- Outstanding warrants, charges, or probation orders.
- Findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
- Absolute and conditional discharges.
Lastly, send your results to your local Canadian police station for final verification.
Police Information Checks
Your local police station does these types of checks. It gives information on any non-conviction criminal information — including charges, warrants, and probation orders.
Get your Police Information Checks (PIC) done online by:
- Visiting your local police station website.
- Filling out the form and submitting it in person with your national identification documents.
It takes up to 10 business days for a complete PIC.
Did you know? PIC and criminal background checks are the same. RCMP criminal background checks are certified and valid for almost every situation.
Vulnerable Sector Checks
Working in the vulnerable sector involves providing essential services in places such as a:
- Hospital
- Daycare
- Elderly Care Facility
These services are voluntary, so an employer needs your permission to do any record checks.
By doing so, they can ensure that you’re a trustworthy candidate during the hiring process.
Here’s what shows up in a vulnerable sector criminal record check.
Fact #2: Canadian Background Checks Can Be Done From Abroad
Background checks shouldn’t stop you from applying for your dream job.
You need to visit your local police station or a verified company to get a copy of your fingerprints, and submit them to the RCMP’s Canadian Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).
You should:
- Have your fingerprints taken and submit a copy to CCRTIS.
- Verify your information and pay the processing fee.
- Provide information on where you’re a candidate for employment or volunteering.
Fact #3: When it Comes to Who Pays for Criminal Record Checks in Canada, Know that it May Not Have to Be You
Depending on where you apply for your criminal record check there will be different price points. Typically you will have to pay for your own criminal record check but there are some circumstances such as volunteering where you may be able to get the fee waived.
Fact #4: A Criminal Record Check Should Be Non-Discriminatory
Canadian law protects you from discrimination during background checks based on the following:
- Pardoned or suspended criminal offences
- Race
- Gender
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Marital status
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
During the interview, you should only answer questions relating to the job and your capacity as a candidate.
Any questions touching on the above topics should be avoided.
Here’s how to respond to record checks when you have a criminal history:
Legal experts recommend that this is how you respond to these questions as a potential candidate:
“Can you please explain to me how this applies to my performance of the job?”
“My [family status] does not affect my ability to perform this job.”
“I’d prefer not to answer this question unless there is a particular reason why it is relevant.”
Fact #5: Your Right to Privacy Matters at All Times
A criminal background, police check, and credit check are all invasive processes. So, when you give out your information for background checks, it should be completely protected.
To safeguard your privacy during this process, ensure that:
- You know your future employment role and what it involves.
- You give written consent to use your information for background checks only.
- The questions interviewers ask relate to the job position.
Complete Your RCMP Criminal Record Check Today
Conducting criminal history checks is easier than it looks. However, police service websites may not give you the instant outcome you need.
Our brand name says it all — Instant Record Check provides immediate, convenient, and reliable background check solutions.
We pride ourselves on getting your background checks done without any delay. After sending your information to the RCMP, we do everything we can to lessen the burden and update you along the way.
Get your criminal record check done today with our affordable services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a background check in Canada?
A background check in Canada is a search of the RCMP's Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database to verify whether an individual has a criminal record. The three main types are:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC) — searches for convictions and outstanding charges. The most common type for employment.
- Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) — adds absolute and conditional discharges, outstanding warrants, and judicial orders.
- Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) — required for positions working with children or vulnerable adults. Must be done in person with fingerprinting.
Most employers, landlords, and organizations across Canada accept online RCMP-based checks from providers like Instant Record Check.
How long does a background check take in Canada?
With Instant Record Check, most background checks are completed within minutes of identity verification. In-person checks through local police services typically take 2–8 weeks depending on the municipality and volume. RCMP mail-in applications can take even longer. Online is by far the fastest option for standard CRC and CRJMC checks.
How much does a background check cost in Canada?
Through Instant Record Check:
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): From $59.97 — results in minutes
- Enhanced Criminal Record Check (CRJMC): From $66.97 — results in minutes
- Business Bulk Rates: Discounted pricing available for organizations
In-person fees vary by police service and municipality. Online checks through Instant Record Check are typically faster and more convenient than visiting a police station.
What shows up on a background check in Canada?
A standard CRC shows criminal convictions and outstanding charges from the RCMP CPIC database. A CRJMC also includes discharges, warrants, and judicial orders. The following do not appear on standard checks:
- Pardoned offences — removed after a successful record suspension
- Youth records — protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Non-conviction information — charges that were withdrawn, dismissed, or resulted in acquittal
Related Pages
- Criminal Record Check Canada
- Types of Background Checks in Canada
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Criminal Record Check Toronto
- Criminal Record Check Alberta
- Criminal Record Check British Columbia
Featured Image: Freepik
