PROCESSING TIMES

How long will it take for the RCMP to process your fingerprints and mail the results of the background check to your designated address?  The results are received by ordinary mail at your designated address usually:

• in 2 to 4 weeks since being fingerprinted AND you do NOT have a criminal record, OR
• in 4 to 8 weeks since being fingerprinted AND you DO have a criminal record.

If the results are being mailed out of Canada, it could take 1 to 4 weeks longer depending upon the reliability of mail delivery.  Processing times can fluctuate.  We have no control over processing times once your fingerprints have been submitted to the RCMP.  If you have a criminal record and would like to inquire into a Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension) or U.S. Travel Waiver, please contact our office at 403-229-2774. 

How to Check Status of RCMP Report

If the results are not received within the specified times above, you may contact the RCMP to check on the status. 

OPTION 1:  Call the RCMP at 1-833-541-3089.

OPTION 2:  Send an email to the RCMP requesting status. 

You will need to complete the following:

#1.  Copy the INFORMATION IN CAPITAL LETTERS below.
#2.  Paste it in an email addressed to the RCMP at CCRTIS-SCICTR@rcmp-grc.gc.ca (hint: clicking the email will copy this automatically into a new email for you to fill out)
#3.  Fill in the blanks and select send.

_______________________________________

Sample Email

RE:  REQUEST FOR STATUS:

I AM REQUESTING THE STATUS OF MY RCMP DIGITAL FINGERPRINT SUBMISSION.  DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOW:

#1.  MY FULL NAME: 
#2.  MY DATE OF BIRTH:
#3.  DATE FINGERPRINTS WERE SUBMITTED: 
#4.  REASON FOR APPLICATION: 
#5.  DCN #:

Sincerely,

TYPE YOUR NAME HERE

_______________________________________

Factors Influencing Processing Times

Several factors can impact the speed of RCMP fingerprint processing:

1. Volume of Applications: High demand periods, such as during immigration program openings or seasonal employment surges, may lead to longer processing times.

2. Submission Method: Electronic submissions are faster and more efficient compared to manual ink submissions.  Ink submissions are only allowed if your fingerprints are unclassified.

3. Pending Charges: If you or someone with a similar name and date of birth has charges pending, the RCMP may delay the release of your RCMP Search until after the charges have concluded or they have verified these charges do not belong to you.

4. Background Verification: If a match is found in the criminal records database, additional time is required for investigation.

5. Quality of Fingerprints: If you have poor-quality fingerprints (ie. due to wrinkles, scars, warn ridges, excess sweating), this may delay the processing of your request.  When you were fingerprinted, if the machine had difficulty reading your fingerprints then this might be an indicator that the results of your request may take longer.