Fingerprinting For Permanent Residency

Some of the programs which grant permanent resident status can be applied for while a person is living in Canada. To apply for permanent resident status in this way, you’ll have to complete a screening process in which fingerprints and a certified criminal record check must be obtained. You’ll need to get criminal record checks done both in Canada and in any other country you’ve lived in.

At FASTCHECK, we offer fingerprinting services for the purposes of applying for immigration programs, including those that offer a path to permanent residency. We’re located in Canada—as such, our fingerprinting services are offered to those who wish to apply to these programs from within Canada.

Screening for immigration programs varies depending on which track you choose. We cannot tell you exactly how the screening process for each of the immigration programs is performed, and we encourage you to look over the application process for your particular immigration program in detail. When possible, it’s a good idea to go over the programs and the application process with the help of an immigration lawyer.

We can give you some details about the screening process performed by the RCMP when you apply for your certified criminal record check. Using your fingerprints, the RCMP will check its database, known as the National Repository of Criminal Records. This check is performed by the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

Your fingerprints are needed for this process as they’re one of the most effective ways of identifying a person. A criminal record should always have fingerprints associated with it. Names, addresses, and other details may change—fingerprints do not. 

Why is the screening process done?

The applicant screening process varies from program to program. The purpose of the screening processes is more or less the same, however—to ensure that an applicant meets the criteria to become a permanent resident of Canada. Performing criminal record checks is an essential part of this process. 

How do I get my fingerprints taken?

Getting your fingerprints taken may be the most straightforward part of the process. To do so, simply schedule an appointment with us. On the day of your appointment, bring in two pieces of ID, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID. 

Our fingerprinting service is fast and effective—most appointments take no more than 10 minutes. We recommend staying at the same address for at least 6-8 weeks after you request your criminal record check, as missing the results could lead to serious delays in your overall application process. 

FBI Clearance for Canada

As discussed above, you’ll need a police certificate (criminal record check) from each country you’ve lived in prior to living in Canada to apply for immigration programs that offer permanent residence. From the United States, you’ll need an FBI Clearance—this clearance is officially known as the Identity History Summary Check (more commonly known as a rap sheet).

How is the screening process done?

To learn more about the screening process, we highly recommend reading the FBI’s Identity History Summary Check webpage. To complete the process, you’ll need to obtain fingerprints from an accredited fingerprinting service like FASTCHECK. 

When will I get my results back? 

The timeframe for obtaining the results of your Identity History Summary Check varies depending on a number of factors. The FBI lists expected timeframes on the webpage we linked to above. One factor to consider is how you submit the documents for your check—online requests typically take less time than mail requests. We will submit your fingerprints to the FBI on your behalf. 

Conclusion

Our goal is to simplify applying to programs that grant permanent residency status by making the fingerprinting process as easy as possible. Get in touch with us today to make an appointment—clear fingerprints taken by our accredited fingerprinting agency can reduce the risk of delays when your application is reviewed.