The citizenship process can be long. Most of the time, when you’re applying for Canadian citizenship applications, there’s no need to provide biometrics like fingerprints. You may, however, receive a fingerprint request letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Before we talk about that letter and the fingerprinting process, it’s important that we make two things very clear:
- FASTCHECK cannot make any claims or comments regarding your personal Canadian citizenship application. We cannot tell you how long it will take IRCC to process your citizenship application after you’ve obtained fingerprints
- We will only take fingerprints for citizenship applicants if you have received a request letter from the IRCC. For most Canadian citizenship applicants, fingerprints are not required.
This article attempts to give a non-specific overview of how fingerprinting may affect Canadian citizenship applications. If you have questions about the specifics of your application, contact IRCC.
Why fingerprints Are requested For Canadian Citizenship
Most people who apply for Canadian citizenship will not need fingerprints taken for their application to be completed. If you need fingerprints taken to complete your application, you will receive a fingerprint request letter from the IRCC.
That letter should have information regarding why fingerprints were requested. The letter can, however, be somewhat vague. We cannot speak to the specifics of why fingerprints were requested for your application. We can, however, give some of the reasons fingerprints may have been requested. They include:
- Quality assurance (QA)
- A name and date of birth similar to the name and date of birth of another citizenship applicant/Permanent Resident (especially if that person had a citizenship application that was rejected)
- A name (and sometimes date of birth) similar to someone with a criminal record
In the first case (QA), applicants are chosen randomly. Should you be chosen randomly for QA, you may need to provide other documentation as well. QA practices change regularly. You may know someone who applied for Canadian citizenship and went through QA. Different documents may have been requested of that person. That may be due to the regular changes to IRCC’s QA process.
In the second two circumstances, applicant’s fingerprints are simply used to distinguish you from other people with similar names and dates of birth to yours.
In all cases, your fingerprints will be sent to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). They will run your fingerprints through a criminal database to look for potential matches. The RCMP conducts a thorough criminal record check to determine if there are any criminal histories associated with the applicant.
Timeframes For Fingerprinting And Canadian Citizenship
When you receive a fingerprint request letter for your citizenship applications, IRCC will tell you how much time you have to submit your fingerprints. Generally, that timeframe is 30 days. When you use FASTCHECK for fingerprinting, we submit your fingerprints to the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) on your behalf. That means they’ll receive your fingerprints the same day you have them done.
After receiving the letter requesting your fingerprints, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by IRCC to ensure a smooth process.
We always advise our clients to come in well before the end of the 30 days timeline, in case of unforeseen delays. The faster you submit your fingerprints, the faster your application can be processed. The fingerprinting process generally takes no longer than 10 minutes.
FASTCHECK can’t tell you how long your Canadian citizenship application will take to process after fingerprints have been submitted. Anecdotally, the fingerprinting process does not seem to delay Canadian citizenship applications for very long in most cases.
Background Check And Verification
The fingerprint request is part of a background check and verification process to ensure that you are eligible for Canadian citizenship. The RCMP will run your fingerprints through a criminal database to look for potential matches. If a match is found, the RCMP will investigate further to determine if you have a criminal record.
The background check and verification process is an essential step in the Canadian citizenship application process. It helps to ensure that applicants are truthful about their identity and do not pose a security risk to Canada. This thorough vetting process is designed to maintain the integrity and safety of Canadian society.
The Canadian citizenship application process involves several steps, including:
- Submitting your application form and supporting documents
- Paying the application fee
- Receiving a fingerprint request letter (if required)
- Submitting your fingerprints
- Undergoing a background check and verification
- Receiving a decision on your application
The application process can take several months to complete, and the processing time may vary depending on the complexity of your case. Each step is crucial and must be completed accurately to avoid any delays or issues with your Canadian citizenship application.
After Fingerprinting: Next Steps
After submitting your fingerprints, you will need to wait for the results of the background check and verification process. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter from IRCC inviting you to take the citizenship test and attend an interview.
If your application is not approved, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the decision. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply for Canadian citizenship in the future.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the fingerprinting process is just one step in the Canadian citizenship application process. You should continue to follow the instructions provided by IRCC and wait for further instructions on the next steps in your application. Patience and attention to detail are key to successfully navigating the path to Canadian citizenship.
Do you need to have your fingerprints taken for your personal citizenship application for Canadian citizenship? Get in touch with FASTCHECK. We offer fingerprinting services in both English and French. To get your fingerprints taken, all you’ll need is the fingerprint request letter from the IRCC and a photo I.D. (such as your passport or PR card).
For more details on processing times, background checks, and how to submit fingerprints, contact FASTCHECK today!
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