International Fingerprinting FAQ

1. How do I submit digital fingerprints to the RCMP from outside Canada?

VFS will capture your ink fingerprints and send them to Gambit ID. Gambit ID will then digitize your ink fingerprints and submit them electronically to the RCMP on your behalf.

2. How do I send Gambit ID my fingerprints?

Visit the VFS office you have selected, and a trained staff member will capture professional quality ink fingerprints and will send them to Gambit ID on your behalf.

3. Do I have to send anything to RCMP if I will be using your service?

No, we will submit all the information that is needed by the RCMP to receive your certified criminal record for you.

4. How much is this service?

The cost of international fingerprinting is $385.50 CAD *Canadian sales taxes may be applicable (does not include $25 CAD RCMP fee). If you would like mail tracking when your results are sent back to you or a third party, an additional fee will be required.

5. How will my certificate be sent back to me?

You have two options for most fingerprinting reasons: You can either have the RCMP send the results wherever you'd like through regular mail without a tracking number (no extra charge), or you could have the RCMP send the results to Gambit ID, and Gambit ID can send it to you via courier.

6. Is it possible to have the results emailed back to me?

The RCMP only sends your results by regular mail. For applicable fingerprinting reasons, if you choose to have your results sent back to Gambit ID to courier back to you, Gambit ID can email you a scanned copy before putting the results in the mail.

7. How long does the process usually take?

It will normally take less than 10 days from the time you get fingerprinted f there are no matches to fingerprints that the RCMP have on file. If there is a match, an RCMP manual review may be required, and this can take up to 120 business days for the RCMP to complete.

8. Is there anyway that I could have this process expedited?

Gambit ID automated the process as much as possible. By using Gambit ID to process your request, you will receive your results as quickly as possible. Please note, we cannot expedite the process at the RCMP.

9. Can I choose where the results will be sent?

Yes, with the following exceptions:

  • Canadian Employment – Federal Government, which is sent electronically from the RCMP to the appropriate department.
  • US Immigration – Criminal Record Check for Personal Use, the RCMP must release the results to the applicant’s legal address. Because of this, the RCMP would have to mail the results directly to you via regular mail.

You can specify where you want the results sent for all other fingerprinting reasons within the Submit International Request Form.

10. What are my payment options?

We accept Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, Mastercard Debit, American Express, Discovery, and Union Pay. We do not accept PayPal, money orders or certified cheques.

11. Can I get my certificate authenticated by Global Affairs Canada, or an embassy or High Commission?

Gambit ID has partnered with International Documents Canada to provide this service to our clients. For more information please visit: International Documents Canada

12. I don't have any valid Canadian ID, is that okay?

Yes, your IDs don't have to be Canadian, they just must be valid and issued by government.

13. Is there a way that I can track this process after my application is submitted to the RCMP?

Yes. Regarding the search itself, you can either call the RCMP at 613-998-6362 or send them an email at CCRTIS-SCICTR@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. You will need to provide them with your Document Control Number (DCN) that will be emailed to you by Gambit ID as soon as the RCMP receives your file, as well as your full name, date of birth, and the fingerprinting reason (e.g. citizenship, employment or visa). Please keep the standard processing times in mind and they will only be able to tell you whether the results have been put in the mail, and where they are being sent. The RCMP sends the results via regular mail and does not provide a tracking number. Gambit ID will also provide you with a secure link to a self-serve portal where you can check on the status of your request.

14. Can I have the RCMP send me more than one certificate?

No, the RCMP only sends out one certificate. If you need more than one, you will have to submit separate applications.

15. Am I able to take the fingerprints myself?

No, you will have to go to VFS to have your fingerprints taken professionally.