Canadian criminal record checks, also referred to as CPIC checks, are background checks that use the CPIC to obtain information about an individual’s criminal history. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) maintain the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).

Canadian criminal records can only be ordered by individuals or organizations with a legitimate reason to request such information, as such, you can’t access this information for free.

In Canada, the person requesting the check is usually the one who pays for it. This means that if it’s an employer that needs the check, they pay the fees. If you need a check for a reason aside from employment, such as for an adoption process or volunteer position, we recommend contacting the relevant police service in your area to inquire about the specific process and fees involved.

To run a criminal record check, you have to provide a full name, date of birth, and sometimes fingerprints.

Criminal records can be requested in person or online directly from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or a background screening vendor.

Here’s more on what jobs require a criminal record check.

The time it takes to complete any type of background check, criminal or otherwise, varies depending on factors such as the type of information being verified, the responsiveness of the sources and databases, and the efficiency of the screening process. A Canadian criminal record check can typically be completed within a few days to a week, assuming the information is readily available and the sources respond promptly. Though, online checks and automation can speed up the process.

Here’s how long the Certn background check process can take.

The availability and disclosure of criminal records varies by jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions have restrictions on the types of convictions that can be reported after a certain period or based on the severity of the offence.

There’s no limit to how far back a Canadian criminal record check goes, but the type of offence determines how long it stays on your record.

The length of time that a criminal record stays on your record in Canada depends on the type of offence and the outcome of the case. The general guidelines are:

1. Absolute Discharge: In the case of absolute discharge, the record is removed from the federal database one year from the date of the discharge.
2. Conditional Discharge: If you receive a conditional discharge, the record is removed from the federal database three years from the completion of the sentence (the probation order).
3. Summary Offence: A person is eligible for a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) for a summary offence five years from when the complete sentence was issued by a court judge. You’re only eligible to apply for the record suspension after five years of good conduct.
4. Indictable Conviction: An indictable conviction stays on your record indefinitely unless you apply for a record suspension. You’re only eligible to apply for a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) after 10 years of good conduct. A record suspension, if granted, removes the record from the federal database and sets it aside.

Consult with a lawyer for more precise information about the retention period for a specific offence based on the Criminal Records Act and relevant provincial legislation.

The default inquiry timeframe for each record is seven years.

SSN Trace is used in the US for two reasons: it acts as a method of ID verification and it provides access to a detailed residence history and aliases. The SSN Trace can be completed by using the SSN provided or by matching enough unique identifiers to an existing SSN profile. The SSN trace will be listed as “Review” when no profile is found or when the information declared does not match what’s in the SSN profile.

Yes you have the right to request a copy of your own background check. This is generally in line with data protection and privacy regulations that allow individuals to access and review their personal information held by various organizations, including those that conduct background checks.

Yes. Though there are roles you may not qualify for, there are plenty of industries and positions that will employ someone with a criminal history. In accordance with the Australian Human Rights Commission, an employer can only reject an applicant based on their criminal history “if the person’s criminal record means that he or she is unable to perform the ‘inherent requirements’ of the particular job.”

Police checks are typically valid for five years. However, they can’t be used for multiple positions. If you apply for a new job within five years, a new check will be requested as the new position may require a different depth of check, and an offence may have occurred since the previous check was run. 

An AFP check is valid for 12 months from the date issued.

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