Criminal Record Check for Manitoba Security Guard Licensing
Manitoba’s Private Investigators and Security Guards Program, administered under the province’s licensing framework, requires applicants to submit a Criminal Record Check before a security guard or private investigator licence can be issued. This guide covers what the check involves and how to get it done if you’re not near a location that processes them in person.
What Manitoba’s Criminal Record Check Covers
Manitoba’s licensing Criminal Record Check is a name-based search of the CPIC database, covering:
- Criminal convictions
- Outstanding charges, where applicable to the request type
- Certain judicial matters relevant to positions of trust
The exact scope depends on the check type requested at the time of application, so it’s worth confirming with the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program directly whether a standard or enhanced check is required for your licence category.
Fingerprints: Usually Not Required
Like most provincial licensing checks, Manitoba’s Criminal Record Check is typically processed using your name and date of birth rather than fingerprints. Fingerprinting only becomes necessary if there’s a partial match between your details and another record in the database, so your identity can be confirmed before a certificate is issued.
How the Process Works
- Confirm your licence category’s requirement with the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program.
- Apply by mail or online through an RCMP-accredited provider — you don’t need to be in Manitoba in person for a name-based check.
- Submit two pieces of government-issued ID, at least one with your photo.
- Receive your certificate, usually within 15 minutes to 48 hours.
Pricing
- CPIC (name-based) check: $40 + tax
- CRJMC / enhanced check (covering outstanding charges and judicial matters): $50 + tax
Why Use an RCMP-Accredited Agency Outside Manitoba?
Because this is a national database search rather than a local records check, any RCMP-accredited agency can process your application, regardless of where in Canada you or the agency are located. Surrey Fingerprint Company processes these checks for clients across the country by mail and online. See our full CPIC and CRJMC service details.
Get Started
Contact us to confirm the exact check type your Manitoba licence requires, then apply from wherever you are.
📞 (604) 825-8882 | ✉️ info@surreyfingerprint.com
Criminal Record Check for Alberta Security Guard Licensing
Alberta’s Security Services and Investigators Act requires security guard, private investigator, and alarm response applicants to submit a Criminal Record Check (CRC) as part of their licensing application. Depending on the role, a separate Vulnerable Sector Check may also be required if the work involves contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Criminal Record Check vs. Vulnerable Sector Check
- Criminal Record Check (CRC): A name-based search of the CPIC database showing convictions and, depending on the request type, outstanding charges and judicial matters.
- Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): A more extensive search that also includes certain sexual offence records, even where a pardon or record suspension has been granted — typically only required for roles involving vulnerable populations.
Most Alberta security guard licence applications require the standard Criminal Record Check rather than a Vulnerable Sector Check, but always confirm with your employer or Alberta Justice which one applies to your specific role.
Do I Need to Be Fingerprinted?
Alberta’s standard Criminal Record Check is typically name-based and does not require fingerprints, unless your name and date of birth partially match another individual’s record on file — in which case fingerprints confirm your identity before results are released.
How to Get an Alberta Criminal Record Check Without Traveling to a Local Police Service
Because this is a name-based search of a national database, you don’t need to visit a specific Alberta location in person. An RCMP-accredited agency can process your application by mail or online:
- Confirm the exact check type your employer or licensing body requires.
- Submit your application with two pieces of valid government-issued ID.
- Identity search against the CPIC database.
- Receive your certificate, typically within 15 minutes to 48 hours for name-based requests.
Pricing
- CPIC (name-based) check: $40 + tax
- CRJMC / enhanced check (covers outstanding charges and judicial matters, similar to what many Alberta licensing bodies expect): $50 + tax
About Surrey Fingerprint Company
We’re an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting and background check agency based in Surrey, BC, processing CPIC and CRJMC-equivalent checks for clients across Canada — not only in British Columbia. Learn more about our CPIC and CRJMC criminal record checks.
Get Started
Contact us to confirm which check your Alberta security licence application requires before you apply.
📞 (604) 825-8882 | ✉️ info@surreyfingerprint.com
Criminal Record Check Without Fingerprints — What It Is and Who Needs One
If you’ve been asked for a criminal record check and are wondering whether you need to be fingerprinted, the short answer is: usually not. Most criminal record checks in Canada — for employment, volunteering, and many licensing purposes — are name-based, meaning they search the national CPIC database using your name, date of birth, and identification, not your fingerprints.
What Is a Name-Based Criminal Record Check?
A name-based check compares your identifying information against records held in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. Depending on the type of check requested, it can show:
- Criminal convictions
- Outstanding charges and warrants (for enhanced checks)
- Court orders, peace bonds, and probation conditions (for enhanced checks)
- Absolute or conditional discharges within their disclosure period
This is different from a fingerprint-based check, which physically confirms your identity using your fingerprints rather than just your name and date of birth.
When Are Fingerprints Actually Required?
Fingerprints become necessary in a few specific situations:
- A partial name/DOB match. If your name and date of birth are similar to another individual’s record in the database, fingerprints are the only reliable way to confirm which record actually belongs to you.
- Applications from outside Canada. If you previously lived in Canada and now live abroad, a fingerprint-based check is generally required because it’s harder to verify identity remotely without them. Read about our service for applicants living outside Canada.
- Specific request types. Some immigration, government security clearance, or first-time BC Security Worker Licence applications specify fingerprint-based checks by default.
For everything else — most employment screening, volunteer positions, and many provincial licensing renewals — a name-based check without fingerprints is what’s actually required, even if the paperwork uses an unfamiliar term.
Why the Terminology Gets Confusing
The same underlying name-based CPIC search goes by different names depending on where you are and who’s asking:
| Term | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|
| CPIC check | General term, most of Canada |
| CRJMC (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check) | Ontario security guard/investigator licensing |
| Police Information Check (PIC) | British Columbia |
| Criminal Record Check (CRC) | Alberta, Manitoba, and general use |
| Police Record Check | Various police services |
If you’ve been told you need one of these by name, it’s worth confirming with the requesting organization exactly which level of check they mean — a basic conviction search, or the enhanced version that also covers outstanding charges and judicial matters.
How to Get a Name-Based Check
Because no fingerprints are involved in most cases, you don’t need to visit a specific location in person:
- Confirm which check type is required (basic or enhanced) with the organization requesting it.
- Apply online or by mail with an RCMP-accredited provider, along with two pieces of government-issued ID.
- Your details are searched against the CPIC database.
- If there’s no match requiring further verification, your certificate is typically ready within 15 minutes to 48 hours.
Pricing
- Basic CPIC (name-based) check: $40 + tax
- Enhanced CRJMC-level check: $50 + tax
Surrey Fingerprint Company is an RCMP-accredited agency processing these checks for clients across Canada, not only in British Columbia. See our full CPIC and CRJMC page for details on both check types.
Get Started
Not sure which check you need? Contact us and we’ll help you confirm before you apply.
📞 (604) 825-8882 | ✉️ info@surreyfingerprint.com
CPIC vs. CRJMC: What’s the Difference?
If an employer, licensing body, or organization has asked you for a criminal record check, you may have seen both “CPIC” and “CRJMC” mentioned — sometimes even used as if they mean the same thing. They don’t. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each one actually covers, so you can confirm you’re applying for the right one.
CPIC Check: The Basics
A CPIC check is a name-based search of the Canadian Police Information Centre database. It shows:
- Criminal convictions
- Summary convictions (generally disclosed for 5 years)
- Youth Criminal Justice Act findings, where applicable
This is the standard check used for general employment screening, volunteer positions, and many immigration purposes where only conviction history needs to be confirmed.
Price: $40 + tax
CRJMC Check: The Enhanced Version
A CRJMC (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check) includes everything a CPIC check shows, plus:
- Outstanding charges and warrants
- Peace bonds and probation orders
- Judicial orders and prohibition orders
- Absolute and conditional discharges (within their disclosure window)
- A local police database search
CRJMC is the specific term Ontario uses for the check required in security guard and private investigator licensing. Other provinces require an equivalent enhanced check under different names — British Columbia’s Police Information Check and Alberta or Manitoba’s Criminal Record Check for licensing purposes generally cover similar ground.
Price: $50 + tax
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CPIC Check | CRJMC Check | |
|---|---|---|
| Convictions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outstanding charges | ✗ | ✓ |
| Warrants | ✗ | ✓ |
| Peace bonds / probation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Judicial orders | ✗ | ✓ |
| Typical use | General employment, immigration | Security guard/investigator licensing, positions of trust |
| Price | $40 + tax | $50 + tax |
Which One Do I Need?
The requesting organization decides this, not you — so the safest approach is to ask them directly whether they need a “CPIC” or a “CRJMC” (or its provincial equivalent). Common patterns:
- General employment or volunteering: usually a basic CPIC check.
- Security guard or private investigator licensing: almost always the enhanced CRJMC-level check.
- Immigration or citizenship applications: check the specific instructions in your application letter, as requirements vary by application type.
Applying for the wrong level of check can mean delays and having to reapply, so confirming first saves time.
Do Either Require Fingerprints?
Generally, no. Both CPIC and CRJMC checks are name-based, using your name, date of birth, and ID to search the database — this is sometimes called a “criminal record check without fingerprints.” Fingerprints are only required if your details partially match another individual’s record, so your identity can be confirmed.
Get Started
Surrey Fingerprint Company is an RCMP-accredited agency processing both CPIC and CRJMC checks for clients across Canada, by mail, online, or in person in Surrey, BC. See full details on our CPIC and CRJMC page.
📞 (604) 825-8882 | ✉️ info@surreyfingerprint.com
Ontario security guard background check online — What You Need to Know
If you’re applying for or renewing a security guard licence or private investigator licence in Ontario, you’ve likely come across the term CRJMC — the Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. Since February 2024, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General has required this enhanced check for security guard and private investigator licensing, and since July 2024 applicants have been able to get it through approved third-party providers rather than only through police services.
This guide explains what a CRJMC actually checks, how it’s different from a standard criminal record check, and how to get one processed even if you don’t live near a location that offers it.
What Is a CRJMC?
A CRJMC is a more thorough version of a standard name-based criminal record check. Where a basic CPIC check shows only convictions, a CRJMC also discloses:
- Outstanding charges and warrants
- Peace bonds and probation orders
- Judicial orders and prohibition orders
- Absolute and conditional discharges (within their disclosure period)
Ontario requires this enhanced level of screening for security guard and investigator applicants because these are positions of trust that may involve access to private property, vulnerable people, or sensitive information.
Do I Need Fingerprints for a CRJMC?
In most cases, no. A CRJMC is a name-based check — sometimes described as a “criminal record check without fingerprints” — that matches your name, date of birth, and identification details against the national CPIC database. Fingerprints are only required if your name and date of birth closely match another individual’s record, so your identity needs to be confirmed before results can be issued.
How to Get a CRJMC If You’re Not Near a Testing Location
You don’t need to be physically present at a police station to get a CRJMC. Because the check is name-based, RCMP-accredited fingerprinting and background check agencies — including agencies outside Ontario — can process your application by mail or online, provided your licensing body accepts a third-party-issued certificate.
The typical process looks like this:
- Confirm the requirement. Check with the Ontario licensing authority (or your employer) that a CRJMC, specifically, is what’s required — not a standard CPIC check.
- Apply online or by mail. Submit your application along with two pieces of government-issued ID, at least one with your photo.
- Identity verification. Your name and date of birth are searched against the CPIC database. If there’s a partial match to another record, fingerprints will be requested to confirm your identity.
- Receive your certificate. Most name-based checks are completed within 15 minutes to 48 hours, and the certificate is delivered digitally.
Looking for an Alternative to Your Current Provider?
If you’ve previously used an online CRJMC provider such for Ontario security licensing and are looking at other RCMP-accredited options, Surrey Fingerprint Company processes both CPIC ($40 + tax) and CRJMC ($50 + tax) checks the same way — by mail or online, for clients across Canada, not only in British Columbia. Before applying, confirm with your Ontario licensing body that a certificate from an out-of-province provider will be accepted for your specific application.
How Long Is a CRJMC Valid?
For Ontario security guard and investigator licence applications, a CRJMC typically needs to be dated within 6 months of your application. Always confirm the exact requirement with the Ministry or your employer, as this can change.
Get Started
Contact Surrey Fingerprint Company to confirm your CRJMC requirements and start your application. Learn more about our CPIC and CRJMC criminal record checks, available across Canada.
📞 (604) 825-8882 | ✉️ info@surreyfingerprint.com
Fingerprint Technician Required in Surrey, BC — Join Surrey Fingerprint Company
📥 Ready to Apply?
Email your resume directly to us — we respond to every application within 48 hours.
Location
112-8232 120 Street
Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
Employment Type
Full-Time or Part-Time
Permanent Position
Compensation
$18–$24 per hour
Based on experience
Hours
Mon–Sat, 9 AM–8 PM
Flexible scheduling
Experience
Not required
Full training provided
How to Apply
Email resume to:
info@surreyfingerprint.com
Surrey Fingerprint Company — one of Surrey's busiest and most trusted RCMP accredited fingerprinting agencies — is looking for a dedicated, detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Fingerprint Technician. This is a rare opportunity to build a specialized, in-demand career in a growing field that sits at the intersection of law enforcement, immigration, and public service. No prior fingerprinting experience is needed — we provide comprehensive training and full RCMP certification support.
About Surrey Fingerprint Company
Surrey Fingerprint Company is an RCMP accredited fingerprinting agency serving thousands of clients every year from across the Lower Mainland and internationally. We provide digital and ink fingerprinting for immigration (IRCC), police clearance certificates, employment background checks, security clearances, vulnerable sector checks, US Entry Waivers, refugee sponsorship, and more. Our office at 112-8232 120 Street, Surrey serves clients from Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, Burnaby, Richmond, and beyond. We are a tight-knit, professional team committed to accuracy, privacy, and exceptional client service.
What Does a Fingerprint Technician Do?
A Fingerprint Technician at Surrey Fingerprint Company is the face of our business. You are the professional who meets clients at what is often a significant moment in their lives — the day they start the process of immigrating to Canada, applying for a job they have worked hard for, or clearing a path to a new chapter. Your role combines technical precision, regulatory knowledge, and genuine human care.
Here is what a typical day looks like:
Open the office and prepare equipment
Power up the LiveScan fingerprint scanner and verify the system is connected to the RCMP CCRTIS network. Review appointments booked for the day and pull up any pre-filled client information.
Greet first clients — verify identity
Welcome clients warmly, review their ID documents (passport, driver's licence, PR card), confirm they have the correct form if required (IRCC letter, SL002, BSF644, PQ80800 form, etc.), and explain the process clearly so they feel at ease.
Capture digital fingerprints
Using our professional LiveScan device, capture all ten rolled fingerprints and flat impressions. The system flags any poor-quality captures immediately — you re-roll the affected finger until a quality capture is confirmed. For ink and roll clients (FBI cards, international submissions), apply ink carefully and roll prints onto the physical card.
Submit to RCMP and provide receipts
Enter the correct ORI number from the client's form into the system, complete the submission to the RCMP CCRTIS, and print the SRE transaction receipt confirming submission. If the client needs a DCN number, record it on their form. Collect payment and issue a receipt.
Answer phone and email inquiries
Answer calls from clients asking which form they need, what ID to bring, how long processing takes, whether we can do FBI fingerprinting, or how to get their results. You become a trusted source of information about a process most people have never done before.You will hadle other general office calls also unrelated to fingerprinting.
Handle walk-ins alongside booked appointments
Surrey Fingerprint Company welcomes walk-ins throughout the day. You manage the flow of booked and walk-in clients, keep wait times reasonable, and maintain a calm, professional atmosphere even on busy days.
Reconcile records and secure the office
Ensure all submissions have been confirmed by the RCMP system, file any physical documents securely, reconcile daily payments, and power down equipment following security protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- Capture digital fingerprints using LiveScan equipment — all ten rolled and flat impressions, verifying quality before submission
- Perform ink and roll fingerprinting on physical cards (C-216C, FBI FD-258, FBI FD-1164) for international submissions
- Verify client identity against government-issued photo ID in accordance with RCMP accreditation requirements
- Identify the correct ORI number and form type for each client — IRCC, PQ80800, SL002 (BC Security), BSF644 (CBSA), and others
- Submit fingerprints electronically to the RCMP CCRTIS and provide clients with transaction receipts and DCN numbers
- Complete government forms accurately — including the fingerprint officer section of application forms
- Handle client inquiries by phone, email, and in person — explaining processes, requirements, and timelines clearly
- Maintain client records securely and in compliance with RCMP privacy and data protection requirements
- Process payments and maintain accurate daily transaction records
- Keep up to date on changes to IRCC, RCMP, and other government agency fingerprinting requirements
- Additional dutiesrelated / unrelated to Fingerprinting tasks can be added later( such as , speaking of IELTS/PTE candidates, etc
Requirements — Who We Are Looking For
✅ Must Have
- Clean criminal record — you will undergo a background check as part of RCMP accreditation requirements
- Strong attention to detail — fingerprinting is precision work where accuracy is non-negotiable
- Excellent communication skills — clients include people from all backgrounds, many for whom English is a second language
- Basic computer proficiency — data entry, email, printing, and navigating Windows-based software
- Professional and calm demeanor — clients are often nervous or in time-sensitive situations
- Ability to work independently and take responsibility for your work
- Legal authorization to work in Canada
⭐ Strong Assets
- Previous customer service experience in any field — retail, hospitality, healthcare, admin
- Experience in an immigration services, notary, legal, or government services environment
- Fluency in Punjabi, Hindi, Tagalog, Mandarin, Korean, Arabic, or other languages common in the Surrey community
- Familiarity with IRCC immigration processes, Canadian government agencies, or police services
- Prior experience as a fingerprint technician, military, law enforcement, or security professional
- Knowledge of BC Security licensing, record suspension, or immigration background check requirements
You do not need prior fingerprinting experience to apply. Surrey Fingerprint Company provides comprehensive on-the-job training covering LiveScan operation, RCMP submission procedures, ORI number identification, form completion, privacy requirements, and client handling. We support you through the RCMP accreditation process. What we cannot train is character — we are looking for someone honest, careful, and genuinely interested in helping people.
What You Will Learn and Become
Fingerprint technicians at RCMP accredited agencies develop a specialized skill set that is in growing demand across Canada. As a qualified fingerprint technician at Surrey Fingerprint Company, you will become proficient in:
- LiveScan digital fingerprinting technology — the same professional equipment used by police services and government agencies across Canada
- RCMP CCRTIS submission system — direct connection to Canada's National Repository of Criminal Records
- Ink and roll fingerprinting technique — the manual method required for FBI submissions, international card scans, and some older processes
- Canadian government fingerprinting forms and ORI numbers — IRCC, PQ80800, SL002, BSF644, and others used by dozens of agencies
- Privacy and data protection — RCMP accreditation standards for handling sensitive personal information
- Immigration and background check processes — you will become a knowledgeable resource for clients navigating complex government processes
Demand for RCMP accredited fingerprinting services is growing steadily. Immigration to Canada continues at record levels, federal security clearance requirements are expanding, and BC's security industry licensing requirements are increasingly enforced. Fingerprint technicians with RCMP system access are valued professionals — your skills will be in demand in Surrey and across Canada for years to come.
Why Work at Surrey Fingerprint Company?
Fully Paid Training
Complete on-the-job training from day one. No courses to pay for, no self-study on your own time.
Flexible Hours
Full-time and part-time positions available. Schedules built around the right candidate — mornings, evenings, or Saturdays.
Central Surrey Location
Easily accessible office near Newton and Guildford with free parking. Close to major transit routes.
Supportive Team
Small, professional team where your contributions are noticed and valued. Not a number — a person.
Meaningful Work
Every client you serve is working toward something important — immigration, a new job, a fresh start. Your accuracy matters to real people.
Career Development
Build expertise in a specialized, growing field. Many technicians advance to senior roles or bring skills to law enforcement and government careers.
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
Surrey Fingerprint Company has built its reputation on accuracy, speed, and genuine client care. Our team processes hundreds of clients every month from across Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, Burnaby, and beyond — covering immigration fingerprinting, security licensing, Canada Post, government contracts, record suspensions, US Entry Waivers, and refugee sponsorship. The technicians on our team are trusted by those clients at important moments in their lives. Joining our team means becoming part of that trusted reputation.
Surrey is one of Canada's most multicultural cities — and our client base reflects that. We serve clients speaking Punjabi, Hindi, Tagalog, Mandarin, Korean, Farsi, Arabic, Spanish, and dozens of other languages. Candidates who speak languages other than English are strongly encouraged to apply — your language skills are a genuine asset that makes a real difference to the clients we serve.
📥 Apply Now — We Want to Hear From You
If you are detail-oriented, enjoy helping people, and want to build a career in a specialized and growing field — we would love to meet you. Send us your resume and a brief note about why you are interested in this role.
Please use the subject line: Application — Fingerprint Technician
- Your current resume (PDF preferred)
- A brief note (3–5 sentences) about yourself and why this role interests you
- Any languages you speak fluently other than English
- Your preferred schedule (full-time / part-time / days / evenings)
We respond to every application within 48 hours. All applications are reviewed by the hiring manager — not an automated system. We look forward to hearing from you.
112 - 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
(604) 825-8882 · info@surreyfingerprint.com
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Fingerprinting for Refugee Sponsorship in Canada — A Complete Guide for Sponsors in Surrey, BC
Surrey and the Greater Vancouver area are home to some of the most active refugee sponsorship communities in Canada. Churches, mosques, temples, cultural organizations, and groups of neighbours regularly come together to privately sponsor refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. If you are part of a sponsorship group — whether a Group of Five, a Community Sponsor, or a Constituent Group under a Sponsorship Agreement Holder — every sponsoring individual must provide a criminal record check as part of the IRCC application. This guide explains exactly what is required, why it matters, and why Surrey Fingerprint Company has become the trusted choice for refugee sponsorship groups across the Lower Mainland.
Surrey's Most Trusted Partner for Refugee Sponsorship Criminal Record Checks
Surrey Fingerprint Company has helped hundreds of refugee sponsorship groups in Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Burnaby get their criminal record checks done accurately and on time. We understand the urgency — a delayed or rejected criminal record check can set back a sponsorship application by months, leaving a refugee family in limbo. Our RCMP accredited fingerprinting provides the most reliable, identity-verified criminal record checks available, completed in one appointment with results returned within days.
Monday–Saturday 9 AM–8 PM · Walk-ins welcome · Groups processed together
(604) 825-8882 · 112-8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC
Why Criminal Record Checks Are Required for Refugee Sponsorship
Canada's Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program is one of the most generous in the world — private citizens can literally bring a refugee family from overseas and commit to supporting them financially and emotionally for a full year. With that extraordinary privilege comes responsibility and accountability. IRCC requires criminal record checks for all private sponsors because:
- Refugees are among the world's most vulnerable people. They have fled war, persecution, and trauma. Canada's government must ensure they are being resettled into the care of trustworthy, law-abiding sponsors who will genuinely support them.
- Sponsors make a legal undertaking. By signing the sponsorship forms, you are making a binding legal commitment to financially support the refugee family for one year. IRCC verifies your integrity before accepting that commitment.
- The funds cannot come from the refugees themselves. The Privately Sponsored Refugee program is a humanitarian program which assists vulnerable people in need. The undertaking states that you, the sponsor, have not accepted funds from the refugee(s) you are sponsoring and will not require them to repay any cost of sponsorship. Criminal checks help verify the integrity of this commitment.
- IRCC processes applications in two stages. ROC-O (Resettlement Operations Centre Ottawa) reviews all required application forms and documents. If any required documents are missing or incomplete, the application may be returned. A missing or expired criminal record check is one of the most common reasons applications are returned.
The Four Types of Private Refugee Sponsors — Who Needs a Check?
👥 Group of Five (G5)
Five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are at least 18 years of age, live in the expected community of settlement and have collectively arranged for the sponsorship of a refugee living abroad. Every individual member of the group must submit their own criminal record check — not just the group leader.
🏢 Community Sponsor (CS)
An organization, association, or corporation sponsoring a refugee. The Signing Authority for the CS and individual co-sponsor (if applicable) must submit a copy of a criminal record check (non-vulnerable sector check). The organization itself does not need a check — the signing individuals do.
⛪ SAH Constituent Groups (CG)
Groups that sponsor refugees under the umbrella of a Sponsorship Agreement Holder. The SAH sets its own requirements for constituent groups, but most require criminal record checks for all volunteers who will have direct contact with the sponsored refugee family.
🤝 Individual Co-Sponsors
Individuals who join a sponsorship as co-sponsors alongside a community organization. Individual co-sponsors must submit a copy of a criminal record check (non-vulnerable sector check). If you are named on the sponsorship forms as a co-sponsor, you need a check regardless of your role.
IRCC specifies a non-vulnerable sector check — meaning a standard criminal record check, not a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). A VSC is a different, more extensive check required for positions working with children or vulnerable populations. For refugee sponsorship, you need the standard criminal record check only. Surrey Fingerprint Company provides both types — just let us know you need the standard check for refugee sponsorship purposes.
The 6-Month Rule — Timing Is Everything
This is the single most important detail that sponsorship groups get wrong. Submit for each sponsor a copy of a criminal record check (non-vulnerable sector check), issued within 6 months of the application submission to ROC-O.
This means your criminal record check must be no older than 6 months at the time IRCC's Resettlement Operations Centre Ottawa (ROC-O) receives your complete application package — not the date you start preparing it, not the date you mail it. If you get your check done too early and then your group takes several months to assemble the rest of the application, your check may be expired by the time it arrives in Ottawa.
With a Group of Five, all five members need valid checks simultaneously — within 6 months of application submission. If one member gets their check done 2 months before the others, and the application takes another 5 months to assemble, that first member's check may be just outside the 6-month window. The safest approach: have all group members get fingerprinted on the same day or within the same week, close to when you plan to submit the application. Surrey Fingerprint Company can process your entire group in a single visit.
Fingerprint-Based vs Name-Based — Which Is Better for Your Sponsorship?
IRCC's guidance for refugee sponsorship states that a standard criminal record check is required — and does not specifically mandate fingerprints. A name-based CPIC check can technically satisfy the requirement. However, there are compelling reasons why a fingerprint-based RCMP criminal record check is the superior choice for your sponsorship application:
| Factor | Name-Based Check | Fingerprint-Based Check (Surrey Fingerprint Co.) |
|---|---|---|
| Identity certainty | Searches by name and DOB — could miss records under different spelling or previous name | ✅ Tied definitively to your unique fingerprints — no identity ambiguity |
| Record completeness | May miss records from other provinces or hybrid offences | ✅ Full national search through RCMP CCRTIS database |
| IRCC confidence | IRCC may request additional verification if names are common | ✅ Fingerprint results accepted without question |
| Processing time | Hours to 1 business day (name only) | 3–5 business days (most clean records) |
| Risk of application return | Higher — IRCC may flag name matches for clarification | ✅ Lower — definitive result requires no clarification |
| Where to get it | Local police or online services | Surrey Fingerprint Company — RCMP accredited |
For a sponsorship application that may take months to prepare and represents a life-changing opportunity for a refugee family, the extra 3–5 days for a fingerprint-based check is worth every minute.
What Happens if a Sponsor Has a Criminal Record?
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone from being a refugee sponsor. IRCC does not publish a specific list of disqualifying offences for the private sponsorship program. The assessment is holistic — looking at the nature of the conviction, its relevance to the responsibilities of sponsorship, and the time elapsed since the offence.
If any of the sponsors have previous criminal convictions, submit copies of applicable court documents which show the disposition of the charges. This means you must include court records showing how the case was resolved — guilty plea, conviction at trial, sentence imposed, and any subsequent conditions or record suspension.
Offences that involve dishonesty, financial fraud, violence, or exploitation of vulnerable people are more likely to raise concerns in the context of refugee sponsorship. Minor or old offences are generally treated with more leniency. If you are unsure whether your record affects your eligibility, consult an immigration lawyer before submitting your application.
If a sponsoring individual has a record suspension (formerly pardon), their conviction is sealed from standard criminal record checks and will not appear on the check submitted with the sponsorship application. If you are considering sponsoring a refugee and have an old conviction, obtaining a record suspension first may strengthen your application. Surrey Fingerprint Company provides fingerprinting for record suspension applications — the first step in the pardon process.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Group's Criminal Record Checks Done
Confirm who needs a check in your group
For a Group of Five — every member. For a Community Sponsor — the Signing Authority and any individual co-sponsors named on the forms. For a SAH Constituent Group — follow your SAH's specific requirements, which may include all volunteers with direct refugee contact. Check your application guide (IMM 2200 for G5, or the CS guide) for the exact list of who must submit.
Plan your timeline around the 6-month rule
Estimate your application submission date to ROC-O. Count back 6 months — that is the earliest your checks can be dated. Ideally, get fingerprinted 4 to 8 weeks before your planned submission date to allow time for RCMP processing (3–5 business days for clean records) and assembly of your full application package.
Come to Surrey Fingerprint Company — bring all group members together
Walk in to 112-8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC any time Monday to Saturday 9 AM–8 PM. Bring two pieces of government-issued ID (at least one with your photo — passport, driver's licence, or PR card). All group members can be processed sequentially in one visit. Each person's fingerprints are submitted to the RCMP the same day.
RCMP processes results — 3 to 5 business days
Electronic fingerprints are submitted to the RCMP CCRTIS the same day. For clean records, the RCMP returns your certified criminal record check within 3 to 5 business days. For records requiring manual review, processing can take longer — plan extra time if any group member has a prior conviction.
Include checks with your ROC-O application package
Make a clear copy of each criminal record check certificate for inclusion in your sponsorship application. Documents which are not specific to the case, such as a criminal record check, must be copied and included in each application. If you are submitting applications for multiple refugee families simultaneously, include a copy in each application package.
Submit your complete application to ROC-O or through the IRCC portal
IRCC has expanded the Permanent Residence Portal to private refugee sponsor groups, giving sponsors a more convenient, secure and efficient way to submit their applications. Online submissions provide immediate confirmation and prevent most incomplete applications from being submitted. Both online portal submission and mail submission to ROC-O are currently accepted.
Surrey's Refugee Sponsorship Community — Who We Help
Surrey and the Greater Vancouver area are home to one of Canada's most vibrant and compassionate refugee sponsorship communities. Surrey Fingerprint Company is proud to serve the full range of organizations and groups that work tirelessly to welcome refugees to BC:
Organizations We Regularly Serve for Refugee Sponsorship Checks
Churches and Faith Communities
Surrey's churches, mosques, temples, and gurdwaras regularly sponsor refugee families as Constituent Groups under Sponsorship Agreement Holders
Family and Friend Networks
Groups of Five formed by friends, neighbours, and extended family members sponsoring a specific refugee family known to the group
Cultural and Ethnic Organizations
Community associations serving Afghan, Syrian, Somali, South Asian, and other diaspora communities actively sponsoring refugees from their home countries
School and Workplace Groups
Colleagues at workplaces and school parent communities forming Groups of Five to sponsor individual refugee cases they have learned about through networks
Humanitarian Organizations
Registered charities and non-profit organizations operating as Community Sponsors or Constituent Groups with full-time settlement support capacity
Sponsorship Agreement Holders
Established SAH organizations and their authorized Constituent Groups who sponsor multiple refugee families per year under their IRCC agreement
Why Surrey Fingerprint Company Is the Right Choice for Your Sponsorship Group
We Know Refugee Sponsorship
We have processed criminal record checks for dozens of refugee sponsorship groups in Surrey and the Lower Mainland. We understand the 6-month rule, what IRCC needs, and how to make the process smooth for everyone in your group.
Groups Welcome — All at Once
Bring your entire Group of Five (or more) in one visit. We process all members sequentially and efficiently. No need for five separate appointments on five separate days.
Same-Day RCMP Submission
Every fingerprint is submitted to the RCMP electronically on the day of your appointment. Most clean records return within 3 business days — keeping your application timeline on track.
Evening and Saturday Hours
Open until 8 PM Monday to Friday and all day Saturday. Group members with day jobs can come after work or on weekends without taking time off.
RCMP Accredited
Our fingerprint-based RCMP criminal record checks are identity-verified and definitive — the gold standard for any immigration-related background check.
Multilingual Community
Our Surrey location serves one of Canada's most diverse communities. We welcome clients from all backgrounds and work with sponsorship groups from all faith and cultural traditions.
2025 Updates — What's Changed for Private Refugee Sponsorship
The private refugee sponsorship landscape has seen several important changes in 2025 that all sponsorship groups should be aware of:
- Sudan refugee pathway open until December 2025: Starting April 30, 2025, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can apply to sponsor Sudanese refugees through IRCC's online portal. A refugee status determination document is not required for this pathway. The cap is 160 applications — first come, first served.
- Online portal now available for all G5 and CS groups: IRCC has expanded the Permanent Residence Portal to private refugee sponsor groups, giving sponsors immediate confirmation of successful submission and preventing most incomplete applications from being submitted. This is a significant improvement over the previous email/mail submission process.
- No new SAH intake for 2026: IRCC has announced there will not be a 2026 application intake for new Sponsorship Agreement Holders. Updates about future intakes will be posted when available. Organizations wishing to sponsor refugees without a SAH agreement should apply as a Community Sponsor or Group of Five.
- All sponsors must sign forms within 90 days: All members must sign within 90 days of submission. Coordinate your group carefully — getting all criminal record checks and form signatures completed within this window is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Support a Refugee Family? Start With Your Criminal Record Check
Surrey Fingerprint Company is the Lower Mainland's most trusted partner for refugee sponsorship criminal record checks. We process individual sponsors and full Groups of Five in one visit, with results returned from the RCMP within days. Bring your group in any time Monday to Saturday — we will make sure your checks are done right and on time, so your sponsorship application moves forward without delays.
Surrey Fingerprint Company — RCMP Accredited · Refugee Sponsorship Specialists
112 - 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3N4 · (604) 825-8882 · info@surreyfingerprint.com
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM · Sunday: By Appointment · Walk-ins Always Welcome
Serving Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, Burnaby, Richmond & all of BC
Singapore
If you now live in Canada and previously lived, worked, or studied in Singapore, many immigration, employment, and licensing processes will ask you for a Singapore Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in addition to your Canadian one. Getting fingerprinted correctly is usually the first step. This guide walks through how that works while you're based in Canada, and how Surrey Fingerprint Company can help with the fingerprinting part.
Why Would Someone in Canada Need a Singapore PCC?
- Canadian immigration & citizenship (IRCC): if you lived in Singapore for 6 months or more before moving to Canada, IRCC may require a police certificate from Singapore as part of permanent residency, sponsorship, or citizenship applications.
- Immigration to a third country: if you are applying to move from Canada to another country (e.g. Australia, the UK, the US, or elsewhere), that country's character/background check requirements often ask for a clearance from every country you've lived in for an extended period, including Singapore.
- Employment & licensing: some regulated professions and international employers request a background check covering your time in Singapore.
- Legal, banking, or property matters: some processes back in Singapore may themselves ask you to complete identity verification via fingerprints while abroad.
The General Process From Canada
Because you're applying from outside Singapore, the typical path is: get fingerprinted locally in Canada in the exact format Singapore Police Force — Criminal Investigation Department, Certificate of Clearance (COC) Office accepts, then send that fingerprint record to them along with the rest of your application package.
Contact Singapore's issuing authority first
Confirm the current application form, required fingerprint format, fee, and mailing/submission method directly with Singapore Police Force — Criminal Investigation Department, Certificate of Clearance (COC) Office — requirements can change, so always check before your appointment.
Get fingerprinted at Surrey Fingerprint Company
Bring valid photo ID and any required form. The fingerprint format usually requested for a Singapore PCC is: Ink-and-Roll Fingerprinting (Paper Card). We offer both ink-and-roll and digital fingerprinting on-site.
We complete your card correctly
We take your fingerprints on the correct form, complete any required identity/witness sections, and provide the card or document ready to send.
Send your package to Singapore
Mail or submit your fingerprint card along with your application form, ID copies, photos, and fee (as required) to Singapore Police Force — Criminal Investigation Department, Certificate of Clearance (COC) Office. Use a tracked courier for original documents.
IMPORTANT: fingerprints are only required for ONE of two applicant categories. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, or current Foreign Identification Number (FIN) holders apply entirely online via Singpass — no fingerprints needed, this group is not a fit for our service. The group that DOES need fingerprints is non-citizens/non-PRs who previously held a FIN (i.e. most people who used to live, work, or study in Singapore and have since left) but no longer qualify for a Singpass account: they log in with their old FIN, submit the online application and pay, then are notified by the COC office to submit fingerprint impressions taken at "an authorised institution in your country of residence (such as police stations)" using SPF's official Fingerprint Form (a foreign institution's own form works too if it captures the same information) — confirm whether an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency such as Surrey Fingerprint Company qualifies as an authorised institution. The scanned fingerprint impressions are emailed to the COC office; the original hardcopy may also need to be mailed if the scan can't be processed.
Mailing address:
Certificate of Clearance Office, Criminal Investigation Department, Singapore Police Force (apply online at police.gov.sg)
Receive your Singapore PCC
Processing time is 7-14 business days once a complete application is received — longer if documents are incomplete. Some authorities mail the certificate directly to your Canadian address; others may require pickup via a consulate or representative.
Source: Official guidance for Singapore. Requirements can change; always confirm current details on the official page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get fingerprinted in Surrey for a Singapore PCC?
Yes. Surrey Fingerprint Company offers both ink-and-roll and digital fingerprinting, and can prepare your fingerprint card or document in the format most commonly requested for Singapore applications. Contact us to confirm the exact form before your visit.
How long does it take to get a PCC from Singapore while living in Canada?
Timelines vary widely by country and by how the application is submitted. As a general estimate: 7-14 business days once a complete application is received — longer if documents are incomplete. Confirm current processing times with the issuing authority.
Do I need an original fingerprint card, or is a scan acceptable?
This depends on Singapore's current requirements — some authorities require original ink cards mailed physically, others accept digital submissions. We'll help you confirm which applies before you leave our office.
Can Surrey Fingerprint Company submit my application to Singapore for me?
We handle the fingerprinting step. Submission of the full application package is generally your responsibility (or your immigration consultant/lawyer's), unless otherwise noted for a specific country.
Get Fingerprinted for Your Singapore PCC — Surrey, BC
Email us before your visit so we can confirm the correct form and format for Singapore.
+1 (604) 825-8882 · info@surreyfingerprint.com
Haiti
If you now live in Canada and previously lived, worked, or studied in Haiti, many immigration, employment, and licensing processes will ask you for a Haiti Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in addition to your Canadian one. Getting fingerprinted correctly is usually the first step. This guide walks through how that works while you're based in Canada, and how Surrey Fingerprint Company can help with the fingerprinting part.
Why Would Someone in Canada Need a Haiti PCC?
- Canadian immigration & citizenship (IRCC): if you lived in Haiti for 6 months or more before moving to Canada, IRCC may require a police certificate from Haiti as part of permanent residency, sponsorship, or citizenship applications.
- Immigration to a third country: if you are applying to move from Canada to another country (e.g. Australia, the UK, the US, or elsewhere), that country's character/background check requirements often ask for a clearance from every country you've lived in for an extended period, including Haiti.
- Employment & licensing: some regulated professions and international employers request a background check covering your time in Haiti.
- Legal, banking, or property matters: some processes back in Haiti may themselves ask you to complete identity verification via fingerprints while abroad.
The General Process From Canada
Because you're applying from outside Haiti, the typical path is: get fingerprinted locally in Canada in the exact format Direction Centrale de la Police Judiciaire (DCPJ), Port-au-Prince accepts, then send that fingerprint record to them along with the rest of your application package.
Contact Haiti's issuing authority first
Confirm the current application form, required fingerprint format, fee, and mailing/submission method directly with Direction Centrale de la Police Judiciaire (DCPJ), Port-au-Prince — requirements can change, so always check before your appointment.
Get fingerprinted at Surrey Fingerprint Company
Bring valid photo ID and any required form. The fingerprint format usually requested for a Haiti PCC is: To be confirmed with the issuing authority. We offer both ink-and-roll and digital fingerprinting on-site.
We complete your card correctly
We take your fingerprints on the correct form, complete any required identity/witness sections, and provide the card or document ready to send.
Send your package to Haiti
Mail or submit your fingerprint card along with your application form, ID copies, photos, and fee (as required) to Direction Centrale de la Police Judiciaire (DCPJ), Port-au-Prince. Use a tracked courier for original documents.
CONFLICTING SOURCES — confirm directly before publishing or offering this service. One source (canadavisa.com) describes fingerprints being taken "at a police station in the applicant's place of residence or at the nearest Haitian consulate" — which would fit a Canadian fingerprinting service. However, a detailed Spanish-language guide to the Haitian process describes fingerprints and a photo being taken in person at the DCPJ office in Haiti itself, as part of the representative's in-country visit — which would NOT be something Surrey Fingerprint Company could provide. This certificate is only requested after IRCC sends a specific letter requiring it. Since applying in person requires travel to Haiti, non-resident applicants typically need a contact person in Haiti (friend or family member) to submit the request on their behalf at the DCPJ, along with the IRCC letter, recent photos, a copy of the applicant's passport photo page, and a Haitian birth certificate if born in Haiti. Confirm with the DCPJ or the nearest Haitian consulate whether fingerprints can be taken in Canada before offering this service.
Mailing address:
Direction Centrale de la Police Judiciaire (DCPJ), Boulevard Toussaint Louverture, Route de l'aéroport prolongée, Clercine 6, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Receive your Haiti PCC
Processing time is Confirm current timelines with the DCPJ or the nearest Haitian consulate. Some authorities mail the certificate directly to your Canadian address; others may require pickup via a consulate or representative.
Source: Official guidance for Haiti. Requirements can change; always confirm current details on the official page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get fingerprinted in Surrey for a Haiti PCC?
Yes. Surrey Fingerprint Company offers both ink-and-roll and digital fingerprinting, and can prepare your fingerprint card or document in the format most commonly requested for Haiti applications. Contact us to confirm the exact form before your visit.
How long does it take to get a PCC from Haiti while living in Canada?
Timelines vary widely by country and by how the application is submitted. As a general estimate: Confirm current timelines with the DCPJ or the nearest Haitian consulate. Confirm current processing times with the issuing authority.
Do I need an original fingerprint card, or is a scan acceptable?
This depends on Haiti's current requirements — some authorities require original ink cards mailed physically, others accept digital submissions. We'll help you confirm which applies before you leave our office.
Can Surrey Fingerprint Company submit my application to Haiti for me?
We handle the fingerprinting step. Submission of the full application package is generally your responsibility (or your immigration consultant/lawyer's), unless otherwise noted for a specific country.
Get Fingerprinted for Your Haiti PCC — Surrey, BC
Email us before your visit so we can confirm the correct form and format for Haiti.
+1 (604) 825-8882 · info@surreyfingerprint.com
Botswana
If you now live in Canada and previously lived, worked, or studied in Botswana,
many immigration, employment, and licensing processes will ask you for a Botswana Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
in addition to your Canadian one. Getting fingerprinted correctly is usually the first step. This guide walks through how that works
while you’re based in Canada, and how Surrey Fingerprint Company can help with the fingerprinting part.
Visit Surrey Fingerprint Company for professional, correctly-formatted fingerprints for your Botswana police clearance
application. Email info@surreyfingerprint.com
beforehand so we can confirm the exact form and format Botswana Police Service — Criminal Records Bureau, Gaborone currently requires.
Why Would Someone in Canada Need a Botswana PCC?
- Canadian immigration & citizenship (IRCC): if you lived in Botswana for 6 months or more before moving to Canada, IRCC may require a police certificate from Botswana as part of permanent residency, sponsorship, or citizenship applications.
- Immigration to a third country: if you are applying to move from Canada to another country (e.g. Australia, the UK, the US, or elsewhere), that country’s character/background check requirements often ask for a clearance from every country you’ve lived in for an extended period, including Botswana.
- Employment & licensing: some regulated professions and international employers request a background check covering your time in Botswana.
- Legal, banking, or property matters: some processes back in Botswana may themselves ask you to complete identity verification via fingerprints while abroad.
The General Process From Canada
Because you’re applying from outside Botswana, the typical path is: get fingerprinted locally in Canada in the exact
format Botswana Police Service — Criminal Records Bureau, Gaborone accepts, then send that fingerprint record to them along with the rest of your
application package.
Contact Botswana’s issuing authority first
Confirm the current application form, required fingerprint format, fee, and mailing/submission method directly with
Botswana Police Service — Criminal Records Bureau, Gaborone — requirements can change, so always check before your appointment.
Get fingerprinted at Surrey Fingerprint Company
Bring valid photo ID and any required form. The fingerprint format usually requested for a Botswana PCC is:
Ink-and-Roll Fingerprinting (Paper Card). We offer both ink-and-roll and digital fingerprinting on-site.
We complete your card correctly
We take your fingerprints on the correct form, complete any required identity/witness sections, and provide the card or
document ready to send.
Send your package to Botswana
Mail or submit your fingerprint card along with your application form, ID copies, photos, and fee (as required) to
Botswana Police Service — Criminal Records Bureau, Gaborone. Use a tracked courier for original documents.
Non-resident applicants provide their full name, date of birth, dates and places of residence in Botswana, and names of employers, along with a set of fingerprints obtained on a recognized fingerprint form from a police station nearest to them (even outside Botswana) — some Botswana sources describe this as acceptable from "an accredited agency" internationally. A notarized passport copy and two passport photos are also required. A proxy may submit the application in Botswana on your behalf.
Mailing address:
Botswana Police Force, Criminal Investigation Department, P.O. Box 1082, Gaborone, Botswana
Receive your Botswana PCC
Processing time is Approximately 10-15 business days once received — confirm current fees and timelines. Some authorities mail the certificate directly to your Canadian
address; others may require pickup via a consulate or representative.
Source: Official guidance for Botswana. Requirements can change; always confirm current details on the official page before applying.
the current requirement before your appointment so you don’t need to redo it.
clearance applications can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with
Botswana Police Service — Criminal Records Bureau, Gaborone before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get fingerprinted in Surrey for a Botswana PCC?
Yes. Surrey Fingerprint Company offers both ink-and-roll and digital fingerprinting, and can prepare your fingerprint card or document in the format most commonly requested for Botswana applications. Contact us to confirm the exact form before your visit.
How long does it take to get a PCC from Botswana while living in Canada?
Timelines vary widely by country and by how the application is submitted. As a general estimate: Approximately 10-15 business days once received — confirm current fees and timelines. Confirm current processing times with the issuing authority.
Do I need an original fingerprint card, or is a scan acceptable?
This depends on Botswana's current requirements — some authorities require original ink cards mailed physically, others accept digital submissions. We'll help you confirm which applies before you leave our office.
Can Surrey Fingerprint Company submit my application to Botswana for me?
We handle the fingerprinting step. Submission of the full application package is generally your responsibility (or your immigration consultant/lawyer's), unless otherwise noted for a specific country.
Get Fingerprinted for Your Botswana PCC — Surrey, BC
Email us before your visit so we can confirm the correct form and format for Botswana.
+1 (604) 825-8882 · info@surreyfingerprint.com