Choosing between digital and ink fingerprinting isn't usually a matter of preference—it depends entirely on who is asking for your fingerprints. Here is the definitive guide for applicants in Surrey and Vancouver.

Still Unsure?

If you have a request letter, bring it to Surrey Fingerprint Company. Our experts will read the requirements and ensure you get the exact service you need.

To process your fingerprints for the RCMP or international agencies, we are legally required to verify your identity. Arriving without the correct documents is the #1 reason for appointment delays. Here is exactly what you need to bring to our Surrey office.

1. Two Pieces of Identification

You must bring two pieces of ID. At least one must be a "Primary" ID with your photo.

2. The "Request Letter"

Unless you are applying for a personal record check under the Privacy Act, you generally need a reason for fingerprinting. If you were given a form, letter, or file number by an employer, immigration, or a licensing body, you must bring it.

This letter contains critical "ORI Codes" that tell the RCMP exactly where to send your results. Without it, your results might go to the wrong place!

If you are applying for Permanent Residency (PR), Canadian Citizenship, or sometimes a Work Permit, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request a Criminal Record Check. This is distinct from the biometrics you may have given at a Visa Application Centre.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. 1

   Wait for the Request Letter

   Do not get fingerprinted until IRCC asks for it. They will send you a letter specifically requesting an RCMP Criminal Record Check. This letter contains your file number.

2. 2

   Visit Surrey Fingerprint Company

   Bring the IRCC letter and two pieces of ID (one photo) to our office. You do not need an appointment, though it is recommended.

3. 3

   Digital Submission

   We scan your fingerprints and enter the specific application type code for Immigration. This ensures the results go to the right department.

4. 4

   Results Sent to IRCC

   The RCMP will process your check and, in most cases, mail the certificate directly to the address provided (or sometimes directly to the visa office, depending on current protocols).

The Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is the most thorough background check available in Canada. It is designed to protect vulnerable members of society—children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—from dangerous offenders.

Who Needs a VSC?

You will likely require a VSC if you are applying for a job or volunteer position where you will be in a position of trust or authority over vulnerable people. Common examples include:

• Teachers and School Staff
• Nurses and Care Aides
• Coaches (Sports teams for minors)
• Social Workers
• Uber / Ride-Sharing Drivers (often required)

Why Do I Need Fingerprints for a VSC?

Not everyone needs fingerprints for a VSC. You typically start a VSC at your local police station.

However, if your name and date of birth match someone in the sex offender database (even if it is not you), the police cannot clear you based on name alone. They will require you to submit fingerprints to confirm your identity. This allows the RCMP to confirm that you are not the person in the database.

How We Help

If the police or your organization request fingerprints for a Vulnerable Sector Check, come to Surrey Fingerprint Company. You MUST bring the VSC request letter provided by the organization or the police. Without this specific letter, we cannot process a Vulnerable Sector submission.

Whether you are applying for a new Security Worker License in British Columbia or renewing an existing one, you will likely need to undergo a criminal record check. The Security Programs Division (SPD) requires this to ensure public safety.

When Do You Need Fingerprints?

Not every applicant needs fingerprints, but many do. You are required to submit fingerprints if:

• You are a new applicant for a security license.
• You are transferring your license from another province.
• Your name and date of birth match a record in the criminal database (even if it isn't you).
• The Registrar specifically requests it to verify your identity.

The Process at Surrey Fingerprint Company

Important for Students

Completing your Basic Security Training (BST)? We offer competitive rates for students. Get your fingerprints done as soon as you pass your exam to avoid licensing delays.

In a rush? Many fingerprinting agencies and police stations require you to book weeks in advance. At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we operate differently.

Walk-Ins are Fully Welcome

We understand that request letters often arrive with tight deadlines. You shouldn't have to wait. Our facility on 120th Street is staffed and equipped to handle walk-in clients efficiently.

Booking vs. Walking In

While appointments are available for those who prefer a set schedule, walking in gives you the flexibility to come whenever you are free. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Weekends & Evenings

Please check our Google listing or call us for our most up-to-date Saturday hours. We strive to be available when you need us.

Receiving a rejection letter from the RCMP or FBI is frustrating. It means delays in your application and often requires you to redo the process. Here is why rejections happen and how to prevent them.

Common Causes of Poor Quality Prints

• Dry or Worn Skin: Frequent hand washing, manual labor, or age can smooth out ridges.
• Skin Conditions: Eczema or peeling skin can obscure ridge detail.
• Sweat/Moisture: Excess moisture can cause prints to appear "muddy" or dark.

How We Avoid Rejections

At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we use advanced LiveScan Digital Technology. Unlike traditional ink, which is messy and permanent once on paper, digital scanners allow us to:

1. See Instant Quality Scores

The computer tells us immediately if a print is too light or dark, allowing us to rescan it instantly until it passes.

2. Use Enhancement Techniques

We carry specialized ridge-enhancing lotions that bring out detail in dry or worn fingers.

What If I Have "Hard to Capture" Hands?

If you know you have difficult prints, let our technician know! We have years of experience dealing with elderly applicants, construction workers, and healthcare professionals who often have faint fingerprints. We will take the extra time needed to get the best possible capture.

If you need a criminal record check for employment, immigration, or a visa, the first question is usually: "How long will this take?" At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we break this down into two parts: the appointment time and the processing time.

1. The Appointment (In Our Office)

The good news is that the fingerprinting process itself is incredibly fast. Whether you are doing digital or ink fingerprinting, appointments at our Surrey location typically take only 10 to 15 minutes.

2. RCMP Processing Time (Getting Results)

Once we submit your prints, the timeline depends on the method used and the RCMP's current volume.

What Causes Delays?

Sometimes, a file requires "manual processing." This happens if your gender and date of birth match a record in the police database (even if it's not you). In these cases, processing can take 120 days or more.