Navigating the world of fingerprinting can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for Canadian citizenship, starting a new job, or need a criminal record check, you’ve likely been told you need to get your fingerprints taken. But what does that involve? And how do you choose the right agency in a busy area like Surrey, British Columbia?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. As Surrey’s leading fingerprinting experts, we’ve created this complete guide to walk you through the entire process, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why Might You Need Fingerprinting Services?

Fingerprints are the gold standard for identity verification. Here in Surrey, our clients come to us for a variety of official reasons, including:

• Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): For applications such as Permanent Residency, Canadian Citizenship, and work or study permits.
• Employment: Many jobs, especially those in the vulnerable sector (working with children or the elderly), federal government positions, and licensed professions, require a background check.
• Criminal Record Checks: Also known as a police certificate or background check, needed for travel, US entry waivers, or personal review.
• Record Suspensions (Pardons): A necessary step in the process of having a criminal record set aside.
• Foreign Travel & Visas: Some countries require a police check from Canada before issuing long-term visas.

Digital vs. Ink Fingerprinting: What’s the Difference?

You may hear the terms “digital” and “ink” fingerprinting. It’s crucial to know which one you need.

Digital Fingerprinting

This is the modern standard for most applications within Canada. A high-resolution scanner captures your fingerprints electronically. At an accredited agency like ours, these images are sent directly to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). The main advantages are:

• Speed: Electronic submission is much faster, with results often processed in as little as 72 hours (if you have no criminal record).
• Accuracy: Digital scanners reduce the chance of smudging and capture high-quality prints, minimizing the risk of rejection.

Ink & Roll Fingerprinting

This is the traditional method where your fingers are rolled in ink and pressed onto a standard fingerprint card (like the FBI FD-258 or RCMP C-216C). You typically need this service when applying for a police check from a foreign country (e.g., an FBI Identity History Summary for the USA).

What to Look For in a Surrey Fingerprinting Agency

Choosing the right agency is vital for a smooth and successful process. Here’s your checklist:

1. RCMP Accreditation: This is non-negotiable. Only an RCMP accredited agency can submit electronic fingerprints to the CCRTIS for official Canadian background checks.
2. Professionalism and Experience: Look for a company with experienced technicians who can ensure your prints are captured correctly the first time. A professional environment is also key to ensuring your personal information is handled with confidentiality.
3. Technology: Does the agency use modern, high-quality digital scanners? Up-to-date technology leads to better results and faster turnaround times.
4. Clear Communication: The staff should be able to clearly explain the process, what documents you need to bring, and the associated costs.

Your Trusted Partner in Surrey: Surrey Fingerprint Company

At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we pride ourselves on exceeding these standards. We established our agency to provide the Surrey community with a reliable, professional, and efficient service that puts clients first.

Our technicians are not only certified but are experts in the nuances of fingerprinting for all applications. We use state-of-the-art digital equipment and are, of course, fully accredited by the RCMP. We understand that this process can be stressful, and our goal is to make your visit as comfortable and straightforward as possible.