Do You Need a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from United Kingdom?

If you are living in United Kingdom and have previously lived, worked, or studied in Canada, you may need a Canadian RCMP Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) or a Canadian Criminal Record Check. This guide explains exactly who needs one, why, and the complete step-by-step process for getting it done from United Kingdom — without travelling to Canada.

Why Would Someone in United Kingdom Need a Canadian RCMP PCC?

A Canadian RCMP Police Clearance Certificate is an official document showing your Canadian criminal record — or confirming that no record exists. It is required in several situations:

• Canadian Immigration (IRCC): If you are applying for Canadian Permanent Residency, citizenship, or certain work or study visas and have previously lived in Canada, IRCC requires an RCMP PCC as part of your application.
• Immigration to a third country: If you are immigrating to Australia, New Zealand, the UK, or other countries and have a history of living in Canada, those countries require a Canadian police clearance as part of their character check requirements.
• Employment background checks: Many regulated industries — healthcare, education, finance, government, and security — require a Canadian background check if you have worked or lived in Canada.
• Visa applications: Some countries require a police clearance from every country you have lived in for 6 months or more in the past 10 years.

Specific to United Kingdom: The UK is a major source of former Canadian residents. Britons and UK-based Commonwealth citizens need an RCMP PCC for UK DBS enhanced checks involving overseas history, IRCC Canadian immigration applications, Australian immigration, and employment in regulated sectors.

How the RCMP Card Scan Process Works from United Kingdom

Because electronic fingerprint submission to the RCMP is only available from within Canada, people outside Canada must use the card scan method — you have your ink fingerprints taken in United Kingdom, mail the original card to an RCMP accredited agency in Canada, and they submit it electronically to the RCMP on your behalf.

Getting Your Fingerprints Taken in United Kingdom

Visit your local police station (call ahead — not all stations take walk-ins for fingerprinting) and request ink fingerprinting for a Canadian RCMP background check. Private fingerprinting companies in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow offer this service and are often faster. Bring your British passport or BRP. Request fingerprinting on the RCMP C-216C form. The official must stamp and sign the completed card.

What to Send Us — Complete Checklist

Critical Rules — Avoid Rejection

• Black ink only — no blue, red, or other colours
• All ten fingers rolled individually from nail edge to nail edge — partial impressions are rejected
• Flat impressions required — four fingers flat together for each hand, and both thumbs in the designated boxes
• All personal information fields must be completed — cards with blank required fields are returned unprocessed
• Official stamp and signature required — the fingerprinting officer must stamp with their agency’s official seal and sign the card
• Do not sign the card before your appointment — your signature must be witnessed by the official
• Do not photocopy the card after fingerprinting — only original cards with original ink are accepted