Planning Summer Travel? A Surrey Guide to Fingerprinting for NEXUS & FAST Cards
With summer just around the corner, many Surrey residents are thinking about one thing: making that cross-border trip to the U.S. as smooth as possible. The key to skipping long border lineups is a Trusted Traveler card like **NEXUS** or, for commercial drivers, a **FAST card**.
You’ve filled out the application, but then you get a notice: you’ve been asked to provide a criminal record check based on your fingerprints. What does this mean, and what do you do next? Don’t let this unexpected step delay your travel plans. As Surrey’s experts in all forms of background checks, we’re here to guide you through this process quickly and efficiently.
Why Would I Need Fingerprints for NEXUS or FAST?
While not every applicant needs to provide fingerprints, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will request them if there is any ambiguity in your background verification. This can happen for several common reasons:
- A Common Name: Your name and date of birth may be similar to someone with a criminal record. Fingerprints are the only way to prove you are not that person.
- An Incomplete Record: An old charge may not have been updated in the system to show its final disposition.
- Past Criminal History: Any criminal record, even for a minor offence from many years ago, will be flagged. You will need to provide an up-to-date record.
If you’ve been asked for a “police certificate” or a “criminal record check” to continue your application, you need an **RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check**, which is based on your fingerprints.
Expert Tip: Don’t delay! The processing time for your NEXUS or FAST application is paused until they receive your criminal record check. The faster you get your fingerprints submitted, the faster your application can proceed.
Your Fast-Track Fingerprinting Process in Surrey
At Surrey Fingerprint Company, we specialize in providing the exact document you need for your Trusted Traveler application. The process is simple:
- Book a Quick Appointment: Call us at **604-825-8882**. We understand you’re on a deadline and will get you in as soon as possible.
- Bring Your ID: All you need are two pieces of valid government-issued ID (one must have a photo, like a Driver’s License or Passport).
- Digital Fingerprint Capture: We use advanced, RCMP-accredited digital scanners. The process is inkless, clean, and takes just 10-15 minutes.
- Instant Submission to RCMP: We submit your fingerprints electronically and securely to the RCMP’s federal database in Ottawa on the spot. This is the fastest method available to get your record processed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for NEXUS & FAST Applicants
Do I always need fingerprints for a NEXUS card?
Not always. However, if the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cannot clearly verify your background, they will request you to provide a certified criminal record check from the RCMP. This check requires you to submit your fingerprints through an accredited agency like ours.
Where in Surrey can I get fingerprints for my FAST card application?
Surrey Fingerprint Company is your local expert for FAST card fingerprinting. We provide the necessary RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check using fast, digital fingerprint submission to Ottawa. Our office is conveniently located at 112 – 8232 120 Street, Surrey.
What if I have a criminal record? Can I still get a NEXUS card?
Any criminal record can make you ineligible for NEXUS. However, if you have received a Record Suspension (Pardon) in Canada, your chances of approval are much higher. Getting a Record Suspension also requires fingerprinting as the first step, a service we also specialize in.
Get Your Summer Travel Plans Back on Track
A request for fingerprints doesn’t have to be a major roadblock. As Surrey’s specialists in RCMP-accredited fingerprinting, we can help you fulfill this requirement quickly and correctly, so you can get back to planning your summer adventures.
Visit our office at 112 – 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC and let’s speed up your application.