What is the difference between Cardscan and Livescan?
CARDSCAN – An individual’s fingerprints are taken with ink and rolled onto paper C-216C fingerprint form (inked and rolled). The prints are then converted to an encrypted digital format using a flatbed scanner and submitted directly to the RCMP for search.
LIVESCAN – An individual’s fingerprints are scanned directly into an encrypted digital format and submitted directly to the RCMP for search. Livescan is only provided at our Surrey location but Cardscan is available throughout the Lower Mainland and Metro Victoria BC.
Why should I have my fingerprints submitted electronically?
Inked and rolled fingerprint-based Criminal Record Checks may take up to 120 days to process. Wait times may vary depending on workload (CCRTIS currently processes over 20,000 applications for criminal record checks and Vulnerable Sector Verifications each month) but accredited fingerprinting companies that utilize electronic fingerprinting devices are able to provide certified results for criminal record checks in approximately 3 business days when there is no match to a fingerprint holding.
How do I check on the status of my fingerprint search?
Contact the RCMP by email at civilnps@rcmp-grc.gc.ca and provide the following information:
- Your full name and date of birth.
- The date and reason you sent the application.
- Whether the processing fee was included (if applicable)
Will the RCMP keep my fingerprints on file if I submit them for search?
The Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) destroys fingerprint submissions relative to civil screening (including Vulnerable Sector Verifications) when the search process is completed. The fingerprints are not added to the RCMP National Repository or Criminal Records and are not searched for future purposes.
Here are some links that you will find helpful.
Affiliated Fingerprint Agencies Outside B.C.Recommended Pardon/Waiver Services
Government Sites
www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/securityindustry/
www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/criminal_ineligibility_visa.asp
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/fing-empr2-eng.htm
