Processing time for Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector checks

Wait times for Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector (VS) checks vary depending on many different factors such as:

• The format of application received: paper or electronic
• The number of applications received at different times of the year
• The amount of manual processing related to your application

The chart below provides approximate wait times for fingerprint submissions received by the RCMP when there is NO match to an RCMP fingerprint record.

If there IS a match to a fingerprint record in the RCMP database, or if your fingerprints need to be processed manually for any reason, the processing time could be up to 120 days or longer.

Note:

The results are mailed to the address provided and extra time should be allowed for delivery by Canada Post.

Application for	Paper fingerprint application (NO match)	Electronic fingerprint application (NO match)	Paper or electronic application (WITH match)
Criminal Record check (Application submitted by a police service or accredited fingerprinting company)	22 weeks	3 business days or less	120 days or more
VS check (Application submitted by a police service)	4 weeks	3 business days or less	120 days or more
VS check (Application submitted by an RCMP certified, accredited fingerprinting company or a police service with electronic capability)	N/A	3 business days or less	120 days or more