You will find below answers to the most common questions about fingerprinting, pardon or U.S. waiver applications, police certificates, and many of our other services.
If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact us — our team will be happy to assist you.
Paper Fingerprints
Which documents require paper fingerprinting?
Some foreign documents require ink fingerprinting, particularly to obtain a police certificate or a foreign passport, or for employment procedures with the RCMP.
How many sets of fingerprints are required for a paper document?
In general, one set of fingerprints is required. However, there are certain situations where two sets are needed. The organization requesting them determines how many sets must be provided (e.g., police certificate for Mexico, employment with the RCMP, etc.).
Digital Fingerprinting
Why should I have my fingerprints digitized?
Fingerprint digitization is often required for procedures such as permanent residency, record suspension, obtaining a work visa or a residence permit abroad, or adoption. The RCMP requires this standard for the following reasons:
- Secure electronic transmission: The RCMP uses the Real Time Identification (RTID) system, which only processes digital files that meet NIST standards.
- Speed and accuracy: Digitization allows for automated analysis and fast comparison with the national database. It reduces errors and processing delays since automated analysis requires a minimum acceptable quality to be transmitted electronically.
- Compliance with legal requirements: We must use RCMP-certified equipment to ensure the quality and security of the data.
Is it mandatory for me to have my fingerprints taken for a record suspension application (formerly a pardon)?
Yes. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) requires the digitization of fingerprints in order to obtain your criminal record extract from the RCMP. This is the first step in the process of applying for a record suspension.
Do I need to digitize my fingerprints for an immigration application to Canada?
Yes. Immigration applications require digital fingerprinting performed by an accredited company such as EDQ. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) recommends waiting until it is formally requested.
Pardon Applications
What is the difference between a pardon and a record suspension?
Before 2012, the official term Pardon was used to indicate that a person had completed their sentence and demonstrated good conduct. A pardon did not erase the conviction. Since 2012, the term has been replaced with Record Suspension because the word “pardon” could suggest that the offence was erased or forgiven.
A record suspension does not eliminate the record; it makes it inaccessible in the CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) database. It is separated from active criminal records. It can be revoked if you commit a new offence. In that case, not only will the new conviction appear, but all previous convictions that had been suspended or pardoned will be reinstated in the CPIC database.
What steps should I take before applying for a pardon?
- Review the useful tips to keep in mind.
- Complete the government’s self-assessment tool.
- Watch this video explaining the process.
Do I have to go through an agency like EDQ to apply for a pardon?
No. You may apply on your own. However, nearly 30% of applications are refused due to errors. EDQ helps you avoid mistakes, speed up processing times, and simplify the entire process. Our support reduces errors, delays, and unnecessary travel.
I don’t know the date of my first offence. Can I still apply?
Yes. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) can retrieve this information and complete your file for a pardon or record suspension application. With our all-inclusive package, we will handle these steps for you. Contact us for a free assessment. Some restrictions apply.
How can I know if I am eligible for a record suspension?
Based on the information you provide us, we can determine this for you. We also offer a basic service through which we begin the necessary steps to help you identify your eligibility date. Contact us for a free assessment. Some restrictions apply.
Waiver Applications
What is a waiver application?
It is an official request to lift a travel inadmissibility to the United States for a person who has a criminal record in Canada. There may be other reasons for inadmissibility as well. U.S. Customs & Border Protection determines whether you are inadmissible.
How long does the waiver application process take?
Processing can take up to 8 to 12 months. It is therefore important not to delay your application. Contact us for a free assessment. Some restrictions apply.
Do I need a waiver even for a layover in the United States?
Yes. Anyone with a criminal record can be denied entry at customs, even when simply in transit.
Is a Canadian pardon recognized by U.S. authorities?
No. The United States does not recognize Canadian pardons. A waiver is therefore required.
Is it mandatory to go through EDQ to obtain a waiver?
No, but our assistance helps reduce errors, delays, and unnecessary travel. Contact us for a free assessment. Some restrictions apply.
Police Certificates
Why request a criminal record check certificate?
This certificate may be required for employment, an internship, travel, or volunteer work. It confirms that no criminal convictions are recorded under your name.
Is an online police certificate sufficient for a Canadian permanent residency application?
No. You must also provide your digitized fingerprints. All information regarding digital fingerprinting can be found here: Digital Fingerprinting.
How long does it take to receive my online police certificate?
A digital certificate is sent within 24 business hours following the request. The original paper version is then mailed to you.
What is the difference between an online police certificate and one that requires digital fingerprinting?
The term online police certificate refers to a name-based criminal background check. This verification is carried out by a Canadian police service using your first name, last name, and date of birth through the CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) database.
For checks requiring fingerprints, the request is transmitted to the RCMP. Using the fingerprints we submit electronically, the RCMP uses the Real Time Identification (RTID) system to complete the verification.
Here are some key differences between the two:
- For immigration applications to a foreign country, the destination country usually requires a police certificate issued by the national or federal police. In Canada, this verification is produced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and requires fingerprinting.
- The online police certificate (name-based check) cannot be issued to a minor.
- The online police certificate (name-based check) will not provide the contents of a criminal record. The result will appear as Incomplete, and fingerprinting will be required.
- The online police certificate (name-based check) will also appear as Incomplete if another individual with the same first name, last name, and date of birth has a criminal record, in which case fingerprinting will be necessary
About Empreinte Digitale Québec
Is EDQ accredited by the Canadian government?
Yes. EDQ is accredited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for fingerprinting. Accreditation is managed by the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). CCRTIS conducts a security screening on the corporate security officer (CSO) and their alternate (ACSO). They also perform an inspection of the premises and verify physical installations and IT systems to ensure data protection. A letter confirming accreditation from CCRTIS is displayed in our offices.
Are my personal information and data protected at EDQ?
Yes. All facilities have been inspected by the RCMP, and every employee at Empreinte Digitale Québec Inc. has undergone rigorous screening. Your data is handled with a high level of security. RCMP protocol requires your fingerprints to be destroyed once their transmission has been completed.
