1. Citizens must use the services of firms accredited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
(RCMP) and pay a fee
for the criminal record check for civilian purposes. Those residing in areas not served by the
private sector should
contact the police service.To access the list of regions that are not serviced by private firms, as well as the list of
accredited firms, go to the
following
link (available in French only):→ If the link does not work, go to the Sûreté du Québec’s website:
https://www.sq.gouv.qc.ca
In their menu select “SERVICES” → “SERVICES EN LIGNE” → “ANTÉCÉDENTS
JUDICIAIRES” →
“VÉRIFICATION DU CASIER JUDICIAIRE À DES FINS CIVILES” → “Procédure – Vérification
du casier
judiciaire à des fins civiles”
2. The firm will electronically transmit your fingerprints to RCMP, who will send you the results
once the verifications
are completed. The processing times are usually between 5 to 7 days, if you do not have a
criminal record.
3. If you have a criminal record and you are likely to operate in the United States in the course
of your job:
a) Ask for a copy of your criminal record.
b) Apply for a pardon with the Government of Canada under section 5 of the Criminal Records
Acts. You
can find the form and the appropriate information at the police station you visited.
c) The Canada pardon is not recognized by American authorities. The government of the United
States
continues to consider the offense and it stays in the file of the person.
NOTE
A person with a criminal record for an offense committed in Canada is not automatically refused
entry into the United
States. Certain acts may be considered a criminal offense in Canada, while treated in a different
manner under US
legislation (i.e. driving under the influence).
If the American immigration officers consider you need a waiver to operate in the territory of the
United States, they
will provide you with the required documents and the appropriate information. Note that a 6
month minimum delay
can be expected when asking for such a document.
It is possible that a person with a criminal record will be asked for a waiver before entering the
United States. Despite
this and depending on circumstances, the driver could obtain his FAST card for American
authorities. Each case is
dealt separately.
