In Canada, CRC (Criminal Record Check) is handled by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This will determine if an individual has a criminal record, meaning if he/she has been charged or convicted of a crime.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Your name on the RCMP check must EXACTLY match the name on your passport.

Please make a copy after receiving the background check for your records.

Process for Canada Applicants

Step 1: Have your fingerprints taken

Contact your local police service or an accredited fingerprinting company to have your fingerprints taken. You will be asked to review information on your application form prior to the police agency or authorized agency submitting it to the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

See the following link for a list of authorized fingerprinting agencies:

  • https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/private-fingerprinting-companies-accredited-by-the-RCMP

Step 2: Provide the following information to the person taking your fingerprints

Inform the local police agency or accredited fingerprinting company of the reason for the certified criminal record check. As you are applying for Korean working visa, your reason should be:

  • Foreign travel – Visas, U.S. Waivers, Border Crossing

Step 3: RCMP will mail you the certified Criminal background check.

The background should take 1-2 weeks to arrive.

Step 4: Make a copy of the background check for your records.

Because the apostille process can take a long time, please make a copy of the background check before sending it to Global Affairs.

Step 5: Send the RCMP check for apostille.

For EPIK applicants: You must send the ORIGINAL, UN-NOTARIZED RCMP check to Global Affairs in Ottawa for apostille.

For hagwon teachers: It will vary from hagwon to hagwon, but provincial apostilles are generally okay. Please confirm with your recruiter first, then consult your province’s apostille instructions for details about the requirements for apostille.

Starting January 11, 2024, Canadians needing to use their documents internationally must obtain an apostille. This requirement comes as Canada implements the Apostille Convention, replacing the previous authentication method. Ensure to get your apostille from the designated Canadian authority after this date for your documents to be valid abroad.

Please see the following for more information:

https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/about-a_propos/services/authentication-authentification/apostille-convention.aspx?lang=eng