What Is a Police Certificate CPIC

A Police Clearance Certificate, often referred to as a CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) check, is an official document issued by law enforcement agencies or government authorities that provides information about an individual’s criminal history or confirms the absence thereof. This certificate is commonly required for various purposes, including employment, volunteer work, immigration, travel, and legal proceedings.

Official Criminal Background Check

A CPIC Police Certificate provides an official report from Canadian law enforcement, confirming whether you have a criminal record or not.

Required for Jobs, Immigration & Travel

Many employers, immigration offices, and foreign governments require this certificate to verify your criminal background history.

Fast & Secure Fingerprinting Service

Get your digital fingerprints taken quickly and securely—our system is RCMP-accredited and ensures reliable results delivered to your address.

Trusted by Canadians for Police Certificate CPIC

Step-by-Step Application Process

Determine the Type of Clearance Needed

Identify whether you require a local police check or an RCMP-certified criminal record check, depending on your purpose (e.g., employment, immigration).

Gather Required Identification

Prepare two pieces of acceptable government-issued identification

Schedule an Appointment

Book an appointment with SekCheck at one of our locations in Surrey, Abbotsford, or Edmonton for fingerprinting services.

Undergo Digital Fingerprinting

Attend your appointment and have your fingerprints captured using our modern digital fingerprint scanners. This process is quick and efficient, often completed within a few minutes.

Submit Application

We will submit your fingerprints and application to the RCMP for processing.

Receive Your Certificate

Once processed, your Police Clearance Certificate will be mailed to your provided address.

Who Needs a Police Certificate (CPIC)?

You may require a U.S. Entry Waiver if you have:

Seeking Employment

Many employers, especially those in sectors involving trust, security, or vulnerable populations, require job applicants to provide a Police Clearance Certificate to assess their suitability for employment.

Applying for Volunteer Positions

Volunteer organizations, particularly those working with children or vulnerable individuals, may request a Police Clearance Certificate to ensure the safety of volunteers and the people they serve.

Undergoing Immigration Processes

Some countries require individuals applying for immigration or visas to provide a Police Clearance Certificate from their home country or other countries where they have resided.

Planning International Travel

In certain cases, a Police Clearance Certificate may be required for visa-free travel to specific countries or for obtaining travel-related permits.

Pursuing Professional Licensing

Individuals seeking or renewing professional licenses, such as healthcare professionals, lawyers, and security guards, may need to provide a Police Clearance Certificate to demonstrate their good moral character.

How Do You Check the Status of Your Police Certificate (CPIC)?

Once you've submitted your application for a Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) certificate, here’s how you can track its progress:
Confirmation Email or Tracking ID

After applying, you will receive a confirmation email or receipt number. This reference helps identify your application and is required for any status inquiry.

Contact the Processing Agency

If you applied through an accredited agency or service provider (like us), you can contact our support team directly with your reference details to check the current status.

Estimated Processing Time

Police certificates generally take 1–3 weeks to process, depending on the method of submission and fingerprint quality. If delays occur, we’ll notify you immediately.

Essential Documents for Police Certificate CPIC

BC Driving License

Driver’s License with a photo from any country

BC Identification Card with photo

Passport

Nexus Card

Work permit

Native Status Card

Canadian Citizenship Card

Permanent Resident Card

Birth Certificate

Firearms License

Provincial Health Care Card

Let’s Get Started Now

Please contact us for details about the application process and applicable fees.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to receive the Police Clearance Certificate?

Processing times can vary depending on the purpose and jurisdiction. Generally, after fingerprint submission, it may take several days to a few weeks to receive your certificate.

Can I apply for a Police Clearance Certificate from overseas?

Yes, you can apply for a PCC even if you have a criminal record. The certificate will indicate your criminal record status, which is necessary for immigration and other legal processes.

What if I cannot obtain a PCC from my country of residence?

If you are unable to obtain a PCC, you must provide proof of your efforts to request one and explain the reasons for the inability to obtain it. This may include correspondence with the relevant authorities and any supporting documentation.