Online vs. local police station vs. RCMP fingerprint — see exactly what each option costs, how long it takes, and when to use each one.
All three methods search official government databases. The difference is speed, cost, and convenience.
| Feature | Online Provider (SafeHire)Recommended for most | Local Police Station | RCMP Fingerprint Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 15 minutes | 1–4 weeks | 3–120 days |
| Cost | $64.99 | $30–$65 | $25 + fingerprinting |
| Availability | 24/7 online | Business hours only | Business hours only |
| Database | RCMP CPIC | CPIC + local records | CPIC + fingerprint match |
| Physical visit required | No | Yes | Yes (fingerprinting) |
| Includes non-conviction info | No | Varies by service | No |
| Identity verification | Digital ID verification | In-person with ID | Fingerprints (biometric) |
| Best for | Employment, volunteering, licensing | When local police records needed | Immigration, federal jobs |
| Accepted by most employers | Yes | Yes | Yes (required for immigration) |
Online (SafeHire) — 15 minutes. When you need your check today, online is the only practical option.
Police Station — when an organization specifically requires non-conviction information or a police-issued letter format.
RCMP Fingerprint — required by IRCC for permanent residence, Express Entry, and federal government security clearances.
Not all background check services are equivalent. Here's what matters when choosing a provider.
The only authoritative national database of Canadian criminal records is the RCMP's Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). Ensure any provider you use actually queries CPIC — not just courthouse records or third-party databases that may be incomplete or outdated.
A legitimate background check in Canada should be conducted by or through a police service. SafeHire's checks are conducted through Bridgewater Police Service, ensuring the results carry the same authority as a check obtained directly at a police station.
Any Canadian background check provider must comply with PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and applicable provincial privacy laws. Check for a clear privacy policy and data retention policy before submitting personal information.
Most clear checks should return results within 15 minutes. Be cautious of providers that promise instant results through non-CPIC databases — these may not be recognized by Canadian employers as legitimate criminal record checks.
Background checks are often time-sensitive. Look for a provider with responsive customer support that can assist with delays, questions about results, or technical issues. Canadian-based support is a significant advantage.
Your payment information should be processed using SSL encryption and PCI-DSS compliant payment systems. Never submit credit card information to an unsecured (non-HTTPS) website.
Before ordering, confirm that your employer or organization accepts online background checks from third-party providers. Most do — but some federally regulated employers or government departments may have specific requirements.
Over 1 million Canadians have trusted SafeHire for their criminal record checks.
SafeHire checks are conducted by Bridgewater Police Service — not a private database aggregator. Your results carry the same authority as an in-person police check.
Clear checks are delivered by email in as little as 15 minutes, 24/7. No waiting weeks at a police station or days for mail delivery.
Apply at midnight before a Monday morning job start, or on a Saturday afternoon. SafeHire is available around the clock, every day of the year.
SafeHire is a Canadian company serving Canadians. Your personal data stays in Canada and is handled under Canadian privacy law.
All data transmitted through SafeHire is SSL encrypted. Payment processing is PCI-DSS compliant. Your personal information is handled with bank-level security.
SafeHire has processed over one million background checks for Canadians across every province and territory.
Yes, when the online check searches the RCMP CPIC database — which is the same database used by all police stations in Canada. SafeHire's checks are conducted by Bridgewater Police Service and query CPIC directly, so the results are equivalent to what you would receive at a police station for a standard criminal record check.
The majority of Canadian employers accept online criminal record checks from accredited providers. This includes employers in healthcare, education, construction, financial services, technology, retail, and more. Some federally regulated positions or government security clearances may specify additional requirements — always verify with your employer before ordering.
A name-based check (like SafeHire provides) searches the CPIC database using your name and date of birth. It's sufficient for the vast majority of employment purposes. A fingerprint-based check (RCMP certified check) uses biometric fingerprints for a definitive identity match — required for immigration, federal government positions, and some regulated professions. Fingerprint checks cost more and take significantly longer.
Yes. SafeHire is a legitimate, accredited criminal record check provider in Canada. Checks are conducted through Bridgewater Police Service and search the RCMP CPIC database. SafeHire complies with PIPEDA and all applicable Canadian privacy laws. Results are accepted by employers, volunteer organizations, and licensing bodies across Canada.