How can I get a criminal record check in New Brunswick?

Getting a criminal record check done in New Brunswick can be challenging if you do not know the proper channels and process to complete it. A criminal record check helps the authorities make an informed decision about the candidate, especially regarding local employment and volunteering. But before diving deep, we must understand the various types of criminal record checks required in different situations. While the basics of these checks remain the same throughout Canada, the names may differ across the jurisdictions, which can confuse candidates.

Name-Based Criminal Record Check:

Vulnerable Sector Check: 

Certified Criminal Record Check (Fingerprint-Based):

You can apply for a criminal record check in two ways:

In-person application: 

• Two pieces of accepted identification (ID) have the person’s name and date of birth. 
• Proof of New Brunswick address

Online Application: 

For processing your criminal record check in New Brunswick, you will need the following:

• Submit two valid IDs with your name and date of birth mentioned on the ID.

Examples of Acceptable Identification Documents

• Driver’s license
• New Brunswick government-issued photo ID card
• Passport
• Permanent resident card
• Health insurance card
• Birth certificate
• Canadian citizenship card
• Work or study permit
• Firearms license
• Military identification card
• If you apply at the police station, you must submit proof of residency for New Brunswick. 
• For volunteers or employment involving vulnerable persons, a letter on official agency letterhead stating the purpose of the check and the applicant’s role may be required.

1.Fingerprinting Requirement

• Suppose a name-based check cannot definitively confirm your identity, or a certified criminal record check is required (e.g., for adoption, foster parenting, or vulnerable sector checks). In that case, you will be asked to provide fingerprints.
• Fingerprinting requires attending an appointment with the local police or an accredited fingerprinting company and presenting the above identification documents. You can skip the queue and approach a third-party agency  that can do this process for you online with minimal work.

2.Processing time

• Online Name-Based Criminal Record Checks: If you choose a third party to complete your check, they can do it in 15 minutes if there is no match on the system. If there is a match in the database, it may need further clarification with a fingerprint-based check.
• In-person checks: The in-person checks depend on your appointment, and the process may take up to 10 days, especially at the St John's Police station. No same-day service is available for this police check, but you can expedite it for an additional fee.
• Certified Fingerprint-Based Checks: These checks, which require fingerprint submission, are processed by the RCMP Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS). If there is no match to a criminal record, results are usually returned within 3 business days or less after fingerprint submission. However, if manual processing or further verification is needed, it can take up to 120 business days or longer.

In conclusion, you can easily apply for a criminal record check in New Brunswick if you know the right sources. If you are running on a tight timeline, it is best to keep all your documents ready and choose a third party for your certificate processing. They are faster, discreet, and provide real-time tracking of your application so that you know the exact status.