July 4, 2025 . 5 mins read

How Can You Get a Job with a Criminal Record in Canada?

Most countries have a norm for asking for a criminal record check if you want to land a job. Canada is very particular about getting a criminal record check before getting a job. Depending on the job profile you apply for, you must undergo an in-depth criminal record check. It is done for both immigration and employment use. There is a centralized system of CPIC and RCMP databases, and your details are entered through this system to get a download of your criminal record, if any.

A criminal record does not mean you will be devoid of job opportunities. This guide helps you understand the best practices for landing a job even with a record.

Understanding the types of criminal record checks in Canada

Before we dive deep into how to land a job with a criminal record, it is essential to ensure that you understand the different types of checks and what details are mentioned in them.

Name-Based Criminal Record Check: It uses your name and date of birth to pull out your match from the CPIC database. Suppose you are planning to immigrate to Canada for work. In that case, you can get this check done at a local police station in Canada (applicable only for Canadian residents) or with the help of a third-party agency if you are outside the country.

Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check: This check includes everything from the name-based check to convictions, findings under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and outstanding charges or warrants. It is often required in finance or logistics employment opportunities.

Vulnerable Sector Check: This type of check is done only by the local authority within Canada. It is for volunteer and employment positions, including working with children and vulnerable adults. No third-party agency is allowed to do this check for the candidate. Only the local municipal stations and some provincial authorities can perform this check.

Fingerprint-based check: If required by higher authorities or if the previous three checks are inconclusive, this is one of the most thorough forms of employment and immigration checks. Often, people get confused about where to go for an authorized fingerprint-based service. Depending on whether you live within or outside Canada, there are two ways to get your fingerprint-based check done.

Within Canada: If you live in Canada, you must visit your local police station or RCMP detachment centre, or go via an online third-party accredited agency to get your fingerprint-based check done. The easiest method to get your fingerprint is to go through a third-party agency that charges a nominal amount to get your digitized fingerprint to send to the RCMP for further processing. You can check out the benefits of using a third-party agency here.
Outside Canada: The only option for those who live outside Canada is to use a third-party agency. Some companies have a vast global network, wherein they can take your ink fingerprints and send them to Canada for digitization before submitting to the RCMP for further processing.
If you do not find a local office, you can go to your local police or notary to get an authorized fingerprint on paper. Submit these papers and other required documents online on the portal, and they will process them for you.

What to Expect During the Criminal Record Check Process?

Apply for a criminal record check:

You need to apply for a criminal record check based on your prospective employer's suggestion at the time of application. Collect the required documents and approach a local police station or third party for your application. Suppose you are running on a timeline for getting your background check. In that case, it is best to avoid the long queue at the police stations and focus on third-party agencies that can help with faster processing of your criminal record check in Canada.

Wait for the processing of the application:

In some cases, the basic check reveals an unsatisfactory result for employers. You may have to undergo a fingerprint-based check to further clarify the record. If you do not have a record, the whole process can take 72 hours plus mailing time, but with a record and fingerprint-based check that the RCMP does, the process may take up to 120 days plus mailing time.

Exercise your employee rights:

The results are first sent to the employee, and it is at their discretion whether they want to share the same with the prospective employer. If you are not okay with the results, you can refute the claim with the RCMP. You can contact the issuing police service or provider to resolve the issue before the employer decides.

Preparing for a Job search with a criminal record in Canada

Research the relevant criminal record check:

You must understand the different types of criminal record checks in Canada, explained above, and then choose the one relevant to the job profile you are applying for. In most cases, the employer will suggest the type of criminal record check they need before hiring. Some organizations also offer to take your written consent and do a bulk background check on behalf of their employees.

Be well informed about the sectors:

When choosing a job, you must know that specific sectors are more open to hiring people with a criminal record than others. For example, construction, hospitality, IT support, and self-employment are more open than teaching, healthcare, and volunteer work, as the latter require people with clean criminal histories.

Preparing a strong resume:

It goes without saying that you have to showcase good qualities in your resume. Some employers may overlook a minor criminal record if they feel that your skill set is much required in the organization.

Be open about your record:

At the time of the background check, you will be asked to fill out a consent form and divulge details of any previous record you may have. Honesty can take you miles without much effort. If your criminal record disclosure parallels the result on your criminal record check certificate, it may be considered a positive sign. If your record is raised, explain the circumstances, what you have learned, and the steps you have taken to rehabilitate.

How can I improve the probability of getting a job with a criminal record in Canada?

Application for pardon: In some cases, you can pursue a record suspension to remove the criminal record from the database. This can significantly improve the scope of your job if it is a small-time offense. You can take legal advice from an attorney, or if you know that your offense can be pardoned, you can directly apply for the same at your local police station.

Upskill yourself: Another way to improve your job prospects is to consider additional training, rehabilitation, upskill certificates, etc. These actions showcase your commitment to improvement and can help you land the desired job.

Seek Support: You can also join a community or organization that is committed to helping people with criminal records to ensure that they do not miss out on opportunities. They provide mental, emotional, and overall support in getting your desired job so that your past does not affect your future.

Get a legal opinion letter: These letters are prepared by lawyers and explain to Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers why they should permit you entry. Your lawyer can explain facts that demonstrate to the Canadian government that you are deemed rehabilitated, or your offense was isolated or not serious, or there is no Canadian equivalent to your offense. You may also get one of these letters to support your temporary resident permit or rehabilitation application.

Conclusion

It is safe to say that getting a job with a criminal record in Canada can be challenging if you do not know how to approach the subject. It is in your best interest to be clear about your previous records because the presence of one of your criminal records in a background check can be an unpleasant surprise for the employer, and it may land you in trouble.

Written by :

We are a background screening and document verification agency in Toronto. While we cover the Greater Toronto Area for in-person appointments, the bulk of our clientele uses our online services from different countries of the world. Globeia makes it simple and cost-effective for companies and individuals to navigate governmental red tape without breaking the bank.

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