Your Guide to Criminal Record Checks in Kelowna

Individuals intending to work, volunteer, or for other objectives may need a background check. Canadian background checks such as Police Information Check (PIC), Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS), etc. are typically used by employers, volunteering agencies, and other organizations to understand an individual’s criminal history.

In this ultimate guide, you will learn the different kinds of Canadian police record checks valid in Kelowna, how to prepare, errors to avoid while completing your application, and many more. With all that correct information, you can easily walk through this entire procedure without facing hurdles.

In Kelowna, there are different kinds of background checks used. These various forms of background checks are essential because each of them has a specific use and caters to specific roles.

Police Information Check (PIC)

Police Information Checks (PIC) are enhanced background checks that cover more information like pending cases and judicial orders. It is mainly used by employers and volunteering agencies for certain kinds of roles.  The records revealed include criminal convictions, absolute and conditional discharges, peace bonds, prohibitory orders, and judicial orders from police management systems and relevant databases. 

Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS)

The Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS), as its name indicates, is for employees and volunteers who will work with Canadian vulnerable populations like children, older adults, and people with disabilities. This is an extensive form of background check, which is based on fingerprints. Fields like health care, child care, education, and social services include this type of background check requirement.

The PIC-VS will expose details on criminal convictions, judicial orders, warrants, charges, and record suspensions regarding sexual offenses from various sources such as police management systems, and national and local databases. Considering the thorough scrutiny being taken for the application, it may take slightly longer than the other checks. 

RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check

An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is the most thorough Canadian background check. This is a fingerprint-based identification process that would minimize the likelihood of errors associated with other basic checks. An individual will require this type of check if he is immigrating, adopting, or being employed in sensitive positions.

As opposed to other checks, the RCMP Certified Check provides a full picture of the criminal history of a person, ranging from court verdicts to records of higher detail. No other check can match this level of scrutiny, which would not allow for the omission of any pertinent information in any respect. This check is very often considered mandatory by persons looking for jobs overseas. The processing time for the RCMP check may take longer between a few weeks to months. While it takes a longer duration, the results are highly reliable.

 

Knowing the process keeps you out of mistakes, so the chances of your application being rejected are minimized. Be it online or offline, following the right steps is essential for a successful application.

1. Gather Necessary Documents

The first step in making arrangements is to arrange all the relevant documents which will be needed while applying. These usually include a valid government photo ID (license or passport) and some proof of current address. For some checks, such as the Vulnerable Sector Check, a formal request letter from the body requiring the check might also be needed. 

Having everything in place means there will be no delays in your application submission. However, if fingerprinting is required, make sure to get your fingerprints professionally taken by a local police department and a fingerprinting agency. Preparation time for these points well in advance makes the whole process very simple.

2. Understand the Application Process

You should first find out how to apply for the specific check you want before you start applying. If you want to apply through your local police department, visit their site for more instructions, or go to the police department to clear up any doubts. As for third-party agencies, make sure they are authorized and follow Canadian privacy regulations.

Being aware of the processes saves you from making mistakes; thus, your application has the least chance of being rejected. The online or offline mode makes no difference. They both require the appropriate steps to be taken for successful applications.

3. Plan for Fees and Timelines

A different type of fee can be charged for every Canadian background check, and there is also a variation in the processing time. Usually, a Police Information Check (PIC) is comparatively less expensive and takes a shorter time to process compared to a detailed one like that of a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS), RCMP Certified Check, which may be a bit costly and time-consuming. Knowing all this beforehand enables you to pre-budget and plan. For instance, if you want to receive your results by a specific date, you should apply sooner to avoid any kind of delays or rejections.

 

A minor mistake can bring delays in the process of your application. Here are some of the most common mistakes to take note of:

1. Submitting Inaccurate Information

Verify all presented details in your application, such as your name, date of birth, and address, since any mismatches between your application and ID may get your application disqualified.

2. Providing Poor-Quality Fingerprints

You must take digital fingerprints at an accredited agency for fingerprint-based verifications. If the prints are of poor quality, they might be rejected and require repetition, leading to a delay in processing your application.

3. Using Unauthorized Services

In case you want to apply through third-party agencies, ensure their reputation and authority in conducting background checks within Canada. Go through the testimonials and learn about the services thoroughly.

 

Completion of the criminal record checks in Kelowna would be a valuable step for many worthy endeavors, such as employment and volunteering. Understand the type of check required for your role and objective, prepare well, and be aware of the most common mistakes so the application can proceed as smoothly as possible.

If you are looking for a basic check for employment or a complete RCMP Certified Check for immigration, being knowledgeable of all requirements is the best way to prepare for them. Prepare and gather everything so it will make it pretty seamless. Globeia offers seamless services to apply online for a Police Information Check (PIC) and get results in 15 minutes. To apply now from Globeia, click here.