FBI Background Check
for Canada

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for Canada?

U.S. citizens applying for certain immigration or residency programs in Canada may be required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary.

Canadian immigration authorities may request this document as a police certificate to verify that an applicant does not have a criminal record in the United States. The certificate is commonly required when an individual has lived in the United States for an extended period of time.

This requirement generally applies to individuals applying for immigration, permanent residence, or other long-term immigration programs in Canada.

Short visits to Canada for tourism or business purposes typically do not require an FBI background check.

Applicants should confirm the specific requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the immigration authority handling their application.

When It May Be Required (Apostille, Translation, Validity)

When an FBI background check is required for Canada immigration, applicants must obtain an FBI Identity History Summary based on fingerprint submissions.

Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2024, and in some cases Canadian authorities or institutions may request an apostille for certain U.S. documents used for official purposes. Applicants should confirm whether apostille authentication is required for their specific immigration or residency application.

Canadian immigration authorities typically require police certificates to be recently issued, although the acceptable timeframe may vary depending on the immigration program.

If a document is issued in a language other than English or French, it may need to be translated by a certified translator before submission.

Applicants should always confirm document requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the immigration office processing their application.

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI fingerprint-based background checks used for Canada immigration and residency applications.

Applicants can enroll online in just a few minutes, then visit a participating Certifix location for Live Scan digital fingerprinting. Your fingerprints are securely transmitted to the FBI for processing, allowing your FBI Identity History Summary to be generated electronically.

Applicants who are located outside the United States can still obtain an FBI Identity History Summary by submitting fingerprint cards through an approved provider.

During online enrollment, applicants can also select the apostille service add-on, allowing Certifix to coordinate authentication of the FBI report with the U.S. Department of State if apostille authentication is required.

Because Canadian immigration requirements may vary depending on the application type, applicants should confirm the document requirements before submitting their immigration application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does Canada require an FBI background check for immigration?

  If you previously lived in the United States for six months or longer, Canadian immigration authorities may require a police certificate from the United States. This is typically obtained through an FBI Identity History Summary.

• What is an FBI police certificate for Canada immigration?

  For Canadian immigration applications, the FBI Identity History Summary is commonly used as the U.S. police certificate. It provides a federal record of an individual’s criminal history based on fingerprint submissions to the FBI.

• Does Canada require an apostille for an FBI background check?

  Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024. Some Canadian authorities or institutions may request an apostille for U.S. documents used for official purposes. Applicants should confirm whether apostille authentication is required for their specific application.

• Do I need fingerprints to obtain an FBI background check for Canada?

  Yes. The FBI Identity History Summary is based on fingerprints. Applicants must submit fingerprints either electronically through an approved provider or by submitting fingerprint cards to the FBI.

• How long does it take to receive an FBI background check for Canada?

  Processing times can vary depending on the submission method. Electronic submissions are often processed more quickly than mailed fingerprint cards. Applicants should allow sufficient time before submitting their immigration or residency application.

• How recent must my FBI background check be for Canada immigration?

  Canadian immigration authorities typically require police certificates that were issued recently. The acceptable timeframe may vary depending on the immigration program, so applicants should confirm the requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

• Does my FBI background check need to be translated for Canada?

  Usually not. Documents issued in English are generally accepted. If documents are issued in another language, they may need to be translated into English or French by a certified translator.

• Can I obtain an FBI background check from outside the United States?

  Yes. Applicants living outside the United States can still obtain an FBI Identity History Summary by submitting fingerprints through an approved provider or by mailing fingerprint cards to the FBI.

• Can Certifix help with FBI background checks for Canada immigration?

  Yes. Certifix offers electronic enrollment for FBI background checks, allowing applicants to submit fingerprints and receive their FBI Identity History Summary digitally. Optional apostille processing is also available if required.