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Criminal Background Check: What’s Included and How Long Do Background Checks Take in Canada?
Criminal background checks are a critical part of hiring, volunteering, and even parenting decisions in Canada. Whether you’re screening a potential nanny, applying for a job, or onboarding a new employee, understanding how long do background checks take is key to making timely, informed decisions. In today’s fast-paced hiring environment, speed and accuracy are everything—especially as more organizations shift toward digital-first tools like Credibled’s criminal record validation platform. This article explains what’s included in Canadian background checks, how long the process typically takes, and how you can streamline it.
Definition and Purpose
A criminal background check in Canada is a formal process to verify whether an individual has a criminal record. These checks are commonly used for employment, immigration, volunteering, and licensing purposes. Employers often require them to reduce liability, protect workplace safety, and ensure trustworthiness, especially for roles involving vulnerable populations.
Who Performs These Checks?
Criminal background checks are conducted through several official channels:
- Local or municipal police services
- The RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) for nationwide fingerprint-based checks
- Authorized third-party providers like Credibled, which offer automated reference checking software for streamlined results
For many employers, using a tech-forward service ensures compliance and consistency while minimizing administrative delays.
Learn more in our article on how automated reference checking improves the quality of your hires.
What’s Included in a Canadian Criminal Background Check?
Standard Components
A typical criminal background check in Canada includes:
- Convictions under federal law (summary and indictable offences)
- Conditional and absolute discharges (disclosed for a certain period)
- Pending charges, warrants, and court summonses
- Court orders such as prohibition or probation conditions
Understanding what’s revealed can help employers make smarter hiring decisions and better assess risk.
Additional Information That May Be Included
Depending on the level of check and jurisdiction, other elements could be disclosed:
- Non-conviction information, like withdrawn or dismissed charges (discretion of local police)
- Youth records (only accessible under specific legal conditions)
- Information from the National Sex Offender Registry during vulnerable sector checks
Vulnerable Sector Checks vs. Regular Checks
A vulnerable sector check is a specialized type of background check designed for individuals working with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. These checks go deeper, accessing sealed records and the National Sex Offender Registry. They’re mandated by law in many provinces when hiring for healthcare, education, or caregiving roles.
How Long Do Criminal Background Checks Take in Canada?
General Timeframes
So, how long do background checks take in Canada? The timeline varies depending on the type and method of the check:
- Name-based checks: 1 to 3 business days (faster if done through automated platforms like Credibled)
- Fingerprint-based checks (RCMP Certified): Typically 5 to 15 business days, depending on volume and whether there are match hits
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Several variables influence the turnaround time:
- Type of check (name-based vs. fingerprint-based)
- Whether local police or RCMP are involved
- Province-specific processing times
- Workload at the police agency
Whether digital automated reference checking software is used
Companies that still rely on traditional manual processes may experience delays of up to three weeks. That’s why understanding how long do background checks take is crucial for meeting hiring deadlines.
How Credibled Speeds Up the Process
Credibled’s criminal record validation uses secure, cloud-based technology to offer faster turnarounds. With our automated reference checking software, employers and individuals can initiate and receive criminal background checks digitally—often in under 48 hours.
For HR teams, this means quicker onboarding and reduced bottlenecks in the recruitment pipeline.
How to Request a Criminal Background Check in Canada
Steps for Individuals
If you’re an individual seeking a background check, here’s how to get started:
- Submit an online application through your local police department or Credibled
- Provide identification and written consent
- Undergo fingerprinting (if required)
- Receive your results via email or mail
Platforms like Credibled offer seamless integration, fraud detection, and real-time processing, helping employers make informed hiring decisions.
Steps for Employers & Organizations
Employers should follow these steps:
- Obtain candidate consent (essential for compliance)
- Choose the appropriate type of check (standard or vulnerable sector)
- Use a trusted provider like Credibled to initiate and track the process
If you’re wondering how long do background checks take, using a centralized digital platform like Credibled helps reduce friction, especially during peak hiring seasons.
Conclusion:
Understanding how long do background checks take is essential for employers, applicants, and families making trust-based decisions. With the rise of digital tools like Credibled’s platform, the process is now more transparent, efficient, and secure than ever. Choosing an automated reference checking software can save you time, reduce risk, and provide peace of mind.
FAQs: Criminal Background Checks
Costs vary by provider and check type, but typically range from $25 to $75. Vulnerable sector checks may cost more.
It depends. Pardoned offences generally won’t appear, but some discharges and older convictions may, especially in vulnerable sector checks.
Not all, but they are common in sectors like education, finance, security, and healthcare.
Yes, services like Credibled allow you to complete the entire process digitally.
A background check may include employment, education, and credit history. A criminal record check focuses solely on legal records.
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