Pardons Canada: Getting a Pardon from Outside of Canada
In 2018, Canada rolled out new legislation for those looking to gain access to the country. Now, biometrics are required whenever people apply for a work permit, study permit, visitor visa, or permanent residence. Biometrics include fingerprints and photos taken for identification purposes.
Biometrics are used to:
- Confirm your identity
- Prevent someone else from stealing your identity
- Check your criminal record
However, some people are exempt from submitting biometrics. They include children, those over the age of 79, and individuals who already have valid biometrics. You do not have to submit biometrics if you are applying for citizenship—however, you do have to submit your fingerprints.
Fingerprints are used to conduct a criminal record check. Once you begin the process of applying for your Canadian citizenship, you will be contacted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada with a request for your fingerprints.
The price of this service varies by location, but it typically costs around $50 (CAD). After your fingerprints are requested, you should submit them within 30 days. Extensions can be granted due to COVID-19 or extreme weather events.
Once they’re submitted, it may take anywhere between a few weeks to a month to be processed. If you have a criminal record, processing times will take longer (up to 3 months).
Here’s what the fingerprinting process looks like when you’re applying for Canadian citizenship:
How to Give Fingerprints
If you’ve never given your fingerprints before, you might have a few questions about the process. Submitting high-quality fingerprints is imperative for obtaining your Canadian citizenship. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before your biometrics appointment:
First, make sure to bring two pieces of identification, including one piece of photo ID. Examples include:
- Birth certificate
- Status card
- Driver’s licence
- Passport
Be sure to check that your identification pieces are valid and not expired. Make sure to bring the letter you received from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to your appointment.
Submitting Valid Fingerprints
There are two ways you can submit your fingerprints: digitally, or using ink and paper. Depending on which method you choose, the process will look a bit different. These days, it’s more common for fingerprints to be taken and submitted electronically.
Either way, biometrics must be collected in person at a valid location. Then, they must be submitted to the RCMP to be processed.
The owner of FASTCHECK, a business that provides fingerprinting in Winnipeg, writes, “You should only have your fingerprints taken by an RCMP accredited agency. Otherwise, they may be deemed invalid. Alternatively, you can go to your local RCMP branch or a police station.”
It’s important to submit high-quality fingerprints. If there are any issues with them, you may be required to re-submit them at a later date. Not only will this delay your citizenship application, but it brings an additional expense to you. To improve the legibility of your fingerprints, follow these tips:
- Do you have any cuts, injuries, or henna tattoos on your hands? Wait until the injuries heal and the ink fades before submitting your fingerprints.
- If your hands are moist, wipe them with rubbing alcohol and dry them off.
- Are you submitting electronic fingerprints? Ensure that the scanning device is cleaned from any dust or other fingerprints.
- Dry hands should be treated with moisturizing lotion prior to your appointment. Try to wipe away any residual lotion before your fingerprints are taken.
- Try to give your hands a break in the days leading up to your appointment. Refrain from weight lifting, playing guitar, or using chemicals (such as chlorine or bleach).
Submitting valid fingerprints will help your citizenship application go smoothly. In the days leading up to your appointment, practice these tips to increase the clarity of your fingerprints.
What if You Have a Criminal Record?
If you have a criminal record, you may be wondering how it will affect your citizenship application. A criminal record will reduce your chances of successfully becoming a Canadian citizen.
It’s unlikely that your application will be accepted if your criminal record is not resolved first. To increase your chances of success, we recommend trying to have your record cleared first. You can seek an Approval of Criminal Rehabilitation to help your application get approved. Try to obtain a pardon for your criminal record before applying for citizenship.
In some circumstances, committing a crime may put you at risk of losing your citizenship. This is possible if the crime involved terrorism, lying on your citizenship application, or immigration fraud. Depending on the severity of the offence, your citizenship may be revoked.
By obtaining your Canadian citizenship, you can enjoy a host of benefits. You will be eligible to vote, able to apply for more jobs, and enjoy the freedom to travel. Since your citizenship will never expire, you won’t have to worry about reapplying for it in a few years. We hope this article helps you successfully apply for your Canadian Citizenship.
Pardons Canada undertakes all necessary steps and procedures for removing your criminal record, including: Pardons/Record Suspensions, Purges, Photograph & Fingerprint Destruction, and U.S. Entry Waivers.
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