Digital fingerprinting is a cutting-edge technology used by the RCMP for fast processing. It is required for citizenship, immigration, background checks, travel, and employment purposes. Fingerprints are classified and assigned a unique number that remains on file for life. While fingerprints of those found not guilty may remain on file, digital fingerprints are usually processed within 72 hours if no criminal record exists or 120 days if a record is present. Fingerprints are used for identification because their patterns are unique to each individual.

1. DIGITAL FINGERPRINTING
cutting-edge technology
for fast RCMP processing

2. Who may Require DIGITAL
Fingerprinting
• Canadian Citizenship / Immigration
• Background Checks
• Permanent Residence in Canada
• U.S. Entry Waivers
• Border Crossing / Foreign Travel
• Certified Criminal Search (Foreign/Domestic)
• Record Suspensions (Pardon) Applications
• Employment
• Name Change
• Adoption

3. Are my fingerprints still on file?
If you were charged with a crime and were found
not guilty or were never convicted, your fingerprints
and photographs (FPS number) will remain on file
with the Police agency which charged you and the
RCMP.

4. Do You Know ?
Under authority of the Identification of Criminal
Act any person in lawful custody charged with a
hybrid offence (almost all offences are hybrid) may be
fingerprinted and photographed.

5. Do You Know ?
Fingerprint impressions are recorded by a police
agency and forwarded to Identification Services where
they are classified. As a result, a Fingerprint Section
(FPS) number is assigned to the fingerprinted person.
FPS numbers are assigned for life and searchable by
authorities at any time.

6. Searching Fingerprinting services for
citizenship applicants then visit to
• RCMP accredited fingerprinting agency
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• your local police service

7. Which Identification required Before
applying for DIGITAL Fingerprinting
Any 2 identification from following
• Passport
• Driver's Licence
• Birth Certificate
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Immigration Documents i.e. work or study permits
• Military Family ID card (MFID)
• Record of Landing for Citizenship Applicant
• Certificate of Live Birth
• Nexus card

8. Time Duration for digital fingerprints to be
processed by the RCMP?
• Criminal record Exist - within 120 Days (No Guarantee)
• No Criminal Record No Exist - within 72 hours (No
Guarantee)

9. Why fingerprints are use for identification
purpose
• It is totally unique to the person
• It never change

10. Do you know ?
Fingerprints divide into 3 general groups of patterns
• Loops
• Arches
• whorl

11. Do you Know ?
Digital Fingerprinting technology also use for protection of
multimedia from unauthorized redistribution.

12. F.I.P.S Toronto
1280 Finch Avenue West, Suite 417
Toronto, ON M3J 3K6
Tel: 416-663-FIPS (3477)
fipstoronto@bellnet.ca
F.I.P.S Brampton
7900 Hurontario, Suite 301
Brampton, ON L6Y 0P6
Tel: 905-497-FIPS (3477)
fipsbrampton@bellnet.ca
Website: www.fips.ca