How To Get Fingerprinted for a Job in Canada? A Complete Guide

 Fingerprinting for employment is becoming increasingly common as businesses and organizations prioritize security and safety in their hiring processes. This practice involves capturing an individual’s fingerprints to verify their identity and check for any past criminal records. The use of fingerprinting in employment screening helps employers ensure that they are hiring trustworthy individuals, especially in sensitive roles involving vulnerable populations or high levels of responsibility.

Here, we will explore the purpose, requirements, process, fees, validity, and key considerations of fingerprinting for employment.

Overview

Fingerprinting for employment is the process of capturing an individual’s fingerprints as part of a background check required by employers. Unlike traditional background checks that rely on a person’s name or social security number, fingerprinting ensures greater accuracy by directly matching the individual’s fingerprints to criminal records in national or local databases.

Employers use fingerprinting as a reliable way to confirm a candidate’s background and check for any criminal history that may impact their ability to perform the job safely or ethically. This practice is especially common in sectors like healthcare, education, law enforcement, finance, and childcare, where background verification is crucial.

Purpose

The main purpose of fingerprinting for employment is to enhance the security and safety of the workplace by verifying a potential employee’s criminal history. Some of the key reasons employers may request fingerprinting include:

• Criminal Record Verification: To ensure that the candidate does not have a history of criminal activity that may pose a risk to the organization, its employees, or its customers.
• Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Certain industries, such as healthcare, finance, and education, may be required by law to conduct fingerprint-based background checks as part of their hiring process.
• Protection of Vulnerable Populations: Organizations that work with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities, may use fingerprinting to ensure the safety of those they serve.
• Trust and Integrity: Fingerprinting provides employers with an additional layer of verification to ensure that they are hiring individuals who can be trusted in sensitive or high-responsibility roles.

Requirements

When applying for fingerprinting for employment, individuals need to meet certain requirements to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Some of the key requirements include:

• Government-Issued Identification: A valid ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or state-issued identification card, is necessary to confirm your identity.
• Employer Request: Most of the time, the employer will provide instructions on where and how to complete the fingerprinting process. They may have partnerships with specific agencies or services.
• Purpose of Fingerprinting: You must clearly state that the fingerprinting is for employment purposes to ensure that the check is conducted appropriately and that the results are sent to the right authority.
• Consent Form: Many employers require candidates to sign a consent form before undergoing fingerprinting. This ensures that the applicant is aware of and agrees to the background check.

Process

The process for fingerprinting for employment is straightforward and usually involves the following steps:

• Employer Request: Your employer or prospective employer will inform you if a fingerprint-based background check is required. They will provide instructions on where to go for fingerprinting.
• Visit a Certified Fingerprinting Agency: You will need to visit a certified fingerprint agency in Canada that provides fingerprinting services. Make sure to bring your government-issued ID and any necessary paperwork provided by your employer.
• Digital or Ink Fingerprinting: Fingerprinting for employment is often done digitally, using specialized scanners to capture fingerprints. However, some agencies may still use ink for certain cases. Digital fingerprinting is faster and more accurate than traditional methods.
• Submission to the Appropriate Authorities: Once your fingerprints are captured, they will be submitted to the relevant authorities, such as the RCMP in Canada or the FBI in the United States, for processing. These agencies will cross-check your fingerprints against criminal databases.
• Results: The results of the fingerprint-based background check are sent directly to your employer or the requesting authority. If no criminal records are found, the employer is informed of a clear result.

Fees

The cost of fingerprinting for employment can vary depending on the provider and the location. On average, the fees range between $50 and $100 CAD for digital fingerprinting. Some employers may cover the cost of fingerprinting, while others may require the applicant to pay for it upfront.

Validity

The validity of fingerprinting for employment typically lasts for a specific period, depending on the employer’s requirements. In most cases, fingerprint-based background checks are valid for 6 to 12 months, but some employers may request a fresh check if there has been a significant gap between the initial screening and the job offer.

Things to Be Careful

When applying for fingerprinting for employment, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a smooth process:

• Accuracy of Information: Make sure that all personal details you provide, such as your name, date of birth, and identification, are correct. Any discrepancies could result in delays or require you to redo the process.
• Check with Your Employer: Verify with your employer whether they have specific requirements or recommended agencies for fingerprinting. Some organizations may have pre-approved providers, and failing to use them could delay the process.
• Understand the Process: Be clear about whether your employer requires digital fingerprinting or ink-based fingerprinting. Digital fingerprinting is faster and more accurate, so it’s important to visit a certified provider like SekCheck.
• Processing Time: The time it takes to receive the results of a fingerprinting for employment check can vary. Digital fingerprinting usually takes a few days to process, while ink-based methods can take longer. If your job offer is time-sensitive, plan accordingly.
• Be Aware of Legal Requirements: Some industries, such as finance or childcare, have strict legal regulations regarding background checks. Ensure that you comply with these laws and that your fingerprints are submitted to the correct authorities.
• Privacy Concerns: Understand that fingerprinting involves sharing sensitive personal information. Always use a reputable and trusted agency like SekCheck to ensure that your data is handled securely.

Fingerprinting for employment is a vital part of the hiring process in many industries, providing employers with a reliable method for verifying an applicant’s criminal history and ensuring workplace safety. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail, from providing accurate information to selecting the right fingerprinting agency.

SekCheck offers digital fingerprinting services that are fast, accurate, and compliant with industry standards. Trust SekCheck to handle your fingerprinting needs and ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Source : Sekcheck Fingerprinting