Country-specific frequently asked questions

• What is an Enhanced Criminal Check?
• Are Vulnerable Sector Checks available in Canada?
• Does the candidate need to verify their identity?

What is an Enhanced Criminal Check?

The Enhanced Criminal Record Check searches the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) within the National Repository of Criminal Records, including Investigative, Identification and Ancillary banks plus local police records which includes the Police Information Portal (PIP) based on the candidate’s name and date of birth. The Enhanced Check will discover any Canadian Criminal Convictions that have not been pardoned or discharged, as well as identifiers that additional information may be present related to the candidate.

The Enhanced Criminal Check identifiers may include any of the following:

• Criminal conviction for which a pardon has not been granted, and conditional and absolute discharges which have not been removed from the CPIC system.
• Probation information
• Prohibited person information
• Wanted person information
• Accused person information
• Peacebonds
• Judicial orders
• Warrants
• If relevant, Absolute and Conditional Discharges, Criminal charges that have been withdrawn, dismissed or Stayed of Proceedings.
• Any negative contact with Police

Are Vulnerable Sector Checks available in Canada?

Due to the Criminal Record Check Act in Canada vulnerable sector checks are available only  to candidates directly from the RCMP or a local police station.

• People who volunteer or have jobs where they are in positions of trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons can be asked to obtain a vulnerable sector check. Accurately referred to as Vulnerable Sector Search/Check (VSS), federal policy prescribes that these checks can ONLY be initiated by the Canadian police service where the candidate lives.

If you do not require a vulnerable sector check then the Enhanced Criminal check will most likely cover what you need.

• In Canada, sexual offenses against a vulnerable person (such as a child) are no longer granted. Therefore the database is not considered active (not increasing) as no one can apply for this type of conviction pardon any longer. The law regarding record suspensions (formerly pardons) took effect March 13th, 2012, and in such pardons are no longer granted for the types of convictions that are included in the pardoned sex offender database.  The one component of the VSS that we are not able to provide are the pardons that relate to sexual crimes against children.

If you require a vulnerable sector check for new candidates, we recommend that you send the candidate to the police station following an Enhanced Criminal Record Check.

For more information, see the Royal Canadian Mounted Police document: Types of criminal background checks.

Does the candidate need to verify their identity?

Yes. In Canada, identity verification must be completed for all candidates we obtain a criminal record check for. For more information on Identity Verification, refer to What identification documents are accepted for Canada Identity Verification?

*Please note: Identity verification is conducted as part of the Checkr Canada background check process but is not conducted as part of US background checks.

This guide is for customers who are using the Checkr Canada (ca.checkr.com) platform for Canadian background checks.

We’re moving the Checkr Canada platform into a single, unified Checkr platform. By moving to a single platform, you’ll be able to manage all of your background checks—whether in Canada, the US, or other countries—in one convenient place. Additionally, once you start ordering background checks on the global platform, your fees will be consolidated into one invoice.

What does this mean for my organization?

• We are ending support for the Checkr Canada platform. You will receive communication containing the exact date that your company must begin running new Canada background checks through Checkr’s global platform.
• We encourage you to download any reports you’d like to keep by this date, as they will not be transferred to your global Checkr account.
• Customer and candidate support hours have been updated to Monday - Friday, 9 am - 8 pm EST. 
• Pricing for Canadian checks will be updated once you begin ordering Canadian background checks through the global Checkr platform. Please see the pricing page for pricing by screening type and country.

Will I still be able to access the same Canadian background checks?

The following searches are available on the Checkr platform:

• Enhanced Crim (EPIC) with Identity Verification (eID and LiveVideoID)
• Employment Verification (global)
• Education Verification (global)
• Global Watch List
• BC Plus Enhanced Crim
• Driver’s License Verification (International MVR) 
• Driver’s Abstract (International MVR with History)

Additionally, Checkr offers:

• Criminal, driver and MVR, civil searches, and drug and health screenings in the US 
• Criminal or adverse media checks and identity document validation in 200+ countries

The following Canadian searches are not available on the global Checkr platform:

• Basic Crim (CPIC)
• Credential Verification
• Credit Reliability Report
• eReferences
• Social Media
• Vulnerable Sector Verification

How do I order Canadian background checks through my global Checkr account?

Please email clients@checkr.com to let us know that you’d like to enable Canadian background checks on your global Checkr account.

Will pricing change?

Your pricing will be updated once you order Canadian background checks via the global Checkr platform. Please see the pricing page for pricing by screening type and country.

Will invoicing change?

You will receive a single, consolidated invoice from Checkr once you begin ordering Canadian background checks via the global Checkr platform. 

Will I need to make any updates to my workflow or API integration?

Yes, you may need to make changes to your workflow or API integration. Please email clients@checkr.com to schedule an onboarding session, where we’ll help you navigate any changes to your account. 

How do I create a new Checkr account?

If you don’t already have an existing global Checkr account, you can sign up for one here. Please note you’ll need to provide a US business address and Employer Identification Number (EIN) to get started.

Where do I go for support?

Please email clients@checkr.com with any questions or to schedule an onboarding session, where we’ll help you navigate any changes to your account.

In Canada, identity verification must be completed for all candidates we obtain a criminal record check for. Candidates are redirected to the Identity Verification page after completing all steps of the apply flow. Next, a credit bureau lookup is used to pull 4 knowledge-based questions in a single stage. When the knowledge-based questions are not completed successfully, the candidate is prompted to upload two images of their ID. After uploading, the candidate requests video verification and the process continues with live verification or through uploaded videos.

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Acceptable pieces of identification for Canada Identity Verification

A Candidate must provide two (2) valid pieces of identification: A primary card and a secondary card.

PRIMARY pieces of ID

Any government-issued card that includes the Candidate's name, date of birth, signature, and photo.

Examples:

• Driver’s License (issued by Canadian province or territory)
• Foreign Driver’s License
• Canadian Passport
• Foreign Passport
• BC Driver’s Licence and Services Card
• Photo BC Services Card
• Permanent Resident (PR) Card
• Canadian Citizenship Card
• Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card
• Canadian National Institute of The Blind (CNIB) Identification Card
• Federal, Provincial or Municipal Identification Card
• Military Family Card
• Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC) or Possession/Acquisition License (PAL)
• Provincial or Territorial Health Cards (1)

SECONDARY pieces of ID

A second “PRIMARY” piece of ID OR a piece of identification from the list below. (Candidate’s name on the secondary piece of ID must match that on the primary ID.)

Examples:

• Government Employment Card
• International Student Card
• Age of Majority Card
• Birth Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
• Non-Photo BC Services Card
• Hunting License
• Fishing License
• Boating License
• LCBO/Age of Majority Card
• Outdoors Card
• Hospital Card
• Canadian Blood Donor Card
• Immigration Papers
• Student ID
• City/Municipal Library Card
• Utility bill (water, electricity, taxes or Lease agreement showing both name and address will be accepted. To be used only in cases where the Candidate does not have a Secondary piece of ID).

Will NOT be accepted: 

Some examples: Non-Government Employment Card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, Credit/Debit Card, Gym member Card, Costco Card, Air Miles Card, etc.

(1) Provincial or Territorial Health Card as Primary ID or Secondary ID: as permitted to be used for identification purposes under provincial law. Government-issued Health card that includes the Candidate's name, date of birth, signature and photo will be accepted if the Candidate volunteers to submit his/her Health Card as a piece of identity and the photocopy of the Health Card number is blacked out before submitting for a criminal background check.

There are several steps in this process.

1. The French Authorities email the candidate from noreply@justice.gouv.fr.
2. The candidate must respond to the email sent by the French Authorities and confirm their application.
3. The French Authorities will process the search and email the certificate/result to the candidate (usually completed within 7-8 days after the candidate responds).
4. Once the certificate is received by the candidate, the candidate needs to upload a copy to Checkr.
5. Finally, Checkr can formally initiate the background check.

Related article:

• How long does an international background check take?

The Criminal Record Check (CRC) Request Form should be completed and signed by the candidate. You may apply for someone else’s criminal record via New Zealand’s government website.

Candidates must contact the authorities in Norway directly to obtain a police certificate of conduct, which they must then upload to the Checkr Candidate Portal for processing. Information about obtaining this certificate can be found here. This request process applies to all candidates that live in or outside of Norway. 

United Kingdom Identity Verification is a digital online candidate verification service that works to verify a candidate’s identification documents and likeness during the background check process. United Kingdom Identity Verification is designed to meet the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements for UK criminal screenings in England and Wales. 

At the end of each background check application, candidates working in England or Wales will be guided through this verification process via our third-party provider, Yoti. Yoti is a trusted vendor approved by the United Kingdom that securely verifies identification documents and likenesses of individuals. 

For UK basic criminal checks, candidates must meet a medium level of identity confidence as defined by the UK DBS. 

Opting out of online digital verification

Candidates may opt out of the online verification process. In these cases, candidates will be required to verify their identity with the hiring company and may receive a request to provide additional information via email. Please note that choosing to opt out of the online verification process may increase the turnaround time of the background check process.

For more information, please refer to DBS digital identity verification guidance.

What happens if a candidate’s UK digital identity verification is unsuccessful? 

If a candidate’s UK digital identity verification is unsuccessful, you will be required to verify your candidate’s identity using the same process you do today.

Related article: 

• United Kingdom: What is the UK Declaration form?

The UK Declaration Form is required for all candidates living and/or working in England or Wales to meet the requirements of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements for UK criminal screenings. If the Candidate opts out of the online digital verification process, the Candidate will be required to verify their identity with the hiring company and receive a request to provide additional missing information through email. Choosing to opt out may increase the TAT on the background check process.

For more information, please refer to DBS digital identity verification guidance.

Related articles:

• United Kingdom: What is United Kingdom Identity Verification?
• United Kingdom: Which identification documents are accepted for United Kingdom background screenings?

This article contains:

• Document combinations
• Identity documents
• Candidates who have been adopted

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The most common ID documents provided: 

• Driver's license
• Passport
• Residency card

Proof of current home address is also required. One of the following documents must be provided to verify a candidate's current address: 

• Driver's license with current address
• Utility bill
• Bank statement

Candidates living and/or working in England or Wales will need to meet the identity verification requirement, which is achieved through the digital verification process. Candidates will complete this process during the apply flow and will need to provide documents consistent with the documentation combinations listed below.

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Document Combinations

Route 1 (for UK national candidates needing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The applicant must be able to show the following:

• 1 document from Group 1a, below; and
• 1 further document from either Group 1, Group 2a, or Group 2b, below

The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name, address, and date of birth (DOB). If this can’t be achieved within 2 documents a third can be selected.

If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit an application for DBS basic check. This is because the right to work in the UK can’t be established.

Route 2 (for UK national candidates needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK)

If the applicant doesn’t have any of the documents in Group 1, they must be able to show:

• 1 document from Group 2a
• 2 further documents from either Group 2a or 2b

The combination of documents presented must confirm the applicant’s name, address, and date of birth.

If an applicant is unable to provide this documentation they can’t submit an application for a DBS basic check.

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Identity Documents

Group 1: Primary identity documents

Group 1a: Primary identity documents for non-UK nationals needing a DBS check for paid work in the UK

• A current passport or passport card showing that the holder is a national of Ireland.
• A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom indefinitely.
• A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder indicating that the person named is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.
• Online evidence of immigration status. Either via the View and Prove service or using the BRP or BRC online service. Issued by the Home Office to the employer or prospective employer, which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question. Must be valid. Note: this includes the EUSS digital status confirmation
• A current passport endorsed to show that the holder is exempt from immigration control, is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK, has the right of abode in the UK, or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.
• A current Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office to the holder with an endorsement indicating that the named person is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK or has no time limit on their stay in the UK, together with an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer
• A current passport endorsed to show that the holder is allowed to stay in the UK and is currently allowed to do the type of work in question.
• A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder which indicates that the named person can currently stay in the UK and is allowed to do the work in question.
• A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom for a time-limited period and to do the type of work in question.
• A frontier worker permit issued under regulation 8 of the Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.
• A current Immigration Status Document containing a photograph issued by the Home Office to the holder with a valid endorsement indicating that the named person may stay in the UK, and is allowed to do the type of work in question, together with an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a Government agency or a previous employer.
• A document issued by the Home Office showing that the holder has made an application for leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the immigration rules on or before 30 June 2021 together with a Positive Verification Notice from the Home Office Employer Checking Service.
• An Application Registration Card issued by the Home Office stating that the holder is permitted to take the employment in question, together with a Positive Verification Notice from the Home Office Employer Checking Service.
• A Positive Verification Notice issued by the Home Office Employer Checking Service to the employer or prospective employer, which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question.

Group 2a: Trusted government documents

Group 2b: Financial and social history documents

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Candidates who have been adopted

If a candidate was adopted before the age of 10, they do not need to provide their surname at birth. This is because the age of criminal responsibility is deemed to be 10 years under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, Chapter 12, Section 50. This means that there is no possibility that an individual could have a criminal record in a name that was used until the age of 10.

Related article:

• United Kingdom: What is United Kingdom Identity Verification?

If remote, the candidate's documentation can be verified through digital identity verification.

For more information, please refer to DBS digital identity verification guidance.

Related articles:

• United Kingdom: What is United Kingdom Identity Verification?
• United Kingdom: What is the UK Declaration form?

Identity Document Validation (IDV) validates that the identity document provided by the candidate is authentic and valid in circulation. IDV is available globally as a screening.

UK Identity Verification validates the identity document belonging to the candidate and conducts a liveness check that is certified by the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). UK Identity Verification is required for candidates with an England or Wales work location or constituent country.