US Waiver for Canadians

I successfully received my Pardon from the Parole Board of Canada back in 2013 after a gruelling three year wait. Ill-advised, I applied with assistance from the organization,  Pardons Canada . I later determined they added little value to the process (you really can file for a Pardon on your own) . Fortunately, I received my Pardon before it evolved into it's current form as the Harper-initiated " Record Suspension " (a somewhat diluted version of the old Pardon) . Fast forward to a few months ago. I had the opportunity to do some volunteer work with an organization which requires participants to provide a Background Check ( Records Check ). It was my first chance to see whether or not the Pardon had successfully wiped my records from CPIC . Obviously, I had some reservations as to whether or not my records had actually been wiped (not everything always goes as planned) . As this was a last-minute opportunity, I decided to apply for an express Record Check (same da...

Note: Starting July 1st 2014, the RCMP will only accept electronic fingerprint submissions for the purposes of obtaining a waiver or other civil cause. Processing times currently range from 22 weeks for paper submission to under 3 business days for electronic submission. Contact one of the accredited companies or police services to submit your fingerprints electronically. See notice on the main page of the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services site:  http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/fing-empr2-eng.htm

I asked a question about NEXUS (frequent traveller program) at the CBP Info Center and received a response in about 3 days.  As a Canadian with a criminal record, if I have an I-194 waiver, can I apply for and be granted a NEXUS card? Thank you for contacting the CBP Info Center. If you have a waiver, it is unlikely that you will be eligible for NEXUS membership based off of the general eligibility requirements and checks (ie: criminal background check).

Question: Do I need to re do the  C-216C  with fingerprint chart and resubmit it to the RCMP for a date stamp and endorsement? Answer: Yes, for each renewal, you will have to resubmit C-216C to the RCMP. You can now file electronically at many of the accredited fingerprinting agencies throughout Canada that utilize the Canadian Real Time Identification Services Division ( CCRTIS ). Processing time by the RCMP if electronically filed is  dramatically reduced .

Still waiting for your criminal record check? The RCMP has provided an email address for which you can check the status. Email civilnps@rcmp-grc.gc.ca providing ONLY the following information: Your full name Your date of birth Type of application you submitted – (Vulnerable Sector Check, Criminal Record Check) Date your application was submitted to the RCMP Daytime phone number where you can be reached on weekdays source:  http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/app-dem-eng.htm

Wait times for a criminal record checks seem to have been getting much better particularly if you use the electronic fingerprint submission. RCMP recently updated their site for processing times. I received my most recent criminal record check in about 8 business days after it was electronically submitted through Morpho in Ottawa. source:  http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/time-temps-eng.htm

Are police revealing too much in criminal record checks? According to the The Canadian Civil Liberties Association ( CCLA ) they certainly are. CCLA released a report Monday which accuses police of disclosing “non-conviction” information including withdrawn charges, acquittals and complaints to police where charges were never laid.  The report highlights the discrimination that can be faced by people who – in spite of the fact that they have never been convicted of any crime – may be refused employment, volunteer positions or travel permits due to their police record. Many individuals are not aware that this type of information is disclosed in police checks. Moreover, unlike formal criminal records, which are governed by federal legislation, procedures for removing non-conviction information from a background check are often unclear, unfair and convoluted. source: Presumption of Guilt? Don't forget that all of this information is stored in CPIC ...