If you are working or volunteering in the Province of British Columbia you may need to get a BC criminal record check. Criminal background checks are also done for the purpose of a Record Suspension. Other reasons you may need a record check include:
- Business or professional licences
- Travel visas
- Adoption
- US Entry Waiver
There are a few different ways to obtain a criminal record check in BC.
BC criminal record check at a local police station
This is the most common way to obtain a BC criminal record check. Depending on where you live, you will need to go to the local RCMP station or city police detachment. A Police Information Check includes outstanding charges and convictions.
In Vancouver, you should go to 2120 Cambie Street. For other communities, check the website or call for instructions. You have to attend the station where you live. For example, if you live in Richmond, you cannot go to the Vancouver Police. You need to go to the Richmond RCMP detachment.
In most cases, the fee for employer police checks and Record Suspension police checks are the same, at around $70. Let them know why you need the police check.
For the volunteer sector, local police do regular police checks and vulnerable sector police checks in BC. If you need a vulnerable sector check, the organization will let you know. Volunteer checks and student practicum checks usually cost less than standard police checks (around $25).
Generally, you will need two pieces of ID to get a police check. It can take two to three days for simple checks, and up to four weeks if you have moved around a lot in the past five years, or if further review is needed.
Free volunteer police checks
In order to assist non-profit agencies, the BC government made Vulnerable Sector police checks free for non-profits in 2013. Vulnerable sector checks will reveal any sexual offences even if a pardon has been received. Vulnerable sector checks for profit-based companies still must be paid for either by the employer or the employee. As well, some non-profit agencies have not registered for the free checks.
If the organization is registered, you can get a police check for the volunteer sector online through BC’s Electronic Identity Verification (EIV) process. If not, you can attend the police station and pay the fee. In some cases, due to a lack of credit history or limited time in Canada, you may not be able to use the electronic system and must attend the police station.
Use private companies for a criminal record check BC online
There are also private companies that will provide background checks in BC. In many cases, you can sign up online for these services. Some employers have contracts with these systems and will give you an online link to use. However, if you are applying for a Record Suspension or US Entry Waiver, you should go to your local police detachment.
How to clear your record
A Record Suspension seals your record in Canada. If you need a clear criminal background check in BC for work, school or volunteering we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation on the Record Suspension process at 1-866-972-7366.