Canadian Criminal Background Check for Teaching in Korea
Canadian applicants must submit an RCMP-issued fingerprint-based Criminal Record Check (Form C-216C), apostilled by Global Affairs Canada, for the E-2 teaching visa. Here's the exact step-by-step process for 2026.
What Is the RCMP Check?
In Canada, the national-level Criminal Record Check (CRC) is handled by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The check determines whether an individual has been charged or convicted of a crime in Canada. For the Korean E-2 teaching visa, the Korean Ministry of Justice requires a fingerprint-based RCMP check — not a name-based check.
The processing chain is: fingerprinting at an accredited agency → electronic submission to RCMP Ottawa → original mailed to you → apostille by Global Affairs Canada → shipped to Korea. Total time: roughly 6–8 weeks.
Important: Your name on the RCMP check must EXACTLY match the name on your passport. Always photocopy the original before sending for apostille — the full apostille turnaround can take weeks.
Last Verified
Last verified against Korvia's current RCMP criminal check, apostille, and Korea document-preparation guidance for Canadian applicants.
Form C-216C — The Only Accepted Version
The C-216C is the RCMP's official form for a certified, fingerprint-based Criminal Record Check. It is the only version Korean immigration accepts.
Fingerprint-Based (Accepted)
Uses biometric identity matching. The RCMP matches your prints against the National Repository of Criminal Records. This is the C-216C form and the only version accepted by the Korean Consulate since April 1, 2015.
Name-Based (NOT Accepted)
A name + date-of-birth database search. Cheaper and faster, but does not verify identity biometrically. Korean immigration rejects name-based checks for E-2 visa applications. Do not order this version.
Why Korea Requires Fingerprints
Name-based checks can be defeated by common or similar names, typos, or identity fraud. Fingerprints guarantee the check is tied to you specifically. As of April 1, 2015, the Korean Consulate will only notarize (now apostille) fingerprint-based RCMP checks for the E-2 teaching visa.
Step-by-Step Process
Five steps from fingerprinting to a Korean-visa-ready apostilled RCMP certificate.
Get Fingerprinted at an Accredited Agency
Visit an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company, Commissionaires office, or local police service. Bring government photo ID and your passport. State the reason as: Foreign travel — Visas, U.S. Waivers, Border Crossing.
Agency Submits C-216C to RCMP Ottawa
The accredited agency forwards your prints and Form C-216C electronically to the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) in Ottawa for processing.
Receive the Original RCMP Certificate
RCMP mails the original Certified Criminal Record Check (C.R.C.) to your Canadian address. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks once prints arrive at CCRTIS. Photocopy the original for your own records before sending it onward.
Apostille at Global Affairs Canada
Since January 11, 2024, Canada is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Mail the ORIGINAL, un-notarized RCMP check to the Authentication Services Section at Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa for apostille.
Ship the Apostilled Document to Korvia / EPIK
Once apostilled, the document is returned to you. Ship the original apostilled RCMP check directly to Korvia or your EPIK Final Documents package. Use trackable international courier (FedEx, DHL, or Canada Post Xpresspost International).
How Long and How Much
Budget 6–8 weeks from fingerprinting to apostilled document in hand, plus 1–2 weeks for international shipping to Korea. Fees are approximate and vary by region and service provider.
| Stage | Time | Approx. Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprinting Appointment | Same day | CAD $50–$100 |
| RCMP C-216C Processing (Ottawa) | 1–2 weeks | CAD $25 (RCMP fee, usually included) |
| Mail RCMP Check → Global Affairs Canada | 3–7 days (courier) | Courier cost |
| Apostille Processing (Global Affairs) | 2–4 weeks | Free (as of 2024) |
| Return Shipping to You | 3–7 days | Courier cost |
| Ship to Korvia / EPIK in Korea | 5–10 days (international) | CAD $40–$80 |
Fees and processing times are subject to change. Current authoritative sources: RCMP (rcmp-grc.gc.ca) for C-216C; Global Affairs Canada (international.gc.ca) for apostille.
Common Issues That Cause Rejection
Most RCMP-related delays are avoidable. Here are the four most frequent problems Korvia sees with Canadian applicants.
Name Mismatch With Passport
Your name on the RCMP check must EXACTLY match your passport. Middle names, hyphens, and accented characters must be identical — even a small spelling variance can cause Korean immigration to reject the document.
Old or Expired Check
Korean immigration typically accepts RCMP checks issued within the past 6 months. If your application drags on, the check may expire before the E-2 visa is issued and you'll need to reorder.
International Shipping Delay
Mailing from Canada to Korea without tracking can add 2–4 weeks of uncertainty. Always use a trackable courier. Lost documents mean starting the entire RCMP + apostille process over.
Apostille Confusion (Pre-2024 Info)
Older guides still reference Authentication + Korean Consulate notarization. That process ended January 11, 2024 — Canada now uses a single apostille from Global Affairs Canada. Do not follow outdated instructions.
Who Can Fingerprint Me?
You have four accredited pathways for getting your prints taken and submitted electronically to RCMP Ottawa. The RCMP publishes the full list of accredited providers at rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting Companies
Private companies approved by the RCMP to take and electronically submit fingerprints. Fastest and most common path. Full list at rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
Commissionaires
Nationwide network offering fingerprinting services for employment, immigration, and licensing. Present in most major Canadian cities.
Local Police Service
Some municipal and provincial police services offer RCMP-criminal-record-check fingerprinting. Availability varies — call ahead to confirm fingerprint capability (not just name-based checks).
Mobile Fingerprint Services
Some accredited providers offer mobile fingerprinting at your home or office for a premium fee. Useful if you live far from a fixed location.
Official RCMP List
Always verify your chosen provider appears on the official RCMP accreditation list before booking: rcmp-grc.gc.ca → accredited fingerprinting companies. Unaccredited providers cannot submit electronically to CCRTIS and their prints will not produce a valid C-216C.
How Korvia Supports Canadian Applicants
Korvia pre-reviews every document in your EPIK Final Documents package — including the apostilled RCMP check — before it goes to the Korean program. We catch name mismatches, missing apostilles, and expired checks before EPIK does, saving weeks of re-submission. If you have a record of any kind, we review it privately with you and advise on viable programs and disclosure requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How long is the RCMP check valid for the Korean E-2 visa?
Korean immigration typically accepts RCMP Criminal Record Checks issued within the past 6 months. If your E-2 visa issuance takes longer than that window, you may be asked to obtain a new check. We recommend ordering your RCMP check no earlier than 3–4 months before your planned arrival in Korea.
Q.Can I apply to EPIK or a hagwon while the RCMP check is processing?
Yes. You can begin your EPIK or hagwon application and submit scanned copies of your other documents first. The RCMP check is part of the Final Documents package submitted after the interview stage — just factor the 6–8 week total timeline into your planning.
Q.What's the difference between a name-based check and the fingerprint (C-216C) check?
A name-based check only searches the RCMP database for records tied to your name and date of birth. A fingerprint-based C-216C (Certified Criminal Record Check) confirms identity through biometric matching and is the only version Korean immigration accepts for the E-2 visa. Since April 1, 2015, name-based checks are NOT accepted for Korea.
Q.Can I mail the RCMP check directly to Korea, or must it return to Canada first?
It must go through Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa for apostille first — Korean immigration will reject an un-apostilled RCMP check. Global Affairs will return the apostilled document to the Canadian address you provided. From there, you ship it internationally to Korvia or your EPIK Final Documents address.
Q.What if I have a criminal record on file?
The Korean E-2 visa has specific disqualifying offenses, but not all records automatically disqualify you. If anything appears on your RCMP check, speak to your Korvia recruiter privately before submitting. We'll review the record and advise whether to proceed, appeal, or consider alternative programs.
Q.Where is the Authentication Services Section located?
Authentication Services Section, Global Affairs Canada, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2, Canada. Mailing is handled by courier — walk-in service has been discontinued. Full details and the latest mailing instructions are at international.gc.ca → apostille-convention.
Ready to Teach in Korea?
Start your application with Korvia and we'll guide you through the RCMP check, apostille, and every other Canadian-specific step of the E-2 visa process.