Embassy of the United States Ottawa, Canada

U.S. citizens applying for permanent residence and some other services in Canada may be required to furnish FBI and local police certificates from the United States. These police certificates usually require fingerprinting.

Police Certificates from the FBI

The following are required in order to obtain a copy of your FBI records:

• Your fingerprint card.
• A note requesting a copy of your FBI record.
• A certified check or money order in the amount of US$18 made payable to the Treasury of the United States. If made payable to the FBI the fingerprints will be rejected.
• Your current mailing address

Mail these to:

FBI - CJIS Division
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
Attn: Liaison Unit D-2

Local police certificates

To obtain a police certificate from any state, please contact the state police or any police station in that state and ask them for instructions; or check the home page of the State Police in your home state. A record of your fingerprints will be required.

Where to get fingerprints

Fingerprinting can be performed by International Fingerprinting Services Canada. Their fee is CA$20 to CA$25 (depending upon which location you choose) and you will be required to show a photo I.D.

Below is a list of IFS locations. Some locations require an appointment in advance and some locations have limited office hours. Please visit the IFS Canada website for more detailed information.