A Guide to Background Checks in Canada
Whether you have candidates in Canada or all over the globe, Checkr makes it easy for you to quickly scale your hiring while minimizing the complexity of evolving background check laws.
Hiring outside the US can be complex. Laws and regulations related to background checks vary by country and are always evolving, while language and cultural nuances also add complexity.
Here’s what you need to know about the different types of screenings Checkr provides for people working in Canada, or those who are working elsewhere in the world and have a history of working or living in Canada.
Criminal search
What is it?
A national-level search in Canada that returns available criminal conviction records.
Source
Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC)
Information requirements
- Candidate's last name, first name, middle name
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Address
- Authorization form
- Special release and self-declaration forms are required for this search.
- Identity verification: Digital identity verification is performed with a credit bureau-based verification as a secondary stage. Additional video verification may be necessary that requires validation of two pieces of valid, government-issued identification.
Estimated turnaround time
On average 2 to 3 business days
Order a Canada background check
Education verification
What is it?
The verification of academic status of any educational level such as high school, college, and post-grad. It may include institution name, dates of attendance, graduation/conferred date, degree obtained, major, minor, honors, awards, and comments.
Source
The searches are conducted through the specified education institution requested.
Information requirements
- Candidate's last name, first name, middle name (at time of enrollment)
- Institution name
- Institution address
- Institution telephone number (include point of contact)
- Dates of attendance
- Graduation date
- Degree type
- Major
- Minor
- Copy of degree
- Authorization form
Some institutions may require additional documentation. Upon request from the institution, Checkr will notify you of any additional requirements.
Estimated turnaround time
On average 6 to 8 days. Some verifications may take longer to complete depending on the cooperation with the institutions being verified.
Employment verification
What is it?
Verification of previous employment history to confirm work experience. The report may include such information as the employer's name, dates of employment, position/title, and/or reason for leaving. Salary information will be provided if available for disclosure by the source.
Source
Government agencies and employers across the country. Sometimes the records of former employees are not kept in a searchable form, and contacting the supervisor or manager is normal practice.
Information requirements
- Candidate's last name, first name, middle name
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Employer’s name
- Employer’s address
- Employer’s telephone number
- Dates of employment
- Position/title
- Reason for leaving
- Authorization form
Some employers may have unique processes for providing verifications that may include special authorization forms, experience letters, employment reference letters, etc. Additional requirements will be communicated at the time of ordering if the need for additional information arises with a specific employer.
Estimated turnaround time
On average 6 to 8 days. Some verifications may take longer to complete depending on the cooperation with the organizations being verified.
Global watchlist
What is it?
The Global Watchlist Search product provides a thorough search of multiple national and international repositories and government watchlists. The search consists of thousands of databases, many of which are updated daily to provide more up-to-date coverage.
Source
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), FBI Most Wanted (including terrorists), FBI Seeking Information, FBI Hijack Suspects, Politically Exposed Persons, governmental lists, sanctions, enforcements, and warnings from over 500 agencies, criminal courts, and news sources from around the world.
Information requirements
- Candidate's last name, first name
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Authorization form
Estimated turnaround time
On average 2 days. Verifications will be closed, as Unable to Verify, after 15 business days of unsuccessful attempts.
International motor vehicle report (MVR)
What is it?
Assesses the validity of a license, its class or classes, and any current suspensions. International MVR provides information on whether the driver is legally eligible to drive. It includes the information present on a physical driver’s license. International MVR is available to candidates with a Canadian work location and a Canadian driver’s license.
Source
The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) data connection for each province is the data source for this screening.
Information requirements
- Candidate's last name, first name, middle name
- Country of issue
- Province of issue
- Driver license number
- License class
- License expiration date
Estimated turnaround time
Unless there are exceptions that require additional input from the candidate, turnaround time is real-time, within seconds.
International motor vehicle report with History (MVR)
What is it?
International MVR with History expands on International MVR results to include driver history information such as convictions, violations, and conditions. IMVR with History is available to candidates with a Canadian work location and a Canadian driver’s license.
Source
The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) data connection for each province is the data source for this screening.
Information requirements
- Candidate's last name, first name, middle name
- Country of issue
- Province of issue
- Driver license number
- License class
- License expiration date
Estimated turnaround time
The average turnaround time varies depending on the location but ranges from hours to weeks.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, and we encourage you to seek your own independent counsel when evaluating these services. Importantly, the specific screenings offered by Checkr do not guarantee an organization’s legal rights to request or use them. Several factors, including the residency and location of your organization and your candidates, may implicate additional data privacy and employment laws.
Read more
A guide to background checks in the UK
Learn about the different types of screenings Checkr provides for people in the UK.
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