Vulnerable Sector Check (2026)
A Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is the most comprehensive police record check in Canada. It is required for people in positions of trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons, and it must be done through your local police service (or BC's provincial CRRP). This guide covers what it is, the three check levels, how to get one, fees, and province-specific notes.
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The three levels of police record check
Open this section ↓Names vary by police service, presented here by function.
Criminal Record Check (CRC)
Basic check: convictions plus some Youth Criminal Justice Act findings. Not sufficient for positions working with vulnerable people.
Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check / Police Information Check (PIC)
CRC plus discharges, outstanding charges, warrants, and certain judicial orders. The name varies by police service.
Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
The enhanced check: everything above, plus record suspensions (pardons) for sexual offences, NCR findings, and (strict test) certain non-conviction information.
Source: RCMP: Types of certified criminal record checks
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Who needs a VSC?
Open this section ↓Required for people in positions of trust or authority over children (under 18) or vulnerable persons. It is the nature of the position, not mere contact with vulnerable people, that triggers the requirement.
The requesting organization decides to require a VSC and how often to repeat it. The applicant consents but does not choose the check type.
It is an offence to run a VSC for a position that does not legally qualify. Results are released only to organizations in Canada.
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How to get a Vulnerable Sector Check
Open this section ↓Where to apply
Must be obtained through the local police service where you live, either the municipal police or RCMP detachment.
Private or third-party fingerprinting companies cannot issue a VSC.
↑ Close this sectionWhat to bring
- •Position description
- •Name and address of the staffing organization
- •Description of the vulnerable persons involved
- •If volunteering: a letter from the organization (org name/address, applicant name, reason, and a statement that you will not be paid)
Identification requirements vary by police service. There is no universal national list.
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Fees
Open this section ↓Federal RCMP fee$25 federal processing fee, waived for volunteers who provide an organization letter.Local service feeLocal police fees are separate and vary by service. Even with the federal fee waived, a local fee may still apply.Court-ordered volunteersCourt-ordered "volunteer" work does not qualify for the federal waiver.As of 2026-07 · RCMP: Processing times and fees
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Fingerprints
Required only when a name and date-of-birth search cannot confirm identity, or when there is a possible match (including to a pardoned sex-offender record).Open this section ↓Required only when a name and date-of-birth search cannot confirm identity, or when there is a possible match (including to a pardoned sex-offender record). Adds time and cost.
RCMP CCRTIS: no match, up to 3 business days; possible match or manual review, up to 120 business days.
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Province-specific notes
Most provinces and territories follow the standard process: your local police or RCMP detachment.Open this section ↓Most provinces and territories follow the standard process: your local police or RCMP detachment. BC and Ontario have specific variations worth knowing.
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Limits and validity
Open this section ↓A record suspension sets a conviction record aside and removes it from the CPIC database; a common trigger for applying is a police record check tied to employment or volunteering. The record suspension guide: PBC's nine steps and your waiting period →
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Free VSC checklist
Download a printable PDF covering: which check level you need, step-by-step how to apply, the volunteer letter requirements, fees, and fingerprint rules.Open this section ↓Download a printable PDF covering: which check level you need, step-by-step how to apply, the volunteer letter requirements, fees, and fingerprint rules.
↑ Close this sectionFree. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Open this section ↓What is a Vulnerable Sector Check?
A VSC is the most comprehensive police record check in Canada: it includes everything in a standard record check plus record suspensions (pardons) for sexual offences, NCR findings, and (under a strict test) certain non-conviction information. It is required for positions of trust or authority over children under 18 or vulnerable persons.
Who decides whether I need a VSC?
The requesting organization decides. The applicant consents but does not choose the check type. It is the nature of the position, not mere contact with vulnerable people, that triggers the requirement. Running a VSC for an ineligible position is an offence.
How much does a VSC cost?
The federal RCMP fee is $25, waived for volunteers who provide an organization letter. Local police fees are separate and vary. In BC, the provincial CRRP charges $28 (free for volunteers). Court-ordered volunteers do not qualify for the federal waiver. As of 2026-07.
Where do I get a VSC?
At your local municipal police service or RCMP detachment. BC is an exception: apply through the provincial Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP), not the local police counter. Third-party fingerprinting companies cannot issue a VSC.
How long is a VSC valid?
There is no legislated expiry. A VSC is a point-in-time snapshot. The requesting organization sets how recently the check must have been done for your position.
Official sources
Facts checked October 2026 · Fees and processes may change. Verify with your local police service or rcmp.ca.
↑ Close this sectionGuidepost is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. Full disclaimer.