How much does a Vulnerable Sector Check cost?

The federal RCMP processing fee is $25, waived for volunteers who provide an organization letter stating they will not be paid. Local police service fees are separate and vary — even with the federal fee waived, your police service may charge a local fee. In BC, the provincial CRRP charges $28 (free for volunteers). Court-ordered volunteer work does not qualify for the federal waiver.

Where do I get a Vulnerable Sector Check?

You must apply through the local police service where you live — your municipal police or RCMP detachment. BC is an exception: VSCs go through the provincial Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP), not the local police counter. Private or third-party fingerprinting companies cannot issue a VSC.

How long does a Vulnerable Sector Check take?

Without fingerprints: name-and-date-of-birth searches with no match take up to 3 business days at RCMP CCRTIS. If fingerprints are required (due to a possible match or identity confirmation issue), it can take up to 120 business days. In BC, the CRRP takes up to 15 business days without fingerprints, and approximately 12 weeks with fingerprints. Processing times at local police services vary.

How long is a Vulnerable Sector Check valid?

A VSC has no legislated expiry date. It is a point-in-time snapshot. The requesting organization sets how recently a check must have been completed for your position. A new check may be required for a new position or after a period set by the organization.

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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.

The three levels of police record check

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

Who needs a VSC?

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.

How to get a Vulnerable Sector Check

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.

What 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.

Fees

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

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). Adds time and cost.

RCMP CCRTIS: no match — up to 3 business days; possible match or manual review — up to 120 business days.

Province-specific notes

Most provinces and territories follow the standard process — your local police or RCMP detachment. BC and Ontario have specific variations worth knowing.

Select your province or territory

Limits and validity

ExpiryA VSC has no legislated expiry date — the requesting organization sets how recent a check must be.

Point in timeA VSC is a point-in-time snapshot; a new check may be required for a new position or after a set period.

Position must qualifyPolice must refuse a VSC for an ineligible position. VSCs cannot be used for adoptions.

Ontario rightsIn Ontario: results go to the applicant first to confirm accuracy. Some information (victim/witness contact, non-criminal mental-health contact) cannot be disclosed.

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.

Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Last verified: July 2026 · Fees and processes may change — verify with your local police service or rcmp.ca.