This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between organizations and can change. Always confirm with the organization requesting your check which type of check it accepts.
The stages of a check
- Application: you enter your details and give consent.
- Payment: you pay the fee and applicable taxes.
- Identity verification: you complete the provider's verification steps.
- Screening: the provider conducts the name-based search.
- Result: you are notified by email and view your result in your secure account.
What typical turnaround means
Many checks are completed typically within 15 minutes after identity verification is successfully completed. That timing starts after verification, not when you start your application, and it is not guaranteed.
Why some checks take longer
- Additional review is needed by the screening provider.
- A possible match cannot be confirmed by name and date of birth alone, and fingerprint verification is required.
- Identity verification needs to be repeated or completed another way.
- Delays at the provider or the record sources it queries.
Keeping track
You can follow your application's status from your account at any time. Status updates reflect real progress reported by the provider. If your application has been waiting for an unusual length of time, contact support with your application reference.
Written by the Ontario Criminal Record Check editorial team · Published Oct 26, 2026 · Updated Oct 26, 2026
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