TORONTO, July 6, 2026 – The latest information from Toronto Police shows that processing times for police record check applications have lengthened. As of July 6, Toronto Police were processing some applications received in early June. Criminal Record Check applications were being processed for submissions received on June 1, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check applications for June 5, and Vulnerable Sector Check applications for June 4. Police also remind applicants that there is no expedited service for these checks.
Police Record Checks are often referred to by Chinese-speaking residents as “no criminal record certificates” or “background checks,” but for local use in Ontario, they are not a single type of document. Toronto Police’s online system offers several types of record checks, including Criminal Record Check, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, Vulnerable Sector Check and Broad Record Check. Applicants who are unsure which one they need should first confirm with the organization requesting the document. Police will not decide on behalf of an employer, school or volunteer organization which type is required.
Longer processing times may have a greater impact on residents applying for jobs, student placements, volunteer roles, or positions in education, health care, long-term care, child services or community services. Some roles require a background check result before a person can begin work or service. If residents wait until after receiving an offer to apply, the delay may affect employment, placement or training arrangements.
For newcomers, international students and seniors with limited English, one common problem is confusing different types of background checks. General retail, office, financial or other regular positions may only require a Criminal Record Check or Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. Roles involving children, seniors, people with disabilities or other vulnerable groups may require a Vulnerable Sector Check. Applicants should rely on the written requirement from the employer, school or organization before applying.
Toronto Police say online applications remain the fastest and most convenient option. Applicants must provide two pieces of government-issued identification, one of which must include a photograph and signature. An Ontario health card cannot be used as identification. For certain types of record checks connected to volunteer roles, Ontario has not charged a fee since April 1, 2022, but applicants usually need to upload an official letter from the volunteer organization.
Residents should also pay attention to residency requirements. Toronto Police only process applications from people who currently live in Toronto and whose postal code begins with “M.” Residents of Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga or other municipalities should apply through the police service or designated system for the area where they live. They should not submit an application to Toronto Police simply because the job is located in Toronto.
The Ontario government said in May that more than one million police record checks are processed across the province each year, with more than 70 per cent being Vulnerable Sector Checks. The province said it is working to reduce wait times and improve the application process. In practice, however, final processing times can still depend on the police service, the type of check and whether additional identity verification is required.
Residents who have already submitted an application should monitor their registered email address and junk mail folder to see whether police have requested additional documents or information. Incorrect application details, unclear identification documents, an incorrect organization code or the need for fingerprint verification may further extend the wait. Residents who need a record check for upcoming employment, placement or volunteer service should apply as soon as they receive the organization’s requirement and keep the application receipt or confirmation email so they can update an employer or school on the status.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
