How to Prepare for a Digital Fingerprinting Session?

Preparing to attend a session of digital fingerprinting does not need to be an anxious situation. Along with submitting a job application, volunteering at a company, or going through the immigration procedures, you will find it easy to do when you have the initial knowledge of what to count on. In the case of persons requiring fingerprints to verify citizenship in Canada, preparation is key in the process to make the first time successful. Moving in the right direction in advance can save you much of your time, alleviate the stress you have, and prevent possible delays in your application process.

In this article, we shall guide you through all that you need to do before you come to your appointment, and items you should remember to carry with you, and we shall ensure you have a successful digital fingerprinting experience throughout.

Why Digital Printing Matters?                     

Digital fingerprinting is different from the customary ink and paper prints, as it takes a digital picture of your prints. This is so much quicker, mess-free, and precise. The prints are sent directly to the RCMP or other involved authorities; hence, the likelihood of human error is eliminated, and they accelerate background checks.If you're submitting fingerprints for Canadian citizenship, you’ll likely need this process completed at an RCMP-accredited agency. Citizenship applicants are often required to provide biometric verification, especially if there are gaps in their background information or further identity verification is needed.

Booking Your Appointment

The first step is to find a reliable, RCMP-certified service provider like VS Fingerprinting. Many providers allow you to book online or over the phone. When booking, be clear about the reason for your session—whether it's employment, immigration, or fingerprints for Canadian citizenship. This ensures your prints are processed under the correct category and reach the right agency.

Try to schedule your session a few days in advance to give yourself time to gather the necessary documents. Avoid waiting until the last minute, especially if you’re under a deadline.

What to Bring With You

Before you leave for your appointment, make sure you’ve gathered everything required. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• Two pieces of valid government-issued ID (at least one with a photo).

• Any referral or instruction letters provided by your employer, immigration consultant, or government agency.

• A file number or document ID, if applicable, especially when submitting fingerprints for Canadian citizenship.

• Payment method (many centres accept debit/credit cards, but it’s worth confirming ahead of time).

It’s also a good idea to confirm your appointment time and location to avoid any mix-ups.

Preparing Your Hands

This might sound basic, but the condition of your hands can significantly affect the quality of your digital fingerprinting. Dry skin, cuts, or lotions can interfere with how well your prints are captured.

A few tips:

• Avoid using hand lotion on the day of your appointment—it can cause smudging.

• Moisturize your hands the night before if your skin tends to be dry.

• If you have cuts or bandages, inform the technician. They may still be able to capture partial prints, but it depends on the location of the injury.

• Clean, undamaged fingers make the process quicker and more reliable.
  

What to Expect During the Session

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a technician who will guide you through the process. You’ll need to present your ID and any supporting documents. The technician will then scan your fingerprints using a specialized machine that captures each print digitally.

For those submitting fingerprints for Canadian citizenship, the session may include additional identity verification steps. It’s typically over in less than 20 minutes unless complications arise due to poor fingerprint quality or missing paperwork.

After Your Appointment

Depending on your reason for the fingerprinting, the results may be sent directly to the requesting agency or provided to you in a sealed envelope. For fingerprints for Canadian citizenship, the results are usually sent straight to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through a secure electronic system.

Make sure to get a confirmation or receipt showing that your prints were taken and where they were sent. Keep this for your records in case there are any issues or delays.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes prints can’t be captured properly. This could be due to scarred or worn fingerprints, or dry skin that prevents clear imaging. If this happens, the technician might attempt multiple scans. In rare cases, you might be referred for manual ink fingerprinting as a backup.

If you’re worried about the quality of your prints—for example, if you’ve worked with chemicals, construction materials, or have skin conditions—discuss this with the provider in advance.

The Importance of Using a Trusted Service

Not all service providers are the same. When booking digital fingerprinting, especially for something as sensitive as fingerprints for Canadian citizenship, accuracy and professionalism are essential. A good provider ensures your data is handled securely, your prints meet RCMP standards, and your session is conducted efficiently.

VS Fingerprinting is trusted across Canada for offering reliable, RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting services. With skilled technicians, fast processing, and full compliance with Canadian legal requirements, they help take the stress out of your fingerprinting session.

Whether you're applying for a job, renewing a license, or finalizing your fingerprints for Canadian citizenship, let VS Fingerprinting handle it with care and precision.