WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FBI (FD258/fd1164) AND C216C FINGERPRINT CARD?
1. FBI Fingerprint Cards (FD-258 / FD-1164)
Purpose:
Used for criminal background checks in the United States.
Commonly required for FBI background checks, immigration, employment, licensing, or visa applications.
Types:
FD-258: Standard FBI fingerprint card. Used for most applicants.
FD-1164: Applicant fingerprint card, sometimes used for agencies or special requests.
Features:
Contains ten fingerprints (rolled) + plain impressions
Includes personal information fields: Name, DOB, place of birth, social security number, and reason for fingerprinting
Designed to meet FBI standards for criminal record submission
Must be scanned or mailed to FBI or authorized channels
Use Cases:
FBI background checks
US work visa or immigration
Security clearance
Employment checks
2. C216C Fingerprint Card
Purpose:
A Canadian-specific fingerprint card used mainly for RCMP background checks (Criminal Record Check or CPIC check).
Often required for immigration, employment, volunteer work, or licensing in Canada.
Features:
Includes rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingers
Contains applicant information fields similar to FD-258, but tailored to RCMP requirements
Submitted to RCMP electronically or via mail for Canadian criminal record checks
Must comply with Canadian fingerprint standards
Use Cases:
RCMP criminal record checks (Canada)
Canadian immigration applications (PR, citizenship, study/work permits)
Employment / volunteer background verification in Canada
Key Differences
| Feature | FBI FD-258 / FD-1164 | C216C (Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Agency | FBI | RCMP |
| Purpose | Criminal checks, immigration, employment, licensing | Criminal record checks for immigration, employment, volunteer work |
| Standards | FBI fingerprint standards | RCMP fingerprint standards |
| Submission | FBI-approved channels | RCMP-approved channels |
| Card Format | US-standard card with FBI fields | Canadian-standard card with RCMP fields |
Key Differences
✅ In short:
FD-258/FD-1164 → USA / FBI use
C216C → Canada / RCMP use
They are not interchangeable. If you submit the wrong card, your application can be rejected.
Process
What to Bring
Cost
Results
Process
- We will take your fingerprints electronically using the Livescan system.
- The fingerprinting card will include rolled and flat fingerprint impressions.
- Your fingerprint card will be printed and given to you on the spot.
- You will need to follow the instructions and send the fingerprinting card to the requesting country.
1. Prepare Required Documents
Valid ID (Passport, CNIC, or Driver’s License)
Fingerprint card (FD-258/FD-1164 for FBI, C216C for RCMP)
Request letter / authorization from employer, immigration authority, or agency
Payment receipt if applicable
2. Schedule an Appointment
Book a slot at a certified fingerprinting agency (Ink-based or digital)
Some agencies accept walk-ins, but appointment is recommended
3. Fingerprint Capture
Ink-based: Fingers rolled with ink on the card (traditional)
Digital / Live Scan: Fingers scanned electronically
Ensure all 10 fingers are captured (rolled + flat impressions)
Tips:
Fingers should be clean, dry, and free from cuts or lotion
Agency staff will review card for quality
4. Complete Forms
Fill out applicant details on the card:
Full name, DOB, place of birth
Address and contact info
Reason for fingerprinting
Attach request letters / authorization if required
5. Submission to Authority
FBI (FD-258 / FD-1164): Mail to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) or authorized channel
RCMP (C216C): Submit electronically via authorized agency or mail to RCMP
6. Acknowledgment
Some agencies provide a receipt or reference number
You can use this to track submission or follow up
7. Processing & Results
FBI: 7–14 business days (may vary)
RCMP: 3–10 business days (no record) / 15–30 business days (if record exists)
Results are sent to requesting authority or directly to the applicant
8. Delivery
Results are delivered via:
Email / Online portal
Mail / Hard copy
Direct submission to embassy, employer, or immigration office
What to bring
The Applicant must provide two pieces of valid government-issued identification. Please bring both the ORIGINAL and COPY of your IDs.
The primary identification that may be accepted includes:
- Driver’s License (issued by Canadian Province or Territory)
- Foreign Driver’s License
- Canadian Passport
- Foreign Passport
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- Canadian Permanent Resident Card
- Certification of Indian Status
- Student Identity Card from foreign Institute
- Firearms Possession Certificate
- Firearms Acquisition Certificate
- Record of Landing
- Canadian National Institute of the Blind Identification Card
- Federal / Provincial / Municipal Identification Card
- Military Family Identification Card
- Work or Study Permit issued to a Foreign National
The Secondary Identification that may be accepted includes:
- Birth Certificate
- Baptismal Certificate
- Hunting License
- Fishing License
- Marriage License
- Hospital Card
- Immigration Papers
- Union Membership Card
- Private Industry Employee Identification Cards
NOTE:
As per RCMP requirements:
- SIN Card, Health Card and Credit Card are NOT acceptable.
- ONLY original IDs or certified copies (as secondary ID only) are accepted. One of the two IDs has to have the applicant’s photo and signature on it.
Cost
Click here to see price list in Ontario and Alberta
Result
Sample of FBI (FD-258/FD-1164) and C216C Fingerprint card
LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT ACCEPT
C-216C FINGERPRINT CARD:
- Algeria
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Brunei
- Dubai
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Iran
- Indonesia
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Liberia
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Thailand
- Tanzania
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Thailand
- Uganda
- UAE
- Qatar
- South Africa
- Sudan
- Singapore
- Zambia
LIST OF COUNTRIES THAT DO not
accept c-216c fingerprint card
- Australia
- Bahrain
- Egypt (Separate fingerprint card from Embassy – Actual Ink and roll fingerprint)
- Saudi Arabia
- United Kingdom (No fingerprints needed for background check)
- Philippines (Separate fingerprint card from Embassy – Actual Ink and roll fingerprint)
- Jordan (No fingerprints needed for background check)
- Brazil (No fingerprints needed for background check)
- South Korea
*Please note that these lists could be changed at any time depending on the change of requirements from those countries. Please go to the government website to check if your country accepts them.
