Police Criminal Record Check
Applicants submitting Canadian police criminal records must do so online through Sterling Talent Solutions' myBackCheck app. CNO no longer accepts paper copies of police criminal record checks except for International Criminal Record Checks.
As part of the registration process, CNO requires all applicants for registration or reinstatement to provide a recent Canadian police criminal record check. This requirement is intended to protect the public from individuals who are not able to practice safe and ethical nursing.
Applicants submitting Canadian police criminal records must do so online through Sterling Talent Solutions' myBackCheck app. If you reside outside of Canada, we will accept a paper copy of a Criminal Record Check from the jurisdiction in which you currently reside.
FAQs: Police Criminal Record Checks
What type of police criminal record check do I need?
| Applicant | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant legally resides in Canada | ✔ | |
| Applicant legally resides in Canada but has also resided in other international jurisdictions after obtaining status in Canada | ✔ | ✔ |
| Applicant resides outside of Canada | ✔ |
Must be a recent (within 6 months) International PCRC
How do I get a police criminal record check?
Canadian residents must apply online using Sterling Talent Solutions’ myBackCheck app to obtain your criminal record check. You will need to use your CNO application number to log in to the app to register and begin your check. Note: Only applicants who have applied to become a nurse in Ontario will have an application number. If you do not have an application number, read these FAQs on how to apply to CNO online.
International residents can obtain and submit a police criminal record check from their local jurisdiction.
If you applied for reinstatement: and reside in Canada, you must also use myBackCheck. You can find your application number by logging on to Maintain Your Membership. For more information about reinstatement, read Reinstatement Requirements.
What are the online steps to get a Canadian police criminal record check?
- You must have your CNO application number on hand. To get your application number, log in to CNO’s applicant portal using your email and password, then select “My Application.”
- Next use your application number to log in to Sterling Talent Solutions' online portal myBackCheck and submit your criminal record check request. Use the myBackCheck Applicant Guide for step by step instructions on completing your criminal record check. If you need assistance while in the myBackCheck app, contact their support team at support@mybackcheck.com or toll-free at 1-877-455-6730
When should I have my criminal record checked? I don’t want to delay my application if it takes a while to come.
For Canadian's, it will take 2 to 3 days to obtain the police criminal record check using the online. To make sure your application isn't delayed, it is still important that you don't wait until the end of your application to the CNO to request your criminal record check.
Also, you should note that a criminal record check is valid only for six months after it is issued. It is recommended that you obtain your criminal record check closer to the end of your registration process.
I am currently registered with CNO. If I want to apply to another category or class, or reinstate my registration, do I have to provide a Canadian police criminal record check to CNO?
No. Current members of the General, Extended, Temporary, or Non-practising class are not required to provide a criminal record check to CNO when applying for registration in another class or category, or when reinstating their registration. Please note, if concerns arise, CNO has the right to ask you to provide a Canadian police criminal record check if any character or conduct issues are identified.
I am not a CNO registrant and I want to reinstate my membership. Do I have to provide a Canadian police criminal record check to CNO?
Yes. A check is required if you are seeking reinstatement and have not been registered with CNO in the current or prior year in which you are applying. This also applies if you are a former member of CNO currently residing outside of Canada.
I am an applicant living outside of Canada. Do I have to provide a Canadian police criminal record check?
If you never lived in Canada, CNO requires a police criminal record check from the country where you currently reside.
You will also need to provide CNO with a Canadian police criminal record check if you have ever visited Canada or resided in Canada for any length of time.
I recently obtained a police criminal record check. How long is it valid?
For CNO's purposes, a check is valid for six months from the date it is issued. If you have a check and it expires before you meet all other registration requirements, then you will have to submit an updated check to complete your registration.
Do I need to submit a police criminal record check to CNO before I can write an examination?
No. Applicants are not required to provide a check before writing their registration or jurisprudence exams.
I have two open applications with the College. Do I have to do a police criminal record check for each application?
No. If you have more than one application open with CNO, you are only required to do a police check for one of your applications. Once we receive the result of your police check, we will update it for all your open applications. When submitting your police check through myBackCheck, please enter only one application number in the field titled: Application Number. Submitting an incorrect number or both your application numbers will delay the process.
