Vulnerable Sector Check

It is requested when the position, not the person, is one of trust or authority over children under 18 or vulnerable persons. Local police where the applicant lives conduct the check. It is illegal for police to run a VSC if the position does not meet the Criminal Records Act requirements. Processing times and fees vary by service.

Key takeaways

• Position-based eligibility: A VSC is requested when the role — not the individual — involves trust or authority over children under 18 or vulnerable persons.
• Beyond a standard police check: It adds a search for record suspensions for sexual offences, which a regular criminal record check does not cover.
• Local police conduct it: The applicant’s local police service runs the check; processing times and fees vary by jurisdiction.
• Illegal if ineligible: Police cannot lawfully run a VSC unless the position meets Criminal Records Act requirements.

Common questions

What is a Vulnerable Sector Check?

A Vulnerable Sector Check is a Canadian police information check plus a check for record suspensions for sexual offences, used when a position is one of trust or authority over children or vulnerable persons.

When is a Vulnerable Sector Check required in Canada?

It is required when the position — not the applicant — involves trust or authority over children under 18 or vulnerable persons. Local police where the applicant lives conduct the check. It is illegal for police to run a VSC if the position does not meet Criminal Records Act requirements.