Hey, I posted this already on the K-1 visa general discussion board, but then realized that it might be more helpful to ask on the Canada board.

My fiance has a driving while impaired charge from 20 years ago. When we began the visa process, I spoke to a representative at the customer service/ national call center to ask about that and what we needed to do. Was told to follow the packet 3 instructions and obtain court records. NOTHING was said about getting fingerprints. Well, today, he had his medical exam, was feeling very excited/anxious about getting the interview scheduled, so he called the consulate to ask about availability of appts. He also asked about the court records to confirm that was all that was needed (at the doctors, people had mentioned fingerprints .... they were there for K-3 visas I believe) .... that had got my fiance thinking and worrying about the advice we had been given. Well, the consulate said that he did need fingerprints and it could take 6 months to get.

I have gotten some feedback already that it may only take 1-2 months for the fingerprints. Just wanted to see what anyone else had to say about this.

It does state on the http://rcmp.ca/crimrec/finger_e.htm webpage that it is taking an EXCESS of 120 days. Sure it can happen fatser or slower. I know of one VJer that attached a very nice note along with the fingerprints asking for it to be expedited. Can't recal lwhat she wrote though. Wilhelmina stated it took her 2 months I belive, so best to search out her on the board. Best of luck

I also attached a nice note when I sent mine in. I checked all the dates on mine more carefully. For anyone who need to get them, when I sent mine in:

Sept.23 2006 I got my prints taken at the RCMP ($25.00 to get them done)
I mailed them to Ottawa that day.
A few week later, they were returned because I didn't include a $25.00 money order to process them.
I was a little mad they didn't know or tell me at the RCMP, I had to include the money. I got the money order and sent it back.
They mailed my Police Certificate on Nov 16. So I would have gotten it around Nov 19 2006.

So my wait was not very long at all. Even with the setback of getting them returned.

My fiance had to give prints and it took 3 months. The prints came back sooner but sometimes they do additional security checks to go along with them. Just depends.

my fiance got his fingerprints done and the rcmp records took almost 3 months to get but I read somewhere in VJ that they changed the process and it takes only weeks but I dont remember where I read it and if it was correct or not.....

Thanks everyone for their posts. I am feeling better today. Hopefully the fingerprints won't take that long and I will definitely make sure Ron attaches a VERY NICE letter

According to this page, the Commissionaires have a digital fingerprinting service that reduces the time.
prints