Vulnerable Sector Check
Requirements
Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals who work with clients of all ages and may hold positions of trust and authority. As part of its responsibility to protect the public, NSRD assesses applicants’ and registrants’ conduct history to determine their eligibility for registration.
All applicants who have resided in Canada before applying must submit a Canadian vulnerable sector check (VSC). Applicants who have resided outside Canada before applying must also submit an international criminal record check for each country in which they resided. An exception may apply if an applicant has not resided in Canada before applying. Contact NSRD if this applies to you.
Registrants must submit a new VSC every five years following registration. Registrants must also notify NSRD if their conduct history changes in a way that may affect their eligibility to practise.
VSC validity requirements
- Applicants: The VSC must have been issued within the four months before registration.
- Current registrants: A new VSC may be submitted at any time before the current check expires, provided the new check was issued within the previous four months.
NSRD will not process an application until the required check has been received and assessed.
A conduct history does not automatically result in an application being denied. NSRD considers relevant information to determine whether an applicant meets the requirements for registration and can practise dietetics safely and ethically.
Important information
- Processing times vary by location and may take 1–12 weeks or longer. Apply well in advance of your intended registration date.
- The check must be requested under all names you have used and include your correct date of birth.
- The check must be an original document in English. You are responsible for any translation costs.
- You are responsible for obtaining the correct type of check and paying all associated fees, including fingerprinting fees if required.
- Only original documents from an accepted source are eligible. These may include local police services, the RCMP, or a criminal record search company that can conduct a VSC.
- When applying for registration, upload your check with your application. If you are already registered and need to submit an updated check, upload it through My Profile on your registrant dashboard.
How to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check
Within Canada
Vulnerable sector checks are available through local police services. Visit your local police service’s website for instructions on how to apply. You may need an authorization letter from NSRD to support your request.
For more information about criminal record checks, visit the RCMP website.
Halifax Regional Police
If you are serviced by Halifax Regional Police, see its criminal record check information for instructions on how to request a VSC.
Toronto Police Service
Toronto Police Service requires a specific code to request a VSC. Contact NSRD at registration@nsrd.ca to obtain the code before applying.
International criminal record check
If you have resided outside Canada at any time in the past two years, you must provide an international criminal record check for the country or countries in which you resided. The check must be prepared by CSI Background Screening and sent directly to NSRD.
A clear international criminal record check received directly from another Canadian regulatory body may also meet this requirement.
If you have lived in Canada and outside Canada before applying, you must provide both a Canadian VSC and an international criminal record check.
If you require a personalized authorization letter, contact NSRD at registration@nsrd.ca.
