Pardon Procedures

In Canada, a Pardon, now called a Record Suspension, is a legal process for individuals with a criminal record to have past offenses forgiven. It involves eligibility criteria, documentation, and a waiting period, with processing timelines ranging from 6 to 12 months. Professional assistance can simplify the process.

To attain a Record Suspension in Canada, several key elements and steps come into play. Let’s delve into the details:

Eligibility Requirements:

Before embarking on the journey of applying for a Record Suspension, one must meet specific criteria. This typically involves completing the entire sentence, including fines and probation, and serving a mandatory waiting period. The waiting period can vary depending on the seriousness of the offense, ranging from 3 to 10 years. During this time, the applicant must stay out of any further legal trouble.

Application Process:

The application process is multi-faceted and necessitates thorough documentation. To begin, one can visit the Parole Board of Canada’s website to obtain the “Record Suspension Application Guide.” The process involves three fundamental steps:

  • Obtain Your Criminal Record: This starts with acquiring your criminal record from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a step that typically begins by getting your fingerprints taken at an accredited fingerprinting service.
  • Collect Court Information: Gather information about each of your convictions.
  • Local Police Record Check: Obtain a local police record check for each location where you’ve resided in the past five years.

Once you have compiled all the necessary documentation, you can proceed to complete the Record Suspension Application Form, pay the processing fee, and send your application to the Parole Board of Canada.


Processing Timelines:

Two significant timelines are associated with the Record Suspension process:

  • Processing by the Parole Board of Canada: The time taken for the Parole Board of Canada to process your application can vary. For less serious offenses, it typically takes within 6 months, while for more severe offenses, it might extend to 12 months. If your application faces the possibility of denial, the timeline could further extend up to 24 months.
  • Document Preparation: Preparing the required documents can be a complex process with numerous moving parts. This preparation phase can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals to initiate the document preparation process at least a year before they become eligible for a Record Suspension.

Professional Assistance:

While it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer or a Pardon service for the application, professional assistance can significantly simplify the process and improve the chances of a successful application. They can guide you through the intricacies, ensure all necessary documentation is in order, and help you navigate the bureaucracy more efficiently.

In conclusion, a Record Suspension offers individuals with a criminal record an opportunity to shed the stigma associated with their past offenses. It can substantially improve job prospects, housing opportunities, and overall quality of life. By following the guidelines and seeking professional assistance if needed, individuals can pave the way for a brighter future.

Frequent Asking Questions

Do I need a pardon for a youth criminal record?

If your complete criminal record was acquired before the age of 18 and prior to 1984, you’ll still need a pardon as the Young Offenders Act (now called the Youth Criminal Justice Act as of 2003) did not exist yet during that time.  If your entire criminal record was acquired after 1984 while you were under 18 years old, a pardon may not be necessary.

Note that if you are convicted of a crime at 18 years old or older, any previous convictions as a minor will be visible to the public and you will need a pardon.  If you’re not sure whether you need a pardon for your juvenile record, schedule a call with an accredited pardon officer.

Can’t the Government Complete My Pardon?

Unfortunately not. There is no government body that completes or helps complete the actual application process to obtain a Pardon in Canada — it is entirely the responsibility of the Pardon applicant.  By retaining Pardon Applications of Canada, the legal process of your application is completed on your behalf!  Only once completed is your finalized application submitted to the government for their independent review and decision. Think of Pardon Applications of Canada like an accountant completing your tax return before it is submitted to the government. Book an appointment to get started today!

Will All My Convictions Be Pardoned?

A Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension) will permanently seal your complete criminal record, including all convictions and non-convictions associated with your name and fingerprints.  You cannot select which convictions or charges to seal.  The purpose of a Pardon is to give you a completely fresh start on your criminal record forever. To begin, check if you are eligible for a Pardon or schedule an appointment.

Is it true that soon pardons will no longer be offered?

Unlikely. The Canadian Pardon system has been effective for over 50 years and continues to operate.

The Conservative government made significant changes to the Criminal Records Act in 2012 that impacted Canadian Pardons. However, these changes did not aim to eliminate the Pardon system. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous people have scared some Pardon applicants by using these adjustments as a pretext to believe that Pardons are “disappearing” and that they have to make a quick large payment. Be careful of any salesperson or online advertisement if you decide not to use Pardon Applications of Canada’s services to handle your application and they inform you of a “deadline” to receive a Pardon.

Make an appointment or Apply Today to get started.

Once Approved, Can I Lose my Canadian Pardon?

The Canadian government can take back your Pardon if you commit a crime AFTER getting it. Getting a Pardon means you promise the government you won’t break the law again.  You might be able to apply again after waiting, depending on the new crime.  Keep that promise. Book a call to begin the process for your Pardon today

Can You Guarantee My Pardon Will be Approved?

No individual, service, or organization in Canada can guarantee that your pardon application will be approved, as it is ultimately up to the Canadian government.  Using an accredited Pardon application service, like Pardon Applications of Canada, can increase your chance of success.

Since 1970, more than 500,000 Canadians and Canadian residents have been granted a Pardon with a 92% approval rate.  Additionally, more than 95% of all Pardons granted within the last 50 years remain valid.

The Parole Board of Canada evaluates each Pardon request according to the Criminal Records Act and various mitigating factors.  Each person applying for a Pardon undergoes a review to evaluate the impact on rehabilitation and any potential benefits of receiving the Pardon.  Depending on your offenses, the Parole Board of Canada may assess whether granting a Pardon could raise questions about the administration of justice.

Rest assured, Pardon Applications of Canada offers a money-back guarantee on the processing fee if your application is not approved.  Certain conditions apply to the guarantee, such as meeting eligibility requirements when you apply for a Pardon to the Parole Board of Canada.  For instance, you cannot have been charged or convicted of any new crime between when you begin your application and when you finish submitting it.

To begin now, schedule a call or apply online.

Can a pardon grant me freedom to travel to the U.S.?

Unfortunately, no. U.S. Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) authorities do not acknowledge Canadian pardons. While having a Canadian pardon is recommended prior to traveling to the U.S., most travelers will likely require a U.S. Entry Waiver (I-192) as well.

If you dial 866-383-9744 to speak with an A+ Accredited Pardon Officer with Pardon Applications of Canada, make certain to inquire about legally crossing the U.S. border. In the meantime, more information regarding U.S. Entry Waivers is available.

Should I Use a Lawyer to Apply for a Pardon?

Using a lawyer to apply for a pardon is an option, but

it will cost you much more in legal fees and disbursements compared to hiring Pardon Applications of Canada.  Additionally, lawyers do not have the same quick application process, nor are they more likely to succeed in your pardon application. Lawyers may not even specialize in Canadian pardons.  Many attorneys use Pardon Applications of Canada as their processing company, and later tack on additional fees for their clients.

Pardon Applications of Canada is authorized to specialize in effectively concluding the Pardon Application process. Schedule a call or Apply Now to begin..

Can I Attempt My Own Pardon Application?

You have the right to try on your own, but it may be beneficial to use a professional service.  There is no legal obligation to use an approved processing company or pardon service for your pardon application.  However, if you try to complete your own application, like representing yourself in court, there are many dangers.  The application process has strict criteria for each stage, all of which must be completed in a specific timeline and order.  If any of the requirements are not met or are not done in the correct sequence, your Pardon application may be rejected or considered invalid. You will have to wait at least twelve (12) months to restart the process from the beginning, which can increase timelines, costs, and frustration.   It is advisable for most Canadian Pardon applicants to ensure that the application is completed accurately and correctly on the first attempt.

Why not talk to an A+ Accredited Pardon Officer before deciding what’s best for you? You don’t have to pay or start a file unless you’re ready. Schedule a call or apply now to begin!

How long does it take to receive a Canadian Pardon?

Upon calling Pardon Applications of Canada, the total timeline typically takes 10-14 months. The time frame hinges on the length and complexity of your record, as well as the number of locations you received charges.

Completing a Canadian Pardon application is more than just filling out a few documents.  Each Pardon application must follow a ten-step legal process outlined by the Criminal Records Act in Canada.  If any of these steps are done incorrectly or out of order, your Pardon application may be significantly delayed or become invalid. After Pardon Applications of Canada completes your application, it is ready to be submitted to the Canadian government for their independent review and decision.  No one in Canada can speed up the government’s due diligence in this process, but there are ways to speed up the application processing ahead of time.

What Benefits Do You Get from a Canadian Pardon?

Getting a Canadian Pardon can bring big advantages to your life. Having a criminal record can harm your life in many ways.  It can make it harder to find a job, buy a house, get a bank loan, work for yourself, travel out of the country, do volunteer work, take courses, move to Canada, get custody of a child, rent an apartment, and more.  Sealing your criminal record in Canada is a unique privilege. In most of the world, people with criminal records bear the consequences forever. If you meet the qualifications and can afford a minimum monthly payment of $80.00, contact Pardons365 today to schedule a call and begin the process.

What is a Pardon in Canada?

In Canada, a Pardon (also called a “Record Suspension”) is granted by the Canadian government to show that your criminal record has been separated from visible criminal charges in the national criminal record database.  When you get a Pardon, nobody can see your criminal record without your written permission or the Public Safety Minister of Canada’s authorization.  Essentially, a Pardon gives you a new beginning on your criminal record.

To start your Pardon application now, schedule a call or apply through our website.