How to apply for a record suspension in Canada

What a record suspension actually does

A record suspension, previously called a pardon, is granted by the Parole Board of Canada under the Criminal Records Act. When granted, it seals your criminal record from the RCMP's Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database, which means the conviction will not appear on most standard background checks.

This matters practically: many employers, landlords, licensing bodies, and volunteer organisations run CPIC-based background checks. A record suspension means that check comes back clear for the suspended conviction.

Step 1, Confirm you are eligible

Before starting the application process, confirm you meet the eligibility requirements.

Waiting periods

• ✓Summary conviction offences: 5 years after the sentence is fully completed
• ✓Indictable offences: 10 years after the sentence is fully completed
• ✓The waiting period starts after everything is done, fines paid, probation completed, all conditions met

Ineligible offences

Certain offences are permanently ineligible for record suspension, including:

• ✓Sexual offences involving a person under 18
• ✓Offences where the person was convicted of more than three indictable offences each with a sentence of two or more years imprisonment
• ✓Schedule 1 offences under the Criminal Records Act, review the current schedule to confirm

Step 2, Gather your documents

The application requires specific documents from multiple sources. This is often the most time-consuming part of the process, plan for several weeks to collect everything.

Court documents

You need a complete court information package from every court where you were convicted. This includes the charges, the plea or finding, and the sentence. You must contact the court office where the matter was heard, each jurisdiction has its own process and fees.

RCMP fingerprints and criminal record

You must submit certified fingerprints to the RCMP and receive a copy of your official criminal record. Fingerprinting must be done by an accredited fingerprinting service, typically a police service or a private fingerprinting company. The RCMP charges a processing fee for the record check.

Local police record checks

You must obtain a local police record check from every police service in every city where you have lived in the past five years. Each jurisdiction has its own process and fee.

Proof of sentence completion

You need documentation showing that all aspects of your sentence are complete, including proof of fine payment, a probation completion letter if applicable, and any other relevant confirmation.

Step 3, Complete the application forms

The Parole Board of Canada provides the required application forms on its website. The forms require detailed information about your offences, your sentence, your current circumstances, and a measurable benefit statement explaining how the record suspension would benefit you.

Step 4, Submit and pay the fee

Once all documents are gathered and the forms are complete, the application is submitted to the Parole Board of Canada along with the application fee. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Step 5, The Parole Board reviews your application

The Parole Board reviews the application to confirm eligibility, verify the information provided, and assess whether granting a suspension would provide a measurable benefit and not bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

For most applicants with summary offences and a clean record since their conviction, the review is relatively straightforward. Indictable offences or more complex circumstances can involve a more detailed review.

Processing times vary, historically ranging from several months to over a year. The Parole Board will notify you of the outcome in writing.

Why getting help with the application matters

The record suspension process involves collecting specific documents in a specific way from multiple sources across potentially multiple jurisdictions. Common mistakes, missing documents, incorrect fingerprint submissions, incomplete court packages, can delay or derail the application.

A licensed paralegal who handles record suspensions regularly can confirm your eligibility, guide you through the document collection process, review your application before submission, and flag anything that could cause a delay or rejection.

Frequently asked questions