If you have a criminal record in Canada, you're not stuck with it forever. A record suspension (formerly called a pardon) seals your record from public background checks — meaning employers, landlords, and border agents can no longer see it.
I know because I've been through it. Three convictions across three different courthouses in Ontario, years of confusion about waiting periods, and way too many hours on hold with the Parole Board. I built My Pardon so you don't have to figure this out the hard way. But whether you use our tool or not, this guide gives you everything you need.
What Is a Record Suspension?
A record suspension is an order by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) that keeps your criminal record separate and apart from other criminal records. It doesn't erase your record — it seals it. Once granted, your record won't show up on standard background checks, including those used by employers and landlords.
The Criminal Records Act governs the record suspension process. Before 2012, this was called a "pardon," and many Canadians still use that term today.
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for a record suspension, you must meet three conditions:
1. You've completed your entire sentence. This means all jail time, probation, fines, restitution, and victim surcharges must be fully completed and paid. The waiting period doesn't start until the very last obligation is satisfied.
2. The waiting period has passed. For offences where the first conviction occurred before March 13, 2012, the waiting period is 3 years for summary convictions and 5 years for indictable convictions. For first offences on or after March 13, 2012, it's 5 years for summary and 10 years for indictable.
3. You've had no new convictions. Any new criminal offence during the waiting period resets the clock. Minor traffic offences (like speeding tickets) don't count — only Criminal Code convictions.
Summary vs. Indictable: Why It Matters
Your waiting period depends on how serious the Crown considered your offence. Summary convictions are less serious (shoplifting, simple assault, causing a disturbance) and have shorter waiting periods. Indictable offences are more serious (robbery, fraud over $5,000, drug trafficking) and require longer waits.
Many offences in Canada are hybrid, meaning the Crown can choose to proceed summarily or by indictment. Your RCMP record won't tell you which way the Crown went — only your court documents will confirm this. This distinction can mean the difference between a 5-year and a 10-year wait.
This caught me off guard. I had fraud charges that I assumed were summary — turns out one was paired with a conspiracy charge, which is straight indictable. I only found out when I finally got my court documents from the Oshawa courthouse. Don't assume. Get the documents first.
What Documents Do I Need?
The PBC requires a specific set of documents, and missing even one will get your application returned. Here's the complete list:
RCMP Criminal Record (CPIC) — You need a certified copy of your criminal record from the RCMP. Get fingerprinted at an RCMP-accredited location (costs about $65), and they'll mail your record in 2-4 weeks if submitted electronically. This document expires 6 months from the date of issue, so time your application carefully.
Certified Copies of Convictions — For each conviction on your record, you need a certified copy from the courthouse where you were convicted. Visit or mail the criminal records clerk at each courthouse. Fees vary by province but expect about $80 per courthouse. These documents confirm the exact charges, sentences, fine payment status, and method of trial.
Local Police Records Checks — You need a police records check from every city or region where you've lived in the past 5 years (or 10 years for indictable offences). These cost about $50 each and take 1-4 weeks.
Measurable Benefit Statement — This is your personal statement explaining why a record suspension would benefit you and how you've changed since your conviction. The PBC wants to see specific, measurable ways your life has improved and how a sealed record would help you contribute to society.
PBC Application Form (Schedule 1) — The official application form, filled out in block letters with blue or black ink. Every field must be completed — no blanks. The form must be signed and dated, and your signature is valid for 12 months.
Processing Fee — The PBC charges $50.00, payable by certified cheque or money order to the Receiver General for Canada. Credit card payment is also available using a separate payment form.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Get Fingerprinted. Visit an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting location. Bring two pieces of government-issued photo ID. Ask for electronic submission — it's faster (2-4 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks for paper). You'll receive your RCMP criminal record by mail.
Step 2: Request Your Court Documents. For each conviction, contact the courthouse where you were convicted. You can visit in person, call, or mail a request letter. Ask for a "certified copy of conviction including full disposition." The clerk needs your full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of conviction.
Fair warning: this is the most frustrating step. I had to deal with three courthouses — Toronto, Oshawa, and Newmarket. Each one had different fees, different wait times, and different attitudes at the counter. One clerk couldn't find my file for 20 minutes. Bring patience, bring your ID, and bring exact change if you can. Some only take cash or money orders.
Step 3: Get Police Records Checks. Contact the police service for every city or municipality where you've lived during the applicable period. Many now accept online applications. You'll need to provide your address history for verification.
Step 4: Write Your Statement. The measurable benefit statement is your chance to show the PBC who you are today. Focus on concrete changes: stable employment, education, volunteer work, family responsibilities. Avoid blaming others or minimizing the offence. Be honest and specific.
Step 5: Complete and Mail Your Application. Fill out all forms in block letters. Double-check every date against your court documents. Include your $50 fee. Mail everything by registered or tracked mail to: Parole Board of Canada, Clemency and Record Suspension Division, 410 Laurier Avenue West, 5th Floor, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R1.
How Long Does It Take?
After the PBC receives your complete application, processing typically takes 6 to 12 months. Summary conviction applications are generally processed faster (around 6 months) than indictable ones (up to 12 months). If any documents are missing or incorrect, your application will be returned, and you'll need to resubmit — which can add months to the timeline.
How Much Does It Cost?
If you do everything yourself, expect to spend between $250 and $600 total. The main costs are fingerprinting ($65), court documents ($80 per courthouse), police checks ($50 each), and the PBC processing fee ($50). Pardon service companies charge $1,000 to $3,000+ on top of these government fees — mostly for filling out forms and making phone calls you can do yourself.
Common Reasons Applications Get Rejected
The most common reason for rejection is unpaid fines. Many people don't realize they still owe a victim surcharge or restitution from years ago. Always confirm with each courthouse that your financial obligations are fully satisfied before applying.
Other common issues include using pencil instead of pen, leaving fields blank, dates that don't match your court documents, expired RCMP records, and sending to the wrong address.
Do I Need a Lawyer or Pardon Company?
No. The record suspension process is administrative, not legal. You don't appear in court, and there's no hearing. The PBC designed the process for individuals to complete on their own. Pardon companies provide convenience, but they're not necessary — and some charge thousands of dollars for work you can do yourself with the right guidance.
Look, I get why people hire them. The process feels intimidating when you're staring at your RCMP record trying to make sense of it. But I went through this myself with three convictions across three cities, and the hardest part wasn't the paperwork — it was knowing what to do next. That's why I built My Pardon. Not to replace pardon companies with another expensive service, but to give you the guidance without the $2,000 markup.
What Happens After My Record Is Suspended?
Once granted, your record is sealed from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. Standard background checks — the kind used by employers, landlords, and volunteer organizations — will come back clean. However, a record suspension does not guarantee entry to the United States. US Customs and Border Protection maintains its own database and may still have a record of your conviction.
A record suspension can be revoked if you're convicted of a new offence or if the PBC determines you are no longer of good conduct.