Apply for a Pardon and Record Suspension in Canada

What is a Record Suspension?

In Canada, a Record Suspension, previously known as a Pardon, enables an individual’s criminal records to be hidden or separated from other convictions. Applications for Record Suspension is reviewed and assessed by the Parole Board of Canada. After the application is approved, the individual’s convictions are concealed from the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC) database and will not appear on a standard RCMP background check certificate. However, this does not mean that the criminal record is removed. The criminal conviction will be revealed during court procedures, when entering the United States, and a background check under the Privacy Act. However, it is an ideal application for those looking to live a rehabilitated life, free from biases of a criminal conviction.

To apply for a Record Suspension, the applicant is to complete the application with the Parole Board of Canada, along with its supporting documentation. The Fingerprint Room Inc. offers one stop all-inclusive service, including document service and inhouse fingerprinting. We are based in Richmond BC and Calgary AB. The Fingerprint Room Inc. will help you complete all paperwork and collect required documents to prepare the application package, ready to submit to the Parole Board of Canada.

Am I Eligible to Apply for a Record Suspension?

Generally, one is eligible to apply for a record suspension if you:

are over the age of 18
have a conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada as an adult and/or
have a conviction outside of Canada and was transferred back to Canada while serving that sentence under the Transfer of Offenders Act or International Transfer of Offenders Act
completed all your sentences, including fines, paroles, and probations

In addition to fulfilling all requirements above, there is a waiting period in which you can apply for a record suspension. This waiting period starts AFTER the completion of ALL sentences. As of March 13, 2012, the waiting period for:

Summary offences: 5 years
Indictable offences: 10 years

Why do I Need a Record Suspension?

Without a record suspension, your past criminal records will show up on all criminal record checks. A record suspension essentially “seals” those criminal records so they will not show up on regular criminal record checks. It is worth noticing that record suspension does not remove the record completely. The sealed (or pardoned) record can still show up on certain special types of criminal record checks (i.e. Privacy Act, Vulnerable Sector Checks) and at court hearings.

How do I Apply for a Record Suspension?

You can apply for your record suspension with The Fingerprint Room Inc. by following these simple steps:

Book an appointment and have an interview with one of our record suspension specialists to determine whether you are eligible for a record suspension.
Bring 2 pieces of IDs and your court documents to your appointment.
(If applicable) Obtain your fingerprint based RCMP background check through our inhouse fingerprinting and criminal record check service.
Our specialists will contact you for the list of documents needed for the application package.
A complete and comprehensive application package will be submitted to the Parole Board of Canada.