Frequently Asked Questions for Pardon

How much does a pardon cost?

The PBC application fee is $50. You are also responsible for fingerprinting, court and local police fees (approximately $150).

Our fee will depend on:

• the number of court locations you have been convicted in
• amount of cities you have resided in during the past 5 years

When am I eligible to apply for a pardon?

Determining eligibility depends on:

• when the most recent offence was committed
• date when the sentence was fully completed
• nature of the offence(s)

Driving and weapon prohibitions are not considered part of your sentence when determining eligibility.

How long will the process take?

Once received by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), summary offences will be processed within 6 months while indictable offences take 12 months.

Which Government agency is responsible for pardons?

The Parole Board of Canada is the only official agency that is involved in the processing of pardon and record suspension applications for convictions in Canada.

How will a record suspension benefit me?

Under the Criminal Records Act (CRA), the PBC is responsible for granting record suspensions, which removes your criminal record from the Canadian Police Information Centre. Your record will be set aside allowing you to access opportunities for employment, education, volunteering and more.

Can a pardon or record suspension be revoked?

Yes, if you’re:

• convicted of a new offence
• no longer maintaining a crime free lifestyle
• found to have withheld information when you applied

If a pardon is revoked the offence(s) will be added back into the CPIC database.

Will a record suspension allow me entry to the USA?

While your record will be set aside, it doesn’t erase the fact you were convicted, and US Customs and Border Protection does not recognize a Canadian pardon. Depending on the nature of your criminal record, you may need to apply for a US entry waiver.

What is the difference between a pardon and record suspension?

On March 29, 2012, the government made amendments to the CRA. Changes included a symbolic renaming from pardons to record suspensions, as well as increasing the time before an applicant is eligible to apply. Certain sexual offences and individuals convicted of more than three indictable offences and who received a prison sentence of two or more years were also deemed ineligible.

What documents are required for a pardon application?

Documentation can include:

• RCMP criminal record
• Court information
• Local police records check
• Military conduct sheet
• Measurable benefit form
• Record suspension application form

Why should I choose you to handle my application?

Applying on your own can be a difficult process due to the amount of paperwork involved. Nearly one-quarter of all applications are returned.

National Pardon prepare your documents, make sure every detail is in order and submit your application properly and much faster than you would be able to do on your own. Our fee is affordable, and we provide quick and efficient results.