Requirements for a record suspension (pardon) in Canada in 2026

A record suspension — still commonly called a pardon — is a formal process that separates your criminal record from other records held in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). Once granted, your record will not appear in most background checks, which removes significant barriers to employment, volunteer work and housing.

The process is administered by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) under the Criminal Records Act. It requires gathering documents from multiple sources — the RCMP, local police services and courts — which takes time. Starting early and following the official instructions precisely are the two most important factors in a successful application.

What a record suspension is and who it applies to

A record suspension sets your criminal record apart from active records in CPIC. This means that most employers, volunteer organizations and licensing bodies conducting a standard background check will not see it. The record is not destroyed — federal agencies can still access it in specific circumstances defined by law — but its practical effect is significant for day-to-day life.

This procedure is available to people who:

have been convicted of a criminal offence in Canada
have completed their entire sentence, including probation, community service and payment of all fines, victim surcharges and restitution orders
have waited the required period after sentence completion: 5 years for summary conviction offences and 10 years for indictable offences

Some people are permanently ineligible, including those convicted of a sexual offence against a child listed in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act, or those with more than three convictions for indictable offences each prosecuted by indictment.

The official body responsible is the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), a federal administrative tribunal that reviews all applications and issues decisions independently.

Documents required

You must assemble all of the following before submitting your application. An incomplete package will be returned without being assessed.

Completed PBC application forms: download the current package from the Parole Board of Canada website immediately before filling it out; older versions are not accepted
RCMP certified criminal record (Form C-216C): obtained by submitting your fingerprints to the RCMP through a local police service or accredited fingerprinting agency; the RCMP mails the result directly to you
Local police records check(s): required from every police service in each municipality, city or region where you have lived; contact each service individually to confirm their submission process
Court information documents: certified copies from every court where you were charged, showing the charges, the disposition and the date of the order; obtain these directly from the courthouse where your case was heard
Proof that your sentence is fully complete: for example, a letter from a probation officer confirming completion, a court receipt confirming all fines and victim surcharges are paid, or a conditional release completion letter from Correctional Service Canada if applicable
Two pieces of identification: typically a government-issued photo ID and a document showing your current address; confirm the exact requirements in the current PBC application guide
Military conduct sheet (if applicable): required if you were convicted under the National Defence Act while serving in the Canadian Armed Forces

Notes on document standards

All documents must be originals or certified copies as specified in the PBC application guide. Documents issued in French are accepted. Documents in any other language must be accompanied by a certified English or French translation completed by a translator acceptable to the PBC.

Steps to complete the procedure

Confirm your eligibility: verify that your sentence — including every fine, surcharge, probation period and restitution order — is fully completed and that the applicable waiting period (5 or 10 years) has elapsed. Use the eligibility worksheet in the PBC application guide.
Get your fingerprints taken: visit a local police service or an accredited fingerprinting agency. Your fingerprints are forwarded to the RCMP, which produces your certified criminal record and mails it to you. Allow 3–4 months for this step — begin it first.
Obtain local police records checks: contact every police service in each place where you have lived. Processing times and submission methods vary; some police services accept online requests, others require in-person attendance.
Gather court documents: contact each courthouse where your charges were heard and request certified court information. For older cases, files may be archived, so request these documents early and allow extra time.
Download and complete the current PBC application package: always download forms directly from the Parole Board of Canada website to ensure you are using the correct version. Follow the application guide step by step.
Assemble and mail your application: submit the complete package by mail to the Parole Board of Canada at the address listed in the current application guide. There is no online submission portal and no in-person drop-off option.
Await the PBC’s decision: the PBC will write to you if additional information is required. Once the review is complete, a written decision is mailed to you.

No appointment is required to submit the application. Because the RCMP criminal record and court documents take the longest to obtain, start those requests simultaneously as early as possible.

Fees and processing times

Application fee: approximately $50 CAD (reduced following 2022 legislative changes; verify the current amount on the PBC website before submitting, as fees are subject to change)
Fingerprinting fee: varies by service provider, typically $25–$75 CAD; paid directly to the fingerprinting agency or police service
Court document fees: vary by courthouse and province; contact the relevant courthouse for current amounts
Local police records check fees: vary by police service; some waive the fee for record suspension purposes, others charge a small amount
Processing time for summary conviction offences: approximately 6 months from receipt of a complete application
Processing time for indictable offences: approximately 12 months or longer from receipt of a complete application
Validity of a record suspension: a record suspension does not expire; however, it can be revoked if you are subsequently convicted of a new offence or if it is found you provided false information in your application

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Applying before the waiting period has elapsed: the PBC will reject the application outright and the fee is not refunded. Calculate your eligibility date from the date your sentence — including all fines and probation — was completed, not the date of your conviction or sentencing.
Missing police records checks from previous addresses: you must include a check from every jurisdiction where you have lived, not just your current one. A single missing check causes the entire application to be returned.
Using outdated PBC forms: the PBC updates its forms periodically and will not accept older versions. Always download the current package from the official website immediately before filling it out, even if you downloaded forms previously.
Outstanding fines, victim surcharges or restitution: any unpaid financial obligation means your sentence is legally not complete and you are ineligible. Obtain a payment confirmation from the court or enforcement agency and include it with your application.

Frequently asked questions

Will a record suspension let me travel to the United States? Not automatically. A record suspension has no legal effect outside Canada. U.S. Customs and Border Protection may still be aware of your Canadian criminal record through information-sharing agreements. If you have previously been refused entry to the United States, you may need to apply separately for a U.S. Entry Waiver through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Can I submit my application online? No. As of 2026, the Parole Board of Canada does not accept online applications. All applications must be submitted by mail in paper format to the address specified in the current application guide.

What happens if my application is denied? The PBC sends a written notice explaining the reason for the decision. There is no formal appeal process; however, you may request reconsideration in limited circumstances. You can also re-apply once the issue identified in the decision is resolved.

Do I need a lawyer or paid service to apply? No. The PBC provides free guides and checklists, and the process is designed to be completed without professional help. Some people choose to use a paralegal or a record suspension service for complex cases, but these companies charge fees on top of the government fee. Verify the credentials and reputation of any third party before engaging them.

What if I have convictions from more than one province? You still submit one single application to the Parole Board of Canada, but you must include court documents and local police records checks from every province or territory where you were charged or resided. The PBC reviews all convictions together as part of one assessment.

Your first concrete steps

The three items that take the longest to obtain are your RCMP certified criminal record, your court documents from each jurisdiction and written confirmation that all fines and surcharges are paid. Start all three simultaneously rather than one after another — this alone can save several months.

Once you have those documents in hand, download the current application package from the Parole Board of Canada, complete it carefully using the official guide and mail your full package to the PBC.

Important: requirements, fees and processing times can change. Before submitting your application, verify current instructions directly with the Parole Board of Canada at canada.ca/en/parole-board or by calling 1-800-874-2652.

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