Record Suspension
A Second Chance to Move Forward Without a Criminal Record Holding You Back
A criminal record can follow you for life — even long after you’ve completed your sentence, changed your lifestyle, and become a contributing member of society. It can limit your ability to get a job, volunteer, adopt, travel, or even secure housing. But in Canada, eligible individuals can apply for a Record Suspension, previously known as a Pardon, to set aside their criminal record in the national system.
This is not just a formality. A Record Suspension acknowledges that you’ve met all legal requirements, remained crime-free, and deserve to be recognized for your rehabilitation.
Who Is This For?
You may be eligible to apply for a Record Suspension if:
You were convicted of a criminal offence in Canada, or received a conviction under a Canadian federal law.
You have completed all sentencing requirements, including jail time, probation, fines, and restitution orders.
A specific waiting period has passed since your sentence was completed.
This service is especially relevant for individuals seeking to:
Pass employment background checks
Travel internationally
Remove stigma from their record
Gain closure and move forward with peace of mind
Understanding Record Suspensions – More Than Just Paperwork
A Record Suspension does not erase your criminal history, but it does set it aside in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system. This means that most routine criminal record checks — including those conducted for jobs or volunteer positions — will not show the conviction once the suspension is granted.
But success is not automatic. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) requires a complete, accurate, and persuasive application. Small errors, missing documents, or weak personal statements often lead to delays or outright refusals.
Legal representation or professional guidance can make a significant difference in:
Ensuring the record is eligible
Collecting the right court, police, and RCMP documents
Writing a strong personal statement
Presenting your case as rehabilitated, responsible, and deserving
Key Legal Considerations in Record Suspension Applications
Eligibility Depends on the Offence and Timing
There are two main waiting periods:5 years for summary offences
10 years for indictable offences
These start after all sentences have been completed, not from the date of conviction. Some convictions, such as for sexual offences against minors, are ineligible.
You Must Show You’re Living a Law-Abiding Life
This includes your employment record, community involvement, and lack of further offences. Any post-conviction police interactions, even if no charges were laid, can affect your application.Your Personal Statement Matters
The “measurable benefit and sustained rehabilitation” section is where many applicants struggle. A generic or vague statement will not satisfy the Board. You must show how your life has changed, what the pardon will help you achieve, and why society benefits from you moving forward without a record.Local Police Records Can Make or Break It
The Board relies heavily on local police checks from every jurisdiction you’ve lived in during the past 5 years. Issues can arise from old allegations, non-conviction interactions, or even unreported addresses.
"We believe that people can change. And when they do, they deserve a real opportunity to move forward with dignity"
Record Suspension FAQ
Not necessarily. The waiting period is not calculated from the date of the offence or conviction. Instead, it begins only after all sentencing conditions have been fully satisfied — this includes jail or probation terms, fines, restitution, and surcharges. If any portion of your sentence was overlooked or remains unpaid, your eligibility clock has not yet started. Many applicants make this mistake and apply too early, which results in automatic rejection. A careful review of your court documents and payment records is critical.
It may. While having multiple convictions does not disqualify you from applying, the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) will assess the overall pattern of your past conduct. They will want to see sustained rehabilitation, a meaningful change in behaviour, and genuine remorse. The more offences you have, the more crucial it becomes to submit a well-prepared, fact-specific application that clearly demonstrates why granting the suspension serves both your interests and the public good.
For most purposes, no. Once granted, your record is set aside in the national RCMP CPIC system, and it will not show up in standard criminal background checks for employment, volunteering, or housing. However, there are important exceptions:
Law enforcement and border agencies can still access the record under certain legal circumstances.
Some government-related jobs (especially in national security or sensitive sectors) may require enhanced checks.
Foreign countries, such as the United States, do not recognize Canadian pardons — your past conviction may still appear in U.S. systems, especially if it was previously disclosed or discovered.
Record suspension applies only if you were convicted of a criminal offence. If you were arrested but not convicted — for example, if the charges were withdrawn, stayed, dismissed, or dealt with through diversion or a peace bond — then you may not have a criminal record, but you could still have a police record. In that case, a record destruction (also called file destruction or purge) is the appropriate remedy. Knowing the difference is essential, and many people mistakenly apply for the wrong process.
Critically important. The PBC expects applicants to submit a “measurable benefit and sustained rehabilitation” statement, which is far more than just a formality. This is your opportunity to explain how your life has changed since the offence, what the record suspension would enable you to do (e.g., gain employment, rebuild trust), and why granting it is in the public interest. Weak, generic, or copy-pasted statements are one of the most common reasons for delays or rejections. A strong statement is tailored, honest, and persuasive — and should always be supported by evidence (e.g., reference letters, volunteer records, career development).
Yes, but only after addressing the specific reasons for the refusal. This might include failing to meet eligibility timelines, omitting required documents, or submitting a weak rehabilitation narrative. Before reapplying, it’s crucial to obtain a copy of the PBC’s decision letter, review it carefully, and resolve the deficiencies. A legal review of your original submission can identify where it went wrong — and how to present a stronger application next time.
The application is available to the public, and technically, yes — you can apply on your own. However, success depends not just on completing the forms, but on understanding the legal requirements, eligibility nuances, and strategic presentation of your case. Many self-represented applicants unknowingly submit incomplete or inconsistent information, leading to long delays or denials. Legal assistance adds value by ensuring:
Proper calculation of eligibility
A legally sound and persuasive personal statement
Early identification of red flags (e.g., unpaid fines, police interactions)
Collection of the correct documents from all necessary jurisdictions
Given the impact a denial can have — and the lengthy timelines involved — a properly prepared application from the outset saves time, money, and stress.
How Can We Help
Canadian immigration laws can be complex and challenging. At Moshiri Immigration, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) specialize in Canadian immigration law. We have successfully handled many spousal sponsorship applications, and we can help you too!
Our years of experience allow us to provide practical and straightforward advice, ensuring you get the results you want. From the moment you become a client at Moshiri Immigration, we guarantee that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and personal attention.
