To get a criminal record suspension (formerly a pardon) in Canada, you must complete your sentence and wait 5 years for a summary conviction or 10 years for an indictable offence. You submit your application to the Parole Board of Canada, and the current federal application fee is $50 CAD.
A criminal record can create massive barriers in your life, affecting your ability to secure employment, volunteer, or rent an apartment in British Columbia. 🚫 Fortunately, the Government of Canada offers a legal process to have your record sealed. This process, historically known as a pardon, is now officially called a “Record Suspension.”
The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is the federal agency responsible for granting record suspensions. When granted, your criminal record is removed from the active Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This means that when an employer runs a standard background check, no criminal history will appear. In this guide, we explain the steps to apply from British Columbia.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Applying for a record suspension is a heavily document-based federal process. Whether you live in Vancouver, Kelowna, or anywhere else in BC, you must gather records from various provincial and federal agencies before submitting your final application.
Step 1: Getting Your RCMP Criminal Record
The first step is to obtain your official criminal record from the RCMP. 🕵 You must have your fingerprints taken electronically at an accredited fingerprinting agency or a local police detachment like the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). The agency will send your prints directly to the RCMP in Ottawa, who will then mail your official record (or a Certification of No Record) back to you.
Step 2: Requesting Court Documents in BC
Once you have your RCMP record, you must obtain a “Court Information Form” for every conviction listed. You must contact the specific BC Provincial Court or BC Supreme Court where your case was heard. The court clerks will fill out the required federal forms, verifying that you have paid all fines, victim surcharges, and completed all probation orders.
Step 3: Obtaining Local Police Records Checks
The Parole Board requires a Local Police Records Check from every city or municipality where you have lived for the past 5 years. 🚬 For example, if you lived in Surrey and then moved to Vancouver, you must request this form from both the Surrey RCMP and the Vancouver Police Department. This proves you have been of good behaviour recently.
Step 4: Submitting to the Parole Board of Canada
After compiling the RCMP record, court documents, police checks, a copy of your ID, and filling out the Record Suspension Application Form, you must mail the complete package to the Parole Board of Canada in Ottawa. You must include the official processing fee payment with your submission.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The costs to obtain a record suspension involve several separate fees. As of April 2026, you should budget for the following expenses in CAD:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Parole Board of Canada Fee | $50.00 (Standard federal application fee) |
| Fingerprinting Services (VPD or Private) | $50.00 – $100.00 |
| Local Police Checks | $30.00 – $75.00 per jurisdiction |
| Lawyer or Consultant Fees (Optional) | $500.00 – $1,500.00 (If you hire help) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Before you can even apply, you must finish your entire sentence (including paying all fines) and wait out the mandatory period: 5 years for a summary conviction and 10 years for an indictable offence. ⏱ Once you submit your application, the PBC timeline varies. Gathering the documents in BC usually takes 2 to 4 months. After the PBC receives your application, they generally process summary conviction applications within 6 months, and indictable offence applications within 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will a record suspension allow me to travel to the US?
Not necessarily. The United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) does not recognize Canadian record suspensions. If the US already has your criminal record on file from a previous border crossing, you will likely still need to apply for a US Entry Waiver to travel south, even after your Canadian record is sealed.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a record suspension?
No, you are not legally required to hire a lawyer or a pardon company. The Parole Board of Canada provides a step-by-step guide allowing you to apply on your own. However, many people choose to hire a law firm to ensure the paperwork is handled correctly and without delays.
Are there any crimes that cannot be suspended?
Yes. Under Canadian federal law, you generally cannot obtain a record suspension if you have been convicted of Schedule 1 offences (offences involving children) or if you have more than three indictable offences each with a prison sentence of two years or more.
Is my criminal record completely erased?
No, it is not erased or deleted; it is set aside and sealed. This means it is separated from the visible CPIC system. However, in extremely rare circumstances—such as if you are charged with a new offence or your background is reviewed for highly sensitive national security clearance—the federal government can unseal the record.
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