Can You Pay the Parole Board of Canada $50 Fee with a Certified Cheque?

After spending months gathering court documents, completing police checks, and filling out complex forms, submitting your Record Suspension application is an exciting milestone. However, a simple mistake in the payment method can ruin your efforts and cause severe delays.

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) has extremely strict rules regarding how the federal processing fee must be paid. Misunderstanding these rules is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected. If you want to ensure your package is accepted on the first try, consider utilizing the services of a professional lawyer from our directory to review your final submission.

Step-by-Step Process for Paying the Parole Board

Whether you bank with RBC in Toronto, Scotiabank in Halifax, or a local credit union in British Columbia, the steps to secure an acceptable payment method are identical. Follow these exact steps to ensure the federal government accepts your application fee.

Step 1: Confirm the Current Fee Amount

Before heading to the bank, you must confirm the exact fee. Currently, the processing fee for a Record Suspension is $50 CAD. 💰 This fee was significantly reduced in 2022 to make the process more accessible to all Canadians. Always verify the current fee on the official PBC website before making your payment, as government fees are subject to change.

Step 2: Go to Your Financial Institution

You cannot use a personal cheque to pay the Parole Board. You must visit your bank or credit union in person. Request a certified cheque, a bank draft, or a money order for exactly $50 CAD. Ensure that the funds are guaranteed by the bank, which is why personal cheques are strictly prohibited.

Step 3: Make it Payable to the Receiver General

The teller will ask you who the payment should be made out to. It must be made payable exactly to: Receiver General for Canada. ✅ Do not make it payable to the “Parole Board of Canada,” the “Government of Canada,” or “RCMP.” Any deviation from the exact phrasing will result in your application being returned.

Step 4: Attach the Payment Securely

Once you have your certified cheque or money order, keep your original bank receipt for your own records. Attach the certified cheque to the front of your completed Record Suspension application package. Do not staple through the routing numbers at the bottom of the cheque, as this can interfere with the government’s ability to process the payment.

Step 5: Alternative Payment via Credit Card

If you prefer not to use a certified cheque, the PBC also accepts credit card payments. To do this, you must complete the official Record Suspension Application Fee form provided in the application guide. You will write down your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express details on this specific form and include it with your mailed application.

How Much Does it Cost in Canada?

While the federal processing fee is straightforward, getting a certified cheque or money order will incur a small banking fee. Be prepared to pay this extra amount at the teller.

Using a Canada Post Money Order is often the most cost-effective and straightforward method if you do not want to use a credit card, as postal offices are easily accessible in every province.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Once you mail your application with the certified cheque, it can take a few weeks for the PBC to open your package and process the payment. 🕑 You will know they have accepted your application when you receive an official acknowledgment letter in the mail. From that point, the standard processing times apply: up to 6 months for a summary conviction and up to 12 months for an indictable offence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Author: lawyerinfo.ca