The official government filing fee for a record suspension at the Parole Board of Canada is currently $50 CAD. However, when you factor in mandatory RCMP fingerprinting, court documents, and local police checks across Canada, the total out-of-pocket cost is typically between $200 and $400 CAD, not including optional law firm fees.
Securing a record suspension (often referred to by Canadians as a pardon) is a vital, life-changing step toward rebuilding your life, securing meaningful employment, and moving past prior mistakes. Prior to 2022, the federal government application fee alone was over $650 CAD, which presented a massive, often insurmountable financial barrier for many lower-income individuals seeking a fresh start.
Fortunately, the federal government recognised this hardship and reduced the core cost significantly, making the justice system much more accessible. 💵 That being said, the $50 CAD filing fee is just one part of the overall financial equation. Applicants must meticulously navigate several municipal, provincial, and federal agencies to gather their records, and nearly all of these entities charge their own separate administrative fees.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you currently reside in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal, or a small rural town, you must gather certified records from various local and federal institutions. Because a record suspension is governed federally under the Criminal Records Act, the necessary steps and financial requirements are generally consistent right across the country.
Step 1: Obtaining Digital RCMP Fingerprints
Your very first financial step is to visit a private, RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency to obtain your official criminal record check. 👆 This step is absolutely mandatory because the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) needs absolute, indisputable proof of your identity and the current status of your criminal record in the national database. Expect to pay a service fee to the private agency, plus a small federal processing fee.
Step 2: Requesting Court and Police Records
Once you have your RCMP record in hand, you must obtain a certified Court Information Form from every single courthouse where you faced charges. After that, you are legally required to get a Local Police Records Check from the local police service in any municipality you have lived in over the past five years. Many local courthouses and police stations charge administrative fees for conducting these searches and printing the certified documents.
Step 3: Filing with the Parole Board of Canada
After compiling all your paperwork, background checks, and identity documents, you must submit your final application directly to the PBC along with the required $50 CAD processing fee. 📮 If you choose to hire a Canadian law firm to review your application and ensure no costly mistakes are made, you will also pay their professional legal fees at this stage.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
To help you accurately budget for your federal record suspension application, we have broken down the average costs you can expect to encounter. Please keep in mind that local police and provincial court fees can vary wildly depending on your specific province and municipality.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Parole Board of Canada Application Fee | $50 flat fee |
| RCMP Fingerprinting Services | $25 to $100 |
| Court Information Form | $0 to $30 (per courthouse involved) |
| Local Police Records Check | $50 to $120 (per police service) |
| Law Firm Fees (Optional) | $500 to $1,500+ |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Beyond the financial cost, you must also invest a significant amount of time into this legal process. ⌛ Gathering your documents from the RCMP, provincial courts, and local police can easily take between 3 and 8 months. Once your complete application is submitted and accepted, the PBC takes up to 6 months to process a summary conviction and up to 12 months for an indictable offence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the $50 application fee be waived if I have a low income?
No. Because the federal government already drastically reduced the fee from $657.77 down to $50 CAD to improve access to justice, there are no further waivers, discounts, or subsidies available for low-income applicants.
Are there any hidden costs in the record suspension process?
Generally, the only unexpected additional costs are related to certified postage, photocopying, obtaining a certified cheque, and potential travel expenses if you need to physically visit a courthouse in another Canadian city to retrieve your old records.
Do I absolutely have to hire a law firm to apply for a pardon?
No, hiring a lawyer is entirely optional. However, many Canadians choose to hire a dedicated law firm to ensure the paperwork is filed perfectly, as any minor errors or missing documents will result in the application being rejected and returned by the PBC.
How do I actually pay the Parole Board of Canada fee?
You must pay the $50 fee via a major credit card (using the official PBC payment form included in the application), or by providing a certified cheque or money order made strictly payable to the Receiver General for Canada. Do not send cash or rely on the CRA to deduct it from your taxes.
If my record suspension is denied, do I get a refund of my fees?
No. If the Parole Board of Canada reviews your file and ultimately decides to refuse your record suspension, the $50 application fee, as well as all money spent on fingerprints and police checks, is strictly non-refundable.
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