FAQ

 

What is a Canadian Criminal Pardon?

A criminal pardon allows an individual convicted of an offence to remove their record from the Canadian Police Information System (CPIC).  This means that an individual’s criminal record will not show up on criminal record searches- basically ‘hiding’ your criminal record. 

 

    What are some benefits of a Pardon?  Do I really need a Pardon?

A pardon will remove and seal your information in CPIC.  CPIC is the primary method for anyone seeking to obtain information about your criminal record.  Once you have obtained a pardon, anyone searching CPIC will not be aware of your criminal conviction(s). 
A pardon will allow you to apply for employment without disclosing information about your criminal record.  The Canadian Human Rights Act clearly prohibits an employer from rejecting you as an applicant if you have received a pardon.  The Criminal Records Act prohibits employers to question applicants about pardoned conviction.  Whether you are applying to a Crown corporation, the Military, or any other business, you are protected from disclosing your pardoned conviction and are protected from discrimination. 
Aside from negatively impacting employment prospects, if you do not get a criminal pardon it will also have detrimental effects on your ability to:

  • - get bonded;
  • - obtain custody of your children;
  • - rent an apartment;
  • - travel to foreign countries;
  • - your education;
  • - your immigration status; and
  • - volunteer.  

Lastly, a criminal pardon removes the stigma associated with your criminal past and will give you the peace of mind to stop worrying about your record.  This will essentially give you a second chance and the opportunity to move on with your life. 

 

How long does it take to get a Pardon?

The entire process from start to finish can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.  This time frame will vary depending on the type of offence (summary or indictable), compilation and submission of your documents to the appropriate authorities, and the processing of your files by the National Parole Board of Canada. 

 

How long does a Pardon last for?

Your pardon will last indefinitely as long as you are not convicted of any new criminal offences.

 

Am I eligible for a Pardon?

Eligibility will depend on the type of offence(s) committed- summary or indictable.  Each type of offence requires an individual to wait a specified time after serving their sentence (including probation, parole, statutory release, fines, etc) before they can apply for a pardon.  
According to the Criminal Code of Canada, if you have been convicted of:

  • - A summary offence you must wait 3 years after completing the sentence before you are eligible.
  • - An indictable offence you must wait 5 years after completing the sentence before you are eligible.

 

    If I am not eligible, can I begin the Pardon process early?

Yes.  You may start the process in advance to ensure your documents are ready and that your pardon is processed in a timely manner by National Parole Board of Canada. 

 

Do Pardons ever get denied?

At times the National Parole Board of Canada denies pardons.  However, this depends if you have not been of good conduct between the time you served your sentence and up until the time your file is being reviewed by the National Parole Board of Canada. 
As long as you have been of good conduct and have not been convicted of another crime, we can confidently assure you that your Pardon application will not be denied.  Here at Canadian Criminal Pardon Services we offer a money back guarantee if you are denied a pardon.  Please refer to our money back guarantee policy for more information. 

 

Once I have obtained a Pardon, can I visit the United States?

A Pardon only applies to Canada, so in order to visit the U.S. you must apply for a ‘U.S. Entry Waiver’ to avoid any hassle at the border. 

 

What is a ‘U.S. Entry Waiver’?

A ‘U.S. Entry Waiver’ is a document that authorizes you to cross the border if you have been convicted of a criminal offence.  Even if you have been approved of a Pardon you must obtain a Waiver if you are planning to visit the U.S.  Not taking such precautions puts you at risk of being told you cannot cross the border and even being put into a detention facility.

 

    How much time does it take to get a Waiver?

The average time it takes to obtain a Waiver is 6 months. 

 

When am I eligible to apply for a ‘U.S. Entry Waiver’?

There is no required waiting period before you can apply for a Waiver.  Contact us and we will begin the process right away. 

 

  • Does a ‘U.S. Entry Waiver’ Expire’?

Yes.  On average a Waiver will last you 5 years.  After it has expired you must re-apply for another Waiver. 

 

Am I guaranteed entry with a ‘U.S. Entry Waiver’?

Yes.  As long as you have an approved Waiver- that is not expired- you will be guaranteed entry to the U.S.  

 

Do I really need a ‘U.S. Entry Waiver’?

The majority of times, U.S. Custom officers will deny Canadian with criminal records entry to the U.S. You will most probably be asked to apply for a Waiver in order to cross the border. It is not worth the risk to make an attempt to cross the border without a Waiver.  You will save yourself the hassle, embarrassment, and time if you obtain a Waiver beforehand. 

 

Where is your office?

We are a Toronto based company located in North York, ON. Please refer to the ‘Contact Us’ section for full contact details, including our location and hours of operation.