A Canadian Pardon/Record Suspension Is Not Recognized By The United States.

A US entry waiver may still be required even though a record suspension has been granted. A passport alone will not ensure safe border crossing if you have a criminal record.

Canadian Record Suspension Waiting Period

A period of time must be served before applying for a pardon. After the sentence is completed, the waiting period begins. A summary conviction requires a 5 year wait while an indictable conviction requires a 10 year wait. Should a fine be imposed as part of the sentence, the waiting period begins at the time the fine was paid in full. An absolute or conditional discharge given before 1992 will not be removed from your federal record. However, this can be purged by complying with the appropriate procedures.

You Do Not Have To Be A Canadian Citizen To Apply For A Canadian Pardon/Record Suspension.

Those charged under the National Defense Act and those charged under a federal act or regulation also qualify for a Canadian record suspension.

Processing Time for a Pardon

A Canadian pardon may take an average of 10 – 16 months to process. Once a record suspension is granted, the Parole Board of Canada will contact the courts, federal and local police departments to remove this information from their files.