Pardon application
Criminal record suspension
Clear guidance to understand your eligibility, gather the right documents and prepare a complete application for the Parole Board of Canada.
Private support service — not affiliated with the Government of Canada.
Free initial consultation, with no obligation and complete confidentiality.
Decision made solely by the PBC
Confidential process with no promise of results
Support available throughout Quebec
Our support options
Choose the level of support that meets your preparation and confidentiality needs.
Support service
$950
Personalized support to prepare, review and finalize your application.
VIP option · At-home service
Starting at $1,600
Fingerprints are taken at your home during the investigator's visit for a discreet and confidential process. Pricing varies by region.
Move forward with a well-prepared application
A record suspension may make certain employment, volunteer or housing steps easier. The process nevertheless involves several document requests, forms and checks.
When granted, a record suspension keeps the criminal record separate from other criminal records in the federal system. It does not erase the conviction or guarantee entry into another country.
Our role is to support you in preparing your application. The Parole Board of Canada remains the only authority that can order, refuse or revoke a record suspension.
What to know before you begin
Simple points to distinguish the fees, our service and the official decision.
PBC fee: $50
The standard government fee is separate from our professional fees and variable costs for fingerprints, courts or police checks.
Timelines vary
The time required depends on document collection, the nature of the convictions and processing by the PBC.
Can you apply?
An initial review helps clarify your situation. Final eligibility depends on the criteria that apply to your specific circumstances.
Sentence completed
Imprisonment, probation periods and outstanding amounts generally must be fully completed or paid.
Waiting period completed
It begins after every part of the sentence is completed and varies based on the date of the first offence and how it was prosecuted.
Eligible convictions
Certain offences or combinations of convictions may make a person ineligible or require a specific assessment.
This information is general and does not confirm eligibility. The official criteria in effect at the time of the first offence must be verified.
View official criteriaA structured, step-by-step process
We explain what to obtain, in what order and what to review before your application is submitted.
Confidential consultation
We clarify your situation, objectives and the information required for an initial assessment.
RCMP criminal record
Fingerprints are taken by an accredited provider to obtain the required record.
Official documents
Court information and local police record checks are gathered based on your history.
Preparation and review
Forms are prepared and the application is reviewed to reduce the risk of omissions or inconsistencies.
Application ready to submit
You receive clear instructions for submitting the complete application to the Board.
What our support may include
The exact scope of the service, each party's responsibilities, professional fees and disbursements are confirmed before the assignment begins.
Preliminary review of the situation and next steps
Personalized list of information and documents to obtain
Guidance on RCMP records, court information and local police checks
Support completing the applicable forms
Review of the file for consistency and completeness
Final preparation before submission to the PBC
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to common questions before starting an application.
What is the difference between a pardon and a record suspension?
The current official term is “record suspension.” The word “pardon” is still commonly used to describe the same process.
Does a record suspension completely erase a criminal record?
No. When ordered, a record suspension keeps the record separate from other criminal records in the federal system. It does not erase the conviction and may be revoked or cease to have effect in certain circumstances.
When can I apply?
You generally must have completed every part of your sentence. The applicable waiting period may be 3, 5 or 10 years depending on the date of the first offence and how it was prosecuted. Each file must be assessed individually.
How long does the PBC take to make a decision?
Once a complete and eligible application is accepted, the PBC normally aims to process summary-conviction applications within 6 months and indictable-offence applications within 12 months. A file in which a refusal is proposed may take up to 24 months. Document collection occurs before these processing periods.
Will a record suspension allow me to enter the United States?
Not automatically. Other countries apply their own rules, and a U.S. entry waiver may still be required. A Canadian record suspension does not guarantee entry into another country or the issuance of a visa.
Do I have to hire a professional?
No. You may apply directly to the PBC yourself. A support service helps organize the process, review the application and reduce errors; it does not provide priority processing or guarantee a decision.
Is there a special process for simple possession of cannabis?
Yes. A person whose record concerns only simple possession of cannabis may qualify for a separate process with no application fee or waiting period once all other parts of the sentence have been completed.
For current forms, fees and complete instructions, always consult the Parole Board of Canada.
Official guideRequest an initial confidential assessment
Submit only your contact information and a general question. No court document or sensitive information is required at this stage.
Contact information
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Availability varies depending on the urgency and nature of the assignment.
Confidential request
Fields marked with an asterisk are required. Do not submit any court documents through this form.
Request subject: Record suspension application. Our support does not guarantee that a record suspension will be ordered and does not accelerate PBC processing.