Record Suspension Canada Guide: How to Seal a Criminal Record

A Record Suspension helps seal your past in CPIC (the Canadian Police Information Centre)—a national database maintained by the RCMP—so your record is not erased, but is removed from the main database for most routine checks. (allcleared.com)

This guide covers:

• Is a Record Suspension the same as a pardon?
• Who can apply (and when)
• How it’s reviewed by the Parole Board of Canada
• How to get a Record Suspension in Canada, step-by-step
• Common mistakes that delay approval

Is Record Suspension the same as a Pardon?

Yes, a Record Suspension is the current official term for what many people still call a Canadian pardon. 

A Record Suspension can remove your record from the police database so a search won’t show you have a criminal record. It’s not an erasure of your history, but it can help you gain employment or volunteer opportunities, rental leases, and more. 

Who can apply for a Record Suspension in Canada?

You can apply directly to the Parole Board of Canada, and you do not need a lawyer or third-party service provider to submit an application. However, getting assistance from an expert, like AllCleared, can help ensure your application is approved the first time. 

Generally, you may be eligible if:

• You were convicted in Canada as an adult (under a federal act/regulation), and
• You have completed all parts of your sentence (including probation and any fines/fees), and
• You’ve waited the required time after sentence completion. 

If your sentence isn’t fully complete, you can’t apply yet because the waiting period starts after everything is completed. For offences committed on/after March 13, 2012, the Parole Board generally references 5 years (summary) and 10 years (indictable) after sentence completion.

How is a Record Suspension reviewed?

Record Suspensions are decided by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC). There is a nine (9) step process from the PBC when completing your record suspension.

The review of your Record Suspension application takes place in Ottawa. The Parole Board does not hold hearings for Record Suspension applications. They will base their review on the documents you provide and their own investigations.

If the Parole Board wants to deny the application, you will receive a letter explaining why. Then it is up to you to convince them in a letter to reconsider.

What Are the Benefits of a Record Suspension?

Enhanced Employment Opportunities

Employers won’t have access to your criminal record during routine background checks. This increased privacy lets you put your best foot forward and is particularly helpful when you want to serve your community or country. It's easier to hold a position of trust, such as in caregiving or the military, when you can present yourself without past convictions weighing you down.

Improved Travel Opportunities

Traveling internationally is often way easier with a clean record. Some countries deny entry to individuals with certain criminal histories, so having a record suspension can help with border crossings. 

Improved Education, Volunteer, & Other Opportunities

Some education programs may impose strict requirements based on your criminal history and limit financial aid. A criminal record can also impact your volunteering opportunities, especially if working with vulnerable populations. 

Peace of Mind

One of the biggest advantages of a record suspension is that it gives you peace of mind. You can move forward with your life without the stigma that holds you back. Your suspension may help you rebuild trust with others and show that you're committed to a more positive future.

How to get a Record Suspension in Canada (step-by-step)

Here is an overview of the steps to complete your record suspension and seal your record in Canada. 

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

• Do you have a criminal record (or already pardoned record)?
• Are all sentences completed?
• Has enough time passed since completion? 

AllCleared offers a free online eligibility checker to help you determine eligibility.

Step 2: Gather required documents

This is usually the longest part. It often involves collecting:

• Court information for each conviction/court location
• Required police checks and related documents
• Fingerprints/record checks as needed depending on the case

Step 3: Complete the application package accurately

Small mistakes can trigger delays like wrong court details, missing signatures, missing documents, outdated forms.

Step 4: Submit to the Parole Board of Canada and monitor progress

Once submitted, you’re essentially waiting through the government review process.

Common mistakes that delay your record suspension

These are the issues we see most often (and they line up with what the government emphasizes about completeness and eligibility):

• Applying before all parts of the sentence are complete, including probation and any financial requirements
• Missing or incorrect court information, like the wrong courthouse or incomplete conviction details
• Underestimating how long document collection takes, especially if there are multiple courts/jurisdictions

How AllCleared helps

Seal your record with confidence. Get step-by-step support with AllCleared—eligibility check, flexible payment plans, and secure online status tracking. Plus, our expedited document collection can save you up to four months.

Check your eligibility today.

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