Pardons Direct Canada :: FAQ & Links

What is a Pardon?

A Pardon is an acknowledgement that you are of good conduct. When you are granted a Pardon, all of your records of conviction will be taken out of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) computer and sealed.
Once your Pardon is recognized, any information regarding your criminal record will only be attainable with the approval of the Solicitor General of Canada.
Is any crime Pardonable?
In short yes. However, sexual offences require that your pardon is flagged so that while the details of the crime are removed, organizations that work with vulnerable people (children, the elderly, etc.) will be notified of the flag and can request that you make your records available to them. In addition, certain crimes require that the convicted stay on parole indefinitely; since you cannot complete the terms of your parole, you cannot obtain a Pardon.
How long does it take to get a Pardon?
The process usually takes about 9 months to gather up the necessary documents for submission. After that it can take from 12-18 months to process; in some cases it can be up to 24 months.
What are the benefits of a Pardon?

Your criminal record cannot be ignored. It affects your employment, travel opportunities, renting an apartment, child custody, your peace of mind, and your social life.
A Pardon will seal your criminal record.
Without special permission from the Solicitor General of Canada, your criminal record will not be disclosed to anyone; only you will know it ever existed.
Also, The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on a pardoned record. (Only sexual offences are retained, in case you apply to work with children, the disabled, or the elderly.)
The usual time frame for this process is 18 to 24 months from the time you apply and all of your documents are filed with the National Parole Board.
What are the limitations of a Pardon?
A Pardon can help alleviate many problems in Canada; however, it only applies here. If you wish to travel, you need a Waiver.
Can a Pardon ever be revealed?
Under certain circumstances the Ministry of Public Safety of Canada can disclose your Pardon.
Can a Pardon ever be revoked?
Your Pardon can be revoked if you are convicted of a new offence in Canada.
When am I eligible for a Pardon?

Once you have completed your sentence for your offense (a sentence may be a fine, probation or a jail term), this process can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years. You must discuss your case with a Pardons Direct Inc. Representative to determine what your waiting period is pertaining to your situation.
Do I need a Pardon for a youth offense?
If you were found guilty in a youth Court, you do not need to apply for a Pardon, as your record will be destroyed as stated in the Young Offenders Act.
Can I apply before I am eligible?
We always recommend starting the application process as soon as possible. Starting the paperwork before you’re eligible ensures that we can submit your application at the earliest opportunity.
Who may apply for a Pardon?

Anyone convicted of an offence under a Federal act or regulation.
If you were convicted in another country and transferred to Canada, you may apply.
When do I apply for a Pardon?

You can apply for a Pardon when you have completed your sentence(s) and waited the necessary time after the completion of your sentence(s).

Your waiting period begins once you have served all your time, including parole or statutory release, fines, surcharges, costs, restitutions, and compensation orders. You must also have satisfied your probation order.
The waiting period under the Criminal Code of Canada is 3 years for summary convictions, and 5 years for indictable offences.
Do Pardons ever get denied?
Yes. If the National Parole Board deems you to be “not of good conduct”. You can reapply after waiting one year.
Does a Pardon allow me entry into the US?
Since a Pardon only hides your Criminal Record and doesn’t destroy it, US officials can deny a Pardoned Canadian entry. The only guaranteed way of entering the US hassle-free is with a valid Waiver.
What is the difference between a Pardon and a Waiver?
A Pardon will hide your Criminal Record from conventional searches within Canada, whereas a waiver will grant US officials access to see your record and decide if your offences are low-risk enough to allow entry.
What is a Waiver?

If you have a criminal record, a Waiver is the only form of legal documentation that will allow you to enter the U.S. without risking denial of entry, detention, criminal charges, deportation, and confiscation of your vehicle and/or property.
How long does it take to get a Waiver?
The estimated time for processing is anywhere from 12 – 18 months, but can go as long as 24 months.
When can I apply for a Waiver?
There is no eligibility period specified for a Waiver, although it is recommended that you wait at least a year to ensure a successful application.
How long is a Waiver valid for?
Waivers are usually good for a period of five years; however, this is at the total discretion of the USCIS and, depending on the circumstances, they may be issued for a shorter period of time.
What are the limitations of a Waiver?
A Waiver simply gives you the right to enter the US as any other Canadian citizen. This means that you are subject to the same rules, random searches, and regulations as everyone else.
Will a Waiver work every time without fail?

Waivers do expire and must be renewed, but granted that you have a valid Waiver, they will work every time. As long as you have your Waiver with you, your criminal record won’t affect your travel plans.
What if I cross the border without a Waiver?

Generally, on your first offense, U.S. Customs and Immigration officials will tell you you’re inadmissable to the U.S. and turn you around and tell you to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver. In some circumstances, however, they have been known to detain and charge individuals for traveling with a criminal record, and to confiscate their vehicle and/or personal property.
Individuals caught making more than one attempt to cross the border with a criminal record, after already receiving a warning, are more likely to be charged and receive some jail time, and a possible future ban from entering the U.S.
Can I complete the Pardon or Waiver application myself?
The process of obtaining the Pardon or a Waiver can take up to 24 months; if there are mistakes on the application, or if you provide inadequate documentation, there may be further lengthy delays in obtaining your Pardon or Waiver. Our in-depth knowledge of the application process and streamlined systems will guide you through the process efficiently and quickly.
How can I apply for a Pardon or Waiver?
You may get your application started by filling out our online application form, or if you would rather submit your application by fax or mail, contact our office for a hard copy of our application form.
What about disbursements such as fingerprints and government fees?
While you are responsible for paying any and all disbursements, these fees vary from province to province. We will make sure that you are aware of the correct amounts for the applicable province(s) to which you are applying.
What are your cancellation and refund policies?
Our refunds are given only within the first 30 days of your application and are provided at a cost of $100. However, some exceptions apply to the 30-day rule: re-offending, failing to pay all your fines and/or payments, or, if during the criminal record search, no record is found. If any of these situations occur, we will not be able to supply a refund.
What if I miss a payment to Pardons Direct?
We reserve the right to charge interest on accounts that are 30 days or more overdue. After an account becomes inactive for more than 90 days, we send out a final notice before closing your file.
Can I reopen my closed file?
Yes, if your file has been closed for less than 6 months. Files over 6 months old will be destroyed. Re-opening a closed file is subject to an administration fee of $100.
Where does Pardons Direct operate?
We are a national company helping Canadians apply for Pardons and Waivers from anywhere in Canada.
Does Pardons Direct offer record services such as purging or destruction of Withdrawn Charges, Stayed Proceedings, or Dismissed Proceedings?
Currently we provide these services as a part of our Pardon package.