Record Suspension

GBWS

What Is a Record Suspension in Canada?

A Record Suspension, formerly known as a Pardon, is a formal decision granted by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) under the Criminal Records Act.
It removes an individual’s criminal record from public view, meaning it will no longer appear in criminal background checks conducted by employers, landlords, or volunteer organizations.

Once granted, your criminal record is sealed and segregated from the national database, allowing you to pursue employment, volunteer work, immigration, education, or licensing opportunities without the burden of a past conviction.

At GBWS Immigration Services, we assist clients across Canada in professionally preparing and submitting their Record Suspension applications.
Our experienced team ensures your file meets all Parole Board of Canada requirements, maximizing your chances of approval and giving you the opportunity to truly start fresh.

Why You May Need a Record Suspension in Canada

Even a minor conviction can appear in a background check and affect several areas of life, such as:

Employment and volunteer opportunities
Professional licensing or certification
Immigration, citizenship, and international travel
Education and university admissions
Rental housing or tenancy background checks

A Record Suspension in Canada removes these barriers, helping you reclaim your dignity, freedom, and peace of mind and demonstrating that you are rehabilitated and a responsible member of society.

Who Qualifies for a Canada Record Suspension

To qualify for Canada Record Suspension, you must meet the conditions set by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) under the Criminal Records Act:

You have completed all sentences, including jail time, probation, and fines.
You have finished your waiting period (5 years for summary offenses, 10 years for indictable offenses).
You have not been convicted of any new offense since your last sentence.
Your conviction is not excluded from eligibility (e.g., certain sexual offenses against minors).

GBWS offers a free eligibility assessment to confirm your qualifications before starting your application.

Why Obtain a Record Suspension

A Record Suspension in Canada can transform your personal and professional life by offering:

A Fresh Start: Your criminal record is sealed and hidden from public access.
Better Employment Opportunities: Most employers will no longer see your convictions.
Improved Travel & Immigration Options: A clear record supports visa and immigration applications.
Restored Reputation: Rebuild trust and integrity in your personal and professional circles.

By obtaining a Record Suspension, you affirm your rehabilitation and your commitment to a positive, law-abiding future.

Our Record Suspension Services

GBWS simplifies the entire process from start to finish ensuring accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality.

Our services include:

Eligibility Assessment – Review of your record under the Criminal Records Act.
Document Retrieval – Assistance in obtaining required court, police, and conviction documents.
Fingerprinting – RCMP-accredited digital or ink fingerprinting for your national record.
Form Preparation – Completion and verification of all Canadian Record Suspension application forms.
Application Submission – Timely and accurate filing with the Parole Board of Canada.
Follow-Up Support – Continuous monitoring until your application receives a final decision.

Step-by-Step: The GBWS Record Suspension Process

Step 1: Consultation & Eligibility Review
We assess your case and determine your eligibility based on PBC guidelines.

Step 2: RCMP Certified Fingerprinting
Your fingerprints are taken and submitted to the RCMP to obtain your certified criminal record.

Step 3: Court & Police Record Retrieval
We assist in obtaining official court and local police documents required for your application.

Step 4: Application Preparation
Our team prepares your Record Suspension forms with complete accuracy and compliance.

Step 5: Submission to the Parole Board of Canada
Your finalized package is submitted to the PBC for review and decision.

Step 6: Receive Your Record Suspension Certificate
Once approved, your record is sealed from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) — officially giving you a new beginning.

Why Choose GBWS for Your Record Suspension Application

Expert Guidance: Applications handled by experienced consultants familiar with PBC standards.
RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting: Secure and certified fingerprint submissions.
Efficient Processing: We manage paperwork, timelines, and coordination with all agencies.
Complete Confidentiality: All information handled under strict privacy safeguards.
Nationwide Service: Available to clients across all provinces and territories.

Documents Required for a Record Suspension

Before beginning your application, you’ll need:

Valid government-issued ID (Passport, PR Card, Driver’s License)
RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
Court information for all convictions
Local Police Record Checks (for places lived in the past five years)
Completed Record Suspension Application Forms

GBWS helps you gather, verify, and organize all required documentation to minimize errors or rejections.

Processing Time & Fees

Processing times depend on your case and the completeness of your file:

Summary Offenses: 6–12 months
Indictable Offenses: 12–24 months

Additional costs include RCMP, court, and administrative fees.
GBWS provides clear, transparent pricing before starting your application.

After Your Record Suspension Is Granted

Once approved by the Parole Board of Canada, your record will:

Be removed from the CPIC database.
Be inaccessible to most employers, agencies, or public checks.
Allow you to legally state you have no criminal record, except in specific security-related roles.

This means you can apply for jobs, housing, and travel without the shadow of past convictions.

The Difference Between a Record Suspension and a Pardon

The term “Pardon” was replaced with “Record Suspension” in 2012, but the purpose remains the same to acknowledge rehabilitation and remove criminal records from public access.

A Record Suspension in Canada does not erase your conviction; it sets it aside, ensuring it doesn’t appear in most criminal background checks. It’s an official recognition that you have completed your sentence and lived responsibly since then.

Take the First Step Toward a Clean Slate

A criminal record shouldn’t define your future.With GBWS Record Suspension Services, you can move forward confidently, free from the limitations of your past.

Contact GBWS Immigration Services today to begin your Record Suspension application and reclaim your opportunities in Canada.