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Do you have a criminal record in Canada and are wondering which countries allow you to enter despite your criminal charges? The answer isn’t simple. Each country is different and border guards are free to bar you entry at their own discretion. A crime, no matter the nature, may be grounds for refusal. This blog…

A criminal record will likely make you inadmissible to the United States; however,  Canadian citizens that have been or are likely to be denied entry may apply for a US Waiver. The application process can be daunting, and there are many documents that must be collected and completed before you can apply. While there is…

A criminal record will likely make you inadmissible to the United States.  However, Canadian citizens and permanent residents that have been or are likely to be denied entry may apply for a US Entry Waiver, or just “Waiver” for short.A criminal record will likely make you inadmissible to the United States.  However, Canadian citizens and…

Obtaining a Record Suspension (Pardon) frees you from the stigma attached to having a criminal record and removes legal barriers that hinder your ability to live an ordinary life. The laws governing the eligibility period, waiting times, and steps involved in obtaining a Pardon are often confusing, and delays in the justice system leave many…

Many Canadians believe that it is necessary to retain legal counsel to aid their Pardon application process. With this decision, those with prior convictions will almost certainly be paying a lawyer far too much to handle their application. The application process is detailed and specific, but it does not require an attorney. In fact, there…

If you are burdened with mistakes from the past, then it can be difficult to find a job, pursue an education, travel, or have a normal life. Getting a Pardon can help you gain access to these opportunities by sealing your record from public visibility forever. But applying for a Pardon is not about filling…

Are you worried that a criminal record could ruin your dreams of becoming a Canadian citizen? Permanent residents often find that their past mistakes complicate, delay, and even jeopardize their application proceedings. Let’s learn more about how a Pardon can help keep your citizenship dreams alive regardless of your history. As a permanent resident, you…

The pending legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada has led many to applaud the efforts of the liberal government to uphold its promise to “legalize, regulate, and restrict access to marijuana”. But, despite changes on the horizon, many Canadians have still been charged with crimes for possession. Those who find themselves in this legal limbo…

Being granted a Pardon (now known as a Record Suspension) is your chance to go forward in your life with a clear criminal record. New opportunities for employment, education, and travel will help you move on from the past. The legal process behind a Pardon application in Canada, however, can be daunting. Any mistakes in…

by Chris Curcione A+ Accredited Pardon & U.S. Waiver Officer Pardon Applications of Canada The Canadian justice system is a complex collection of courts, agencies, and organizations that function in unison to maintain order, deter crime, and provide protection to Canadians. For example, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Supreme Court of Canada…

Read this for more info about traveling to the USA with or without a pardon.A DUI offence in Canada can ruin your chances of employment, education, travel, and more. Find out how obtaining a pardon for your DUI conviction can open up doors you once thought were closed for good. If you’ve been convicted of…

Travelers are often surprised to discover that Canadian Pardons are not recognized by the United States.  Even with a Canadian record suspension, a traveler can still be prohibited from crossing the border into the U.S., either via land (border crossing) or air.  Earlier this month, 66-year-old Calgary man Bill McLevin told Global News that he…

In Canada, A Pardon completely separates a criminal record from publicly visible criminal charges in the national criminal record database known as “CPIC”.  This offers an individual a second chance at a clean, publicly sealed, and crime-free lifestyle.  The main benefits are that past offenders are able to pass a criminal record check for employment,…

Kaira Kiritharan, A+ Accredited Associate Officer with Pardon Applications of Canada _______________________________________________________________________ The world was captivated by a riveting election that took place in one of the most powerful countries of the globe — the United States of America. Citizens and leaders of nations around the world were split into two sides with a head…

Although an individual’s criminal convictions & non-convictions are both a component of an individual’s entire criminal record, there are differences between the two. A non-conviction record, sometimes called a police record, is a listing of an individual’s interactions with police, including charges that have been dismissed or withdrawn. Whereas a criminal conviction record more commonly…

Current estimates suggest between 4-5 million Canadians and residents have a criminal record. As such, the opportunity for individuals to seal their record and seek better employment, volunteerism and travel freedom is a significant issue in the country. Justin Trudeau and the liberal government have been thinking carefully about this issue. Under the previous Harper…

  Obtaining a Pardon is beneficial for several reasons like increasing employment opportunities, having access to better education, obtaining citizenship and lowering any chances of stigma in society. It’s also very helpful when traveling abroad and to our neighbours in the U.S. A Pardon may lift travel restrictions that are imposed on an individual with…

  Imagine traveling with family and friends, excited to relax on the beautiful beaches of Mexico, only to be pulled aside and sent back to Canada. The financial losses of the trip, much less the embarrassment, can be significant. When it comes to Mexico, there are a few things that need to be taken into…

When it comes to travelling with a criminal record, things can get a little tricky. There are many countries with popular vacation destination spots that do not let individuals in who have criminal records. To complicate matters further, there are a number of countries that do accept those with a criminal record but they may…

A Bona Fide Occupational Requirement (BFOR) is a legal term that refers to the essential requirements a candidate needs to perform a job. If an employer establishes a particular BFOR that cannot be modified or adopted to accommodate a person, they may be allowed to not accommodate a worker in that job, legally speaking, if…