A Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) is a formal way to clear your criminal record from most public background checks after you’ve shown you are rehabilitated. This means that once the suspension is granted, your past offences are sealed from public view, helping you move forward without the stigma of a criminal record. It’s part of the Canadian Criminal Records Act, which was designed to give people who have turned their lives around a fresh start and better opportunities.
Pardon Applications of Canada provides full-service pardon application assistance for a one-time fee. This covers all the work to prepare and submit your application correctly, including obtaining court documents and police checks on your behalf. You can pay the service fee in full or choose an interest-free payment plan of $80/month for 12 months.
The Government of Canada charges a $50 processing fee when your Record Suspension application is submitted to the Parole Board of Canada. This is a mandatory fee and is paid to the government, separate from PAC’s services. It is the final step before your pardon is officially reviewed and granted.
There are a few third-party costs required to complete your application, which can vary depending on your case:
If you plan to travel to the United States, note that a Canadian pardon is not recognized by U.S. authorities. You would need a separate U.S. Entry Waiver to legally enter the U.S. Pardon Applications of Canada offers an option to bundle a U.S. Waiver with your pardon application. This add-on costs an additional $20/month on the payment plan.
PAC aims to make the pardon process affordable and accessible. You can spread the service fee over 12 months at $80/month. If you prefer, you can also pay the full amount upfront at a slight discount.
If you have multiple convictions, obtaining all the necessary court documents and police records can increase the total disbursement costs. More convictions mean more paperwork from different courts, which can add fees. PAC will compile all required documents for you, but be aware this can raise the price slightly compared to someone with a single offense.
Ready to get started? Don’t let cost stand in the way of your clean slate. Schedule a free consultation with an accredited PAC officer to get a personalized quote and plan. The sooner you begin, the sooner your record can be sealed for good. Don’t let cost stand in the way of your clean slate. Schedule a free consultation with an accredited PAC officer to get a personalized quote and plan. The sooner you begin, the sooner your record can be sealed for good.
saves $60
saves $60
The federal application fee is $50 to the Parole Board.
There are also costs for fingerprints, police checks, and court records.
PAC provides a full quote upfront so there are no surprises.
The $50 government fee is only part of the total cost. Collecting records from courts and police, plus certified fingerprints, all have separate charges. PAC bundles these expenses into one transparent process so clients know exactly what they’re paying for and what’s included.
Most international borders respect Canada’s system. Once your record is sealed, it won’t appear in global background searches. The U.S. is the main exception, so many travellers apply for both a Pardon and a Waiver together through PAC.
Traffic tickets or civil lawsuits won’t harm your status. The Record Suspension only comes into question if new criminal charges arise. PAC keeps clients informed on how to protect their good record for life.
