How Pac Works For You

Applying for a pardon in Canada (also called a Record Suspension) or a U.S. Entry Waiver isn’t just paperwork. To be successful, the pardon application process requires a number of legal steps as well as accurate preparation of government documents.

Your trusted guide through the Canada pardon process

Applying for a pardon in Canada (also called a Record Suspension) or a U.S. Entry Waiver isn’t just paperwork. To be successful, the pardon application process requires a number of legal steps as well as accurate preparation of government documents.

That’s where Pardon Applications of Canada (PAC) steps in.

Here are the legal steps we take to start your file:

You’ll be assigned a dedicated officer who will review your eligibility, answer questions confidentially, and only start the process when you’re ready, no upfront cost required.
Your trusted guide through the Canada pardon process
That’s where Pardon Applications of Canada (PAC) steps in.

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PAC offers affordable payment plans starting at $80/month.

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Frequently Asked Question

How long does it take to get a pardon approved?

The typical timeline for obtaining a pardon in Canada is around 10 to 18 months, though this can vary based on individual circumstances. Several months are often required to gather documents and complete the application, followed by a review period by the Parole Board of Canada. The Board’s review alone can take up to 6 months for minor offences and up to 12 months for more serious cases. Factors such as the complexity of your criminal record and the number of jurisdictions involved may extend the process. While no one can fast-track the government’s decision, avoiding delays is possible by submitting a complete and accurate application. Many applicants choose accredited services like Pardon Applications Canada, which offers 24/7 processing to prepare applications quickly and correctly, helping prevent mistakes that can cause setbacks. A well-prepared application ensures your case moves through the system as efficiently as possible.
Obtaining a pardon involves several costs, but you don’t need to pay everything upfront. The total typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on whether you use a professional service. Government and third-party fees include RCMP fingerprinting, court documents, police checks, and the Parole Board’s $657.77 application fee. If you hire a service like Pardon Applications Canada (PAC), their fee covers preparing your application, communicating with authorities, and guiding you through the process. PAC offers a 12-month plan at $80/month, with no hidden fees. They also provide a detailed cost and timeline report before you commit, making budgeting easier.
You do not need a lawyer to apply for a pardon. Many people successfully apply on their own using publicly available government guides. However, the process is detailed, with strict steps and timelines. Mistakes can delay your application or result in rejection, often requiring a full year before reapplying. While lawyers can help, they are not required and can be costly. Many do not specialize in pardon law and may even outsource the work to third-party agencies. Accredited services like Pardon Applications Canada (PAC) offer a more affordable alternative, providing expertise and handling the paperwork to reduce errors and save time. Ultimately, whether you apply yourself or seek help depends on your comfort with the process—there’s no legal requirement to hire anyone.
  • Summary offences: 5 years after your sentence ends.
  • Indictable offences: 10 years after your sentence ends.
  • The clock starts only after every part of the sentence is complete.

Your waiting period depends on how your offence was classified. Once everything is finished—probation, fines, community service—the countdown begins. Many people miscalculate this, which can delay approval. PAC helps confirm exact timelines so no time or effort is wasted.

  • Yes—laws changed in 2010 and 2012, but they don’t apply retroactively to older cases.
  • If your first offence happened before those changes, older waiting periods may still apply.
  • PAC reviews conviction dates to ensure the correct law is used.

People convicted before 2012 often benefit from more flexible rules, but it takes experience to know which set applies. PAC checks the date of each conviction carefully to make sure your application follows the right legal path and doesn’t get caught under the wrong timeline.

  • Yes—mainly certain sexual offences involving minors (listed under Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act).
  • Also, anyone with more than three indictable convictions each carrying 2+ years in prison may be ineligible.
  • PAC reviews each record before beginning to avoid ineligible filings.

Some offences are permanently excluded by law. These are limited cases but very specific. The safest approach is to let PAC confirm eligibility before investing time and resources—filing when ineligible leads nowhere and wastes valuable months.

  • Usually no—discharges aren’t convictions.
  • They’re automatically purged after a set time.
  • PAC can verify if your discharge is already removed from the system.

An absolute or conditional discharge is more like a second chance granted by the court. It doesn’t create a permanent criminal record, but some police files can linger. PAC checks whether those records still appear and advises if a File Purge is more appropriate than a full Record Suspension.

  • No—citizenship isn’t required.
  • Anyone convicted of a federal offence in Canada can apply.
  • Non-citizens must still meet the same waiting periods and conditions.

Whether you’re a permanent resident, landed immigrant, or foreign national who was convicted in Canada, you can still qualify. The Record Suspension applies to the conviction itself, not your nationality. PAC regularly assists non-citizens who want to clear their record before applying for citizenship or visas.

  • Technically, yes—but it’s risky and time-consuming.
  • One mistake can send your file back and delay you for months.
  • Working with PAC is like hiring an expert for a legal process—safer and faster.

Completing a Record Suspension on your own is a bit like trying to navigate a court case without a lawyer. It’s possible, but most people get stuck on paperwork or technical details. PAC understands how the Parole Board works and helps ensure your application is complete, correct, and properly represented the first time.

  • It happens occasionally with old or incomplete files.
  • The RCMP may issue a “No Record Found” notice.
  • PAC helps verify and document the situation properly.

Older records sometimes get lost in system updates. PAC ensures that proper letters and alternative documentation are included so the Parole Board still has what it needs to process your application without delay.

  • Use the correct, most current forms.
  • Double-check every name, date, and document.
  • PAC’s full-service process prevents errors that cause returns.

Most delays come from small, preventable errors—wrong dates, incomplete police checks, missing signatures. PAC’s experience helps clients avoid those pitfalls and keeps applications moving smoothly toward approval.