Record suspensions

A record suspension allows you to have your criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records.

On this page

• Who can apply
• When you can apply
• How to apply
• When a record suspension may be denied or cancelled
• Reapplying for a record suspension
• More information

Who can apply

Under the Criminal Records Act (CRA), a record suspension can be requested after you have completed your sentence and can prove that you have had good conduct in the community.

When you can apply

You may have to wait up to 10 years after your sentence has been completed before applying for a record suspension. The exact waiting period depends on your sentence.

How to apply

You will need to apply to the Parole Board of Canada. The board makes all decisions about record suspensions.

When a record suspension may be denied or cancelled

The Parole Board of Canada can deny or cancel a record suspension if you do not act appropriately in the community. Some examples of when a pardon can be cancelled are:

• When the Parole Board of Canada revokes your record suspension if you are later convicted of a summary offence (See Types of offences (Adult accused))
• When the Parole Board finds out not all information provided on the record suspension application was truthful or relevant information was not included
• When you no longer have good conduct in the community

Reapplying for a record suspension

If you lose your approval for a record suspension, you can reapply after one year – as long as you can show you have been a law-abiding citizen.

More information

For more information about record suspensions, see Parole Board of Canada's Record suspensions page.