Pardons - How Long To Get

How long does it take to get a Canadian Pardon?

How long does it take to get a Canadian Pardon?
  • One of the most common questions we get at our law firm is how long will it take to get a Pardon in Canada?
  • I’m going to give you a short answer and a long answer.The short answer is this.
  • In Canada, it takes between 9 to 24 months to get a Pardon and remove your criminal record.

Now, let me walk you through the long answer, which will help you understand why it takes between 9 to 24 months to get your Pardon.

  • Getting a Pardon in Canada, which is now called a Record Suspension, involves 4 steps.
  • Step #1 is getting your criminal record from the RCMP.  
  • That starts with getting your fingerprints.
  • This takes between 1 to 4 months.
  • Step #2 is getting court information for the convictions for which you are seeking a Pardon.
  • This takes between 1 to 6 months. 
  • Step #3b> is getting your local police record check.  
  • This shows the Parole Board of Canada that you have stayed out of trouble.
  • This takes between 1 to 2 months.
  • Step #4 is getting your Pardon approved by the Parole Board of Canada.
  • For less serious summary offences, it takes up to 6 months.
  • For more serious indictable offences, it takes up to 12 months to get your Pardon.
  • So when you add up the 4 steps, you see that it takes between 9 to 24 months to get your Canadian Pardon.
  • And I should add that these are rough timelines.
  • In some cases, the timing may be longer or shorter depending on how busy the police or courts are at the time of your document request.

Lastly, I want to cover how to get your Pardon fast.

  • There is no way to get the Parole Board of Canada to fast-track your Pardon approval.
  • That means you can’t impact this 6 or 12 months wait time
  • But what you can do is prepare early.
  • The Parole Board of Canada will only accept your Pardon application when you are eligible.
  • As I just explained, it takes up to 12 months to get all the documentation.
  • So if you start your preparation 12 months before you’re eligible, you will be able to apply at the earliest possible time.
  • So you’ll be able to get your Pardon as soon as possible, saving you up to a year.
  • Bottom line.  Start early to remove your criminal record and get the peace of mind you deserve.
How long does it take to get a Canadian Pardon?

It takes between 9 to 24 months to get a Pardon and remove your criminal record in Canada. This includes getting your criminal record from the RCMP, court information for the convictions, a local police record check, and Pardon approval from the Parole Board of Canada.

Is there a way to fast-track the Pardon process in Canada?

Unfortunately, there is no way to fast-track the Pardon approval process by the Parole Board of Canada. However, you can prepare early by starting your documentation gathering 12 months before you are eligible to apply. This can save you up to a year in the Pardon process. Remember, The Parole Board of Canada will only accept your Pardon application when you are eligible.

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Dan Joffe, Partner, NextLaw - US Waiver Services & DUI
Your ability to keep get a better job, travel or Immigrate to Canada depends on a proper Record Suspension application. Our law firm can change everything. Let’s discuss – FREE!
Let's Ditch Your Criminal Record

Your ability to keep get a better job, travel or Immigrate to Canada depends on a proper Record Suspension application. Our law firm can change everything. Let’s discuss – FREE!

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Dan Joffe, Pardon Lawyer

Daniel holds a JD (LLB) / MBA from Osgoode Hall Law School & the Schulich School of Business at York University, Toronto. Dan is a licensed lawyer in the Province of Ontario.

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Next Law publishes these articles and videos as a service to our website visitors for general informational purposes only. These materials do not, and are not, intended to, constitute legal advice. You should not act upon any such information without seeking professional counsel.