Record Suspension in Canada: 9 Quick FAQs

Record Suspension in Canada: 9 Quick FAQs

• Here are 9 quick things you need to know about getting a Record Suspension in Canada.

1/ What is a Record Suspension in Canada?

• A Record Suspension in Canada removes your criminal record from the criminal records database managed by the RCMP.
• That means your background checks will come back clean without traces of your criminal activity.
• So, when someone asks if you have a criminal record, you can legally answer “no.”
• And, legally, no one is allowed to ask if you’ve had a criminal record for which you got a Record Suspension.

2/ Why do you want a Record Suspension in Canada?

• A criminal record creates serious roadblocks in your life.
• Obstacles to employment, volunteer work and travel.
• A record suspension removes those roadblocks so you can move on with your life.

3/ Is a Record Suspension the same as a Pardon in Canada?

• Practically yes.
• While there are technical differences between a Record Suspension and a Pardon in Canada, the impact on your life is the same.
• Your criminal record will be hidden from the public so you can move on with your life.

4/  How long does a Record Suspension in Canada take?

• It can take 1 to 2 years to get a Record Suspension in Canada.
• There are 2 buckets of timing.
• The first is the time it takes to prepare your Record Suspension documentation.  
• Your preparation can take up to a year.
• The second bucket of time is the time it takes for the Parole Board of Canada to process your Record Suspension Application.
• For less serious crimes, it takes up to 6 months.
• For more serious crimes, it can take up to 1 year. 

5/ Can I travel to the US with a Record Suspension?

• Maybe.
• There is a lot of bad information on the internet about this question, so be careful what you read.
• And a proper answer requires a more in-depth explanation which I will cover in a future video.

6/ Can a Record Suspension be revoked?

• Yes. 
• Your Record Suspension can be revoked in the following 3 situations.
• One.  If you get into trouble again.
• Two.  If you lied on your Record Suspension Application.
• Or three, if it was found that you should never have got a Record Suspension in the first place.
• If your Record Suspension is revoked, the Parole Board of Canada will direct the RCMP to put your criminal record back into the criminal records database.
• That means your criminal record is no longer hidden.

7/ Who is responsible for ordering a Record Suspension?

• The Parole Board of Canada is the only government body responsible for granting a Record Suspension.
• The Parole Board is a federal government agency that grants Record Suspensions for criminal records throughout Canada, regardless of the province in which you were convicted.

8/ Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in Canada?

• No, your criminal record does not clear after 7 years.
• Practically, your criminal record will stay on your record for the rest of your life.
• The only way to clear your record in Canada is to get a Record Suspension.

9/ What is the fastest way to get a Record Suspension in Canada?

• Here are two quick tips to get your Record Suspension fast.
• First, start your document preparation at least 1 year before your Record Suspension eligibility date.
• And second, avoid mistakes on your Record Suspension Application.
• Mistakes will cost you time and in some cases, rejection.
• If you want tips on how to avoid mistakes on your Pardon Canada application, check out our free “Pardon Success Checklist.”  
• It has more than 25 points of failure that you can avoid on your Record Suspension Application.
• I’ve included a link in the description on how to get this free checklist.