Record suspensions · Canada
Record suspension (pardon) lawyers in BC
A record suspension (the current name for a pardon) sets a Canadian criminal record apart and removes it from CPIC. We prepare record suspension applications to the Parole Board of Canada, answer proposed refusals, and advise on what the record means for immigration status and US travel. Lawgical Law Corporation is a law firm with offices in Surrey, Abbotsford and Vancouver, BC.
- Record suspension (pardon) applications to the Parole Board of Canada
- Eligibility and waiting period check, conviction by conviction
- Advice on permanent residence, sponsorship, citizenship and US travel
Book a record suspension consultation
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll be in touch to arrange a time.
The Parole Board says you can apply yourself. That's true for a simple record. A lawyer helps when the record is long or incomplete, the dates are unclear, the Board proposes to refuse, or the record affects your status in Canada or travel to the US.
Convictions in Canada under federal law, once the whole sentence is finished and the waiting period has passed.
- 3, 5 or 10 years, set by the date of the first offence
- Not needed for absolute or conditional discharges
- Simple possession of cannabis alone: a separate process with no fee
- Not available for most Schedule 1 offences, or more than three indictable offences with 2+ year sentences
Since March 19, 2020, the Parole Board applies the rules in force on the date of your first offence.
It sets the record apart. It does not erase it.
- Removes the record from CPIC; most provincial and municipal agencies restrict access too
- Removes a Canadian conviction as a ground of immigration inadmissibility
- Does not end a driving or firearms prohibition
Since October 1, 2026 you can also apply online through the Parole Board's PBC Service Portal.
- RecordsElectronic fingerprints for your RCMP record; we request court information from each court.
- EligibilityWe confirm the waiting period for each conviction and the earliest application date.
- ApplicationForms, police checks, measurable benefit material and cover letter, filed by mail or on the PBC Service Portal.
- DecisionThe Board decides, usually at least 6 months (summary) or 12 months (indictable) after accepting the application. We answer any proposed refusal.
Record suspension questions
The Parole Board fee is $50. Fingerprints, the RCMP record, court documents and police checks are extra. The cost of legal help depends on how many convictions and courts are involved.
Collecting the records takes months. The Parole Board then takes at least 6 months for summary offences and at least 12 months for indictable offences after accepting the application.
A pardon doesn't help at the US border. If your record makes you inadmissible to the US, you need a US entry waiver.
For a Canadian conviction, yes: once ordered, the conviction can't ground inadmissibility. For a conviction outside Canada, you need criminal rehabilitation instead.
Official sources: Parole Board of Canada: Applying for a record suspension (page dated October 8, 2026)
Our immigration services
Family sponsorshipPermanent residenceCitizenshipHumanitarian and compassionateRefugee claimsPre-removal risk assessmentRefusals and appealsSpousal sponsorship appealsParent sponsorship appealsPR removal order appealsResidency obligation appealsIRCC delays and mandamusStays and deferrals of removalInadmissibilityEntering Canada with a DUIVisit, study and workAuthorization to return to CanadaImmigration detention reviewsVulnerable worker open work permits
Record suspensions help in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver
Meet us at any of our offices, or by phone or video from anywhere in Canada or abroad.
Need a pardon?
Book a consultation and we will check your eligibility date and what the record means for your status and travel.