A pardon is a recognition that you are of good conduct. The granting of a pardon by the National Parole Board (NPB), under the Criminal Record Act (CRA), means that any federal agency or department that has records of convictions must keep those records separate and apart from other criminal records. The information will be taken out of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) computer system.
Once you have been pardoned, information about the conviction may not be given out without the approval of the Solicitor General of Canada.
The Canadian Human Rights Act forbids federal agencies and departments to discriminate against you based on a pardoned record.
2. Once I have been pardoned can I travel outside of the country?
The laws of each country vary. Please contact our office and we will provide you with the correct information.
3. What are the limitations of a pardon?
The CRA lists certain sexual offences. If you are pardoned for such offences, your record will be kept separate and apart, but your name will be flagged in the CPIC computer system. This means that you may be asked to let employers see your record if you want to work with children or groups that are vulnerable because of their age or disability.
4. How long after my conviction can I apply for a pardon?
Under the Criminal Records Act and other federal statutes, you are eligible to apply for a pardon: Must have completely served your sentence and a waiting period of either three years for summary convictions, or five years for indictable convictions (criminal offences) is required. If you are early it is worthwhile to begin your application as it will save you time and money in the long run.
5. What is the difference between an indictable offence and a summary offence?
Generally an indictable offence is more serious than a summary offence. Please contact our office and we will provide you with the correct info about your particular offence.
6. What about young offenders?
You do not need to apply for a pardon if you were found guilty solely in a youth court, as your record will be destroyed as set out in the Young .
7. What's the difference between a pardon and a waiver?
Pardon: Permanently seals a criminal record and removes the obstacles affecting a person's peace of mind, travel and employment opportunities
Waiver: Allows a person with a criminal record to legally enter the United States without the risk of arrest, deportation or property seizure.
8. Can a pardon be denied?
Yes. If the NPB deems you to be "not good of conduct". However, you may re-apply one year from the date of the decision .
9. How do I apply for a pardon?
Please go to our online application form or contact our office via phone or email.
10. What if my charges were dropped? Do I still have a record?
If your charges are dropped, withdrawn or stayed you still have a record that we can remove for you.
11. Does my employer or landlord have access to my criminal record?
If you signed an employment application/agreement or a rental application/agreement, the document may have contained a paragraph giving your employer or landlord permission to conduct a criminal record search.
12.I would like to adopt. Does having a criminal record affect this?
Yes it does. Before adopting a child, the law requires that a criminal record search be completed. It is best to apply for a pardon before you start this process.
13. Can I do the application myself?
It is possible to successfully complete a pardon application on your own but it can NOT be done for free. Furthermore, statistics show that pardon applications completed by the client have a failure rate of over 80%. A refused pardon application can waste more than two years of your time and all of the money that was put into it. The process of obtaining the pardon takes a minimum of 24 months and if there are errors on the application, or the incorrect documentation is provided, it will lead to aggravation and delays in obtaining your pardon. Considering the process and the length of time, our fees are well worth your peace of mind.
14. Should I get my lawyer to apply for my pardon?
We have working relationships with many criminal lawyers across Canada . We process a number of pardon applications in Canada . Why pay higher fees when you are going to accomplish the same results for a fraction of the cost.
15. When asked if I have a criminal record after obtaining a pardon what should I say?
Under the Human Rights Act of Canada, the proper question that someone can ask is "Do you have a criminal record for which you have not been pardoned?"
16. My criminal record hasn't affected by life yet. Why do I need a pardon?
A criminal record will affect your life. You cannot ignore your criminal record. Many clients have approached us because their criminal records have affected them at the most inopportune time. For instance, they need to travel right away or need to be bonded, need a security clearance, and many other reasons. Unfortunately, we have to inform them that it can take up 24 months for the process and it is regrettable that they did not start sooner.
17. What are the required pardon documents you will obtain?
FIPS will obtain your fingerprints digitally, on location. You do have to go to a second location and pay extra. You’ll save money and time. FIPS will prepare, apply and obtain all required documents. Once it completed it will be sent to National Parole Board. This process will take about six months to complete for a regular application.
18. Can I expedite a pardon?
If you request to have it expedited, FIPS will try everything in their power to make your wish come true. You don’t have to worry about spending the extra money because if we are not successful in expediting your application you will be refunded the extra fees you paid. That’s right. Money back. If we can’t supply the service we don’t get paid. Other major agencies will charge the extra fees no matter what. Make sure that if you choose other companies and they tell you that they will expedite your application, they explain it you. You want the pardon expedited NOT when they mail your application to the National parole Board. These agencies will make you believe that you pardon will be granted years before. They don’t magic wand. They will take your money and tell you that it will leave their office within a year. Within a year!!!! Never since we’ve been in this business, did an application take a year before it was completed and mailed out ALSO, Pardon agencies are all PRIVATE. None are government owned like many think.
19. Do I have to make the full payment in advance?
Most agencies require full payment in advance. Not FIPS. We offer easy payment plan, where you can pay over a period of three months and don’t forget…that includes the digital fingerprints.
if you furnish fips with all the required information you will not have to attend the agency again. nothing will be delivered to your house. we will contact you once the application is successfully completed.
