How much does a Canadian pardon cost?

Asked by: Mrs. Euna Lang MD  |  Last update: June 2, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (38 votes)

As of January 1, 2022, the official application fee for a Canadian pardon (record suspension) from the Parole Board of Canada is $50.00. While the government fee is low, total costs for gathering documents (court records, police checks) and fingerprinting can range from $100 to over $300, with private service firm fees ranging from $500 to over $1,000.

Does it cost money for a pardon in Canada?

2 Subject to subsection 4(3.3) of the Criminal Records Act , any person referred to in subsection 3(1) of that Act who applies to the Parole Board of Canada for a pardon or record suspension under that Act must pay a fee of $50 to the order of the Receiver General for pardon services provided by the Parole Board of ...

Is it worth getting a pardon in Canada?

Without it, many people continue to face setbacks, even years after their sentence is complete. If your criminal record is holding you back, now is the time to take action. Contact Pardons Canada today and take the first step toward a brighter future.

Is a Canadian pardon good in the US?

Note that Canadian pardons are not recognized by the U.S. government if they are aware of your conviction, but US entry waivers are recognized throughout the term of the waiver. Do I need a record suspension before I apply for a US entry waiver?

How long does a Canadian pardon take?

The process can take 6 months to 1+ year to complete and The Parole Board of Canada charges $50 to process Pardon applications. Once received, the Parole Board can take 6-12 months to render a decision.

How much does a Pardon cost in Canada?

34 related questions found

What crimes cannot be pardoned in Canada?

Are there any crimes that cannot be pardoned?

  • sexual offences involving a minor.
  • more than 3 indictable offences where the sentence was more than 2 years in jail each time.
  • any crime in which the sentence can never be completed (in some very serious cases the offender will receive lifetime in jail or lifetime probation)

Do you need a lawyer to get a pardon in Canada?

You can apply directly for a record suspension (or pardon*) to the Parole Board of Canada. You do not need to use a lawyer or third party service provider (see Protect Yourself from Fraud).

Can you travel with a Canadian pardon?

A pardon for an offence issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized under U.S. law to enter the United States. If you are ineligible to enter the United States, you may apply directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility via the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Do you still have a record if you get pardoned?

Does a pardon erase a conviction from the record? No. A pardon To release someone from punishment for a crime they were convicted of committing forgives the conviction When someone is declared guilty of a crime by a court but does not erase it from the record.

What is the best pardon service in Canada?

At National Pardon Centre your file is in good hands. We're not just honest, we're efficient. We firmly believe we run the best pardon and waiver service in Canada.

What can you not be pardoned for?

The President of the United States may pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the United States. They may also pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the District of Columbia. The president cannot grant pardons for violations of state laws.

What is a good reason to ask for a pardon?

Reason for seeking pardon

A pardon is not a sign of vindication and does not connote or establish innocence. For that reason, when considering the merits of a pardon petition, pardon officials take into account the petitioner's acceptance of responsibility, remorse, and atonement for the offense.

What countries recognize a Canadian pardon?

United States Waiver of Inadmissibility

According to the Parole Board of Canada, a Canadian Pardon (now called Record Suspension) is not recognized outside Canada.

How much does it cost to ask for a pardon?

Historically, governors have granted very few pardons. Applications generally will not be considered unless the applicant has been discharged from probation or parole for at least 10 years without further criminal activity during that period. There is no fee for applying for a pardon.

Does a pardon erase a criminal record in Canada?

A pardon (or record suspension) sets aside an offence for which you have been convicted. It does not erase the conviction from your record, but it does remove your record from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database.

What crimes can get pardoned?

Pardons extend to all federal criminal offenses, except in cases of impeachment, and entail various forms of clemency, including commuting or postponing a sentence, remitting a fine or restitution, delaying the imposition of a punishment, and providing amnesty to an entire group or class of individuals.

Can the US see a Canadian pardon?

This means that, when it comes to criminal records and admitting Canadians into the USA, our record removal laws – purges, destructions, pardons and record suspensions – our human rights laws, and Canada's Charter are not recognized by the USA.

Can I go to Canada if I had a felony 20 years ago?

Can I Go to Canada with an Old Felony? Unfortunately, a substantial percentage of felony convictions from the USA render the offender criminally inadmissible to Canada for life. If the equivalent crime north of the border is considered serious criminality, it can result in a border denial even 30 or 40 years later.

How much is it to apply for a pardon in Canada?

Finally, you will need to pay $50 to the Receiver General to approve your pardon application. You may also choose to pay an agency like Pardons Canada to do the whole application on your behalf for a fee of about $1000.

Has Donald Trump pardoned anyone?

Trump issued a total of 144 pardons during his first four years in office: 1 in 2017, 6 in 2018, 11 in 2019, 52 in 2020, and 74 in January 2021.

How fast can you get a pardon in Canada?

It can take an average of 12-24 months for a pardon application to be processed and granted. In some cases, it can be done within 6 months or less, while others can take up to 24 months or more if they involve indictable offences or complicated criminal records.

What are common reasons for pardons?

In general, a pardon is granted on the basis of the petitioner's demonstrated good conduct for a substantial period of time after conviction and service of sentence.