If your criminal record is showing up on an Ontario background check and it's affecting your job applications, professional licences or volunteer work, understanding record suspensions (formerly pardons) is important.
This guide covers how record suspensions work, what they mean for your Ontario CRJMC (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check), and how to apply. We've also included recent changes to fees, eligibility rules and legislation that may affect your application.
One thing worth noting right away: the application fee dropped from $657.77 to $50 in January 2022. Combined with a 2020 court ruling that makes many applicants eligible under older, more lenient criteria, the process is more accessible than it used to be.
Table of Contents
What Is a Record Suspension?
Old Pardon System vs. New Record Suspension
The 2020 Federal Court Decision
Why Record Suspensions Matter for an Ontario CRJMC
Eligibility Requirements
Application Process: Step by Step
Costs, Timelines and Pitfalls
Recent and Upcoming Legislative Changes
Employment, Volunteering and Professional Licences
International Travel
Maintaining and Protecting Your Record Suspension
FAQs
Next Steps and Resources
1. What Is a Record Suspension?
A record suspension is a legal mechanism under the Criminal Records Act that lets Canadians who have completed their sentences and shown good behaviour have their criminal record kept separate from the public database (CPIC). The record still exists, but it's sealed from most standard searches, including an Ontario CRJMC.
Key benefits:
Past convictions won't show up on most employment background checks.
You can apply for jobs, volunteer positions and professional licences without a visible criminal record.
It shows employers and licensing bodies that you've met rehabilitation requirements.
It restores eligibility for many regulated roles in healthcare, security, finance and education.
2. Old Pardon System vs. New Record Suspension
When Canada replaced "pardon" with "record suspension" through changes to the Criminal Records Act in 2010 and 2012, several things changed:
Terminology: "Pardon" implied forgiveness. "Record suspension" makes it clear the conviction still exists but is kept out of public checks.
Stricter eligibility: Waiting periods for some offences increased, especially for indictable convictions (from 5 to 10 years).
Public safety emphasis: Certain sexual offences, especially those involving minors, became permanently ineligible.
Higher fees (now reversed): The fee was raised to $631 and later $657.77. As of January 1, 2022, it's been reduced back to $50.
Many Canadians still say "pardon" out of habit. Legally, the correct term is record suspension, though as explained in the next section, a court ruling means the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) must still process many applications under the older pardon rules.
3. The 2020 Federal Court Decision
In 2020, the Federal Court ruled that the PBC must apply the eligibility criteria that were in effect at the time of the applicant's first offence, not the current stricter rules from the 2010/2012 amendments.
What this means in practice:
If your first offence happened before the 2010/2012 changes, your application is assessed under the older, more lenient pardon criteria.
You may benefit from shorter waiting periods than what the current legislation says.
In 2024-25, the majority of applications processed by the PBC were actually handled as pardons under the old rules.
If you were previously told you were ineligible, it's worth reassessing your situation based on this ruling.
4. Why Record Suspensions Matter for an Ontario CRJMC
A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) in Ontario is one of the more thorough types of background check. It shows:
Adult criminal convictions
Outstanding entries (charges or warrants)
Judicial orders (peace bonds, restraining orders, probation orders)
Relevant provincial-statute convictions
Absolute and conditional discharges (for a limited period)
With a record suspension, your sealed convictions will not appear on a standard CRJMC. This matters if:
Your employer requires an Ontario background check.
You need a clean check for volunteer positions through the OPP or local police.
You're going for roles in child or elder care, security, finance or education.
Important: Even with a record suspension, some regulated professions may still require disclosure. If you're applying for a vulnerable-sector check, certain sexual offences will still appear.
5. Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, make sure you meet the following:
a) Waiting Periods
Under current legislation:
Summary offences: 5 years after completion of your entire sentence.
Indictable offences: 10 years after completion of your entire sentence.
"Completion of sentence" means all of the following are done:
Full payment of fines, victim surcharges or restitution orders.
Completion of all probation.
Fulfilment of any community service or court-mandated programs.
Note: If your first offence predates the 2010/2012 amendments, the PBC will apply the waiting periods from that time, which may be shorter. Some applicants who were told they needed to wait 10 years have qualified under the old 5-year pardon criteria.
b) Good Conduct
No new criminal convictions during the waiting period.
No pending charges, outstanding warrants or active court orders.
No new negative police contacts.
c) Ineligible Offences
Sexual offences involving minors (with very limited exceptions).
Certain serious violent crimes or weapons-trafficking charges.
More than three indictable offences each carrying a sentence of two years or more.
If you're unsure about your eligibility, consult a lawyer or check directly with the Parole Board of Canada.
6. Application Process: Step by Step
Here's what the process looks like:
Step 1: Get Your Criminal Record
Submit fingerprints through an accredited agency (cost: roughly $50-$100).
Request your certified criminal record from the RCMP.
Processing time: typically 2-4 weeks.
Step 2: Gather Court Documents
Contact each court where you were convicted.
Get certified court documents showing conviction details and proof of payment of all fines.
There's usually a small fee per document (roughly $50-$100 total).
Step 3: Get Local Police Records
Get a police record check from every jurisdiction where you've lived during the waiting period.
This may be your local police service or the Ontario OPP, depending on where you've lived.
Cost: roughly $50-$100 total, depending on the number of jurisdictions.
Step 4: Complete the PBC Application
Fill out all required forms accurately.
Include supporting documents: proof of addresses, employment history and references if required.
Applications currently have to be submitted by mail, email or fax. An online portal is being developed but isn't live yet.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Application fee: $50 (reduced from $657.77 as of January 1, 2022).
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Double-check that all forms and documents are included and up to date.
Mail the completed application to the Parole Board of Canada.
Keep copies of everything you submit.
7. Costs, Timelines and Pitfalls
Cost Breakdown
The total cost has come down a lot since the fee reduction:
PBC application fee
$50
Fingerprinting (RCMP)
$50-$100
Court documents
$50-$100
Local police checks
$50-$100
Total estimated cost
$250-$500
Previously, when the application fee alone was $657.77, the total came to $900-$1,200. In 2024-25, the PBC received 17,072 applications with 12,130 (71%) accepted, which suggests the lower fee is making a difference.
Processing Times
Summary offences: about 6 months.
Indictable offences: about 12 months.
If referred for further review or refused: up to 24 months.
If you need a clear background check for a job offer, plan ahead.
Common Pitfalls
Incomplete documentation: Missing or inaccurate forms are the most common cause of delays.
New convictions: Any criminal activity during the waiting period will void your application.
Outdated police checks: Police checks need to be recent or they'll be rejected.
Unpaid fines or restitution: Even small unpaid amounts will hold up your application.
Missing jurisdictions: You need police checks from every place you've lived during the waiting period, not just your current city.
8. Recent and Upcoming Legislative Changes
Several changes have happened recently, or are being considered:
Application Fee Reduced to $50 (January 2022)
The PBC reduced the fee from $657.77 to $50. If the cost was stopping you before, it's worth looking into again.
Bill C-5: Mandatory Minimums Repealed (November 2022)
Bill C-5 removed mandatory minimum penalties for all drug offences and 13 firearms offences. It doesn't change record suspension rules directly, but shorter sentences mean earlier sentence completion and earlier eligibility. If you were convicted of a drug or firearms offence under the old mandatory minimums, it's worth recalculating your eligibility date.
Expungement Act Expanded (2023)
The Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act was expanded to cover bawdy-house and indecency convictions, as well as abortion-related convictions. Unlike a record suspension (which seals a record), expungement means permanent destruction of the record. If you have one of these convictions, expungement may be a better option.
Bill S-207: Automatic Record Expiry (Proposed May 2025)
Senator Kim Pate introduced Bill S-207, which would create a system where records expire automatically:
Summary offences: 2 years (down from 5).
Indictable offences: 5 years (down from 10).
No application, no fee - records would be deleted automatically.
Status: Still in Senate debate. Not yet law. If you're eligible now, don't wait for this bill - apply now. If it passes, current applicants would likely benefit retroactively.
Bill 75: Ontario Provincial Changes (Proposed November 2025)
Ontario's Bill 75 would narrow the 5-year non-disclosure protection for hybrid offences prosecuted summarily. This could mean more information showing up on CRJMC results for certain hybrid offences. Also not yet law, but worth keeping an eye on.
Online Application Portal (In Development)
The PBC is building an online application portal (the PARSS project, with a $4.4 million budget). It's expected sometime in 2025-2026 but is not live yet. For now, you still need to submit by mail, email or fax.
9. Employment, Volunteering and Professional Licences
Employment
Clean CRJMC for Ontario jobs: Once granted, a record suspension means your suspended convictions won't show up on an Ontario criminal record check (CRJMC). This is useful for jobs in security, healthcare, finance and education.
Regulated industries: Some licensing bodies (e.g. law societies, healthcare colleges) may still ask about suspended records. If the application asks, disclose.
Volunteering
Trust positions: Many volunteer roles in schools, community centres or with vulnerable populations require a background check. A record suspension helps.
Ongoing checks: Some organizations re-check records periodically. A suspension should keep old convictions out of those searches.
Professional Licences
Security guard licences: Ontario requires a CRJMC for security licence applications. A record suspension can help you meet the eligibility requirements.
Healthcare licences: Medical and nursing colleges may still require disclosure, but a record suspension shows you've met rehabilitation requirements.
Other regulated professions: Teaching, real estate, financial advising and other regulated fields all require background checks.
10. International Travel
U.S. border crossings: The U.S. has its own databases and may still have access to your original record even if it's suspended in Canada. You could be denied entry. A separate U.S. entry waiver may be needed.
Other countries: Policies vary. A Canadian record suspension is not guaranteed to be recognized internationally. Check entry requirements before travelling.
Additional waivers: You may need a travel waiver on top of your record suspension, especially for the U.S.
11. Maintaining and Protecting Your Record Suspension
A record suspension can be revoked if you:
Commit a new criminal offence.
Provided false or misleading information in your application.
Breach conditions set by the Parole Board of Canada.
To keep your suspension:
Avoid further legal issues. Any new charges, even before conviction, can trigger a review.
Keep your documents safe. Store the PBC suspension notice somewhere secure. You may need it later.
Know your disclosure obligations. Some roles, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults, may still require you to disclose.
12. FAQs
Does a record suspension wipe out my criminal record?
No. The record still exists, but it's removed from CPIC and won't appear on standard searches like an Ontario background check. Only an expungement (available for specific historically unjust convictions) permanently destroys a record.
Will a record suspension let me travel to the United States?
Not necessarily. U.S. authorities have their own databases. If your offence is inadmissible under U.S. law, you may need a separate U.S. entry waiver.
How long does a record suspension last?
Indefinitely, as long as you don't re-offend. A new charge or conviction can trigger a review and possible revocation.
What if I have multiple convictions?
You need to list all convictions and provide documentation for each. The waiting period starts after your last sentence is completed. More than three indictable offences with sentences of two years or more each may make you permanently ineligible.
Can my employer find out about suspended records?
Usually not. Ontario CRJMC results will not show suspended convictions. However, some regulated industries or roles with vulnerable populations may require full disclosure.
Is the application fee really $50 now?
Yes. Since January 1, 2022, the PBC fee is $50. With fingerprinting, court documents and police checks, the total comes to roughly $250-$500.
Should I wait for Bill S-207 to pass?
No. The bill is still being debated and may not pass in its current form. If you're eligible now, apply now.
What's the difference between a record suspension and an expungement?
A record suspension seals your record. An expungement permanently destroys it. Expungement is only available for specific historically unjust convictions (e.g. certain consensual sexual-activity offences, bawdy-house convictions, abortion-related convictions).
Can the 2020 Federal Court decision help me?
If your first offence happened before the 2010/2012 amendments to the Criminal Records Act, yes. The PBC must apply the eligibility criteria from that time, which may mean shorter waiting periods. Check with a lawyer or the PBC.
13. Next Steps and Resources
A record suspension can help you move past your criminal record, especially if you're worried about what shows up on an Ontario CRJMC. The process takes time and preparation, but the result - a clean background check - is worth it.
Quick Facts
Application fee: $50 (reduced from $657.77 in January 2022).
Total estimated cost: $250-$500 including fingerprinting, court documents and police checks.
Waiting periods: 5 years for summary offences, 10 years for indictable offences (may be shorter under the 2020 court ruling).
Processing time: 6 months (summary) to 12 months (indictable). Plan ahead.
2024-25 stats: 17,072 applications received; 12,130 (71%) accepted.
Ongoing responsibility: Stay law-abiding. Any new offence can undo your progress.
If you think a record suspension could help, talk to a lawyer or contact the Parole Board of Canada.
Additional Resources
Parole Board of Canada: Forms, guidelines and FAQs about record suspensions.
RCMP Criminal Records: Fingerprinting and obtaining certified copies of your record.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): Police record check guidance for your region.
Legal Aid Ontario: Resources for those who qualify for legal aid.
CRJMC.net: Learn more about Ontario background checks and the CRJMC process.