Question 1

Am I eligible for a record suspension?

Accepted Answer

You must have completed all sentences — jail, probation, fines, surcharges and restitution — and then waited 5 years for summary convictions or 10 years for indictable offences. Schedule 1 (sexual offences involving minors) and people with more than three indictable offences carrying 2+ year sentences are generally excluded.

Question 2

What is the difference between a record suspension and a record purge?

Accepted Answer

A record suspension (formerly a pardon) seals a conviction so it no longer appears on a standard CPIC criminal record check. A purge or file destruction applies when you were charged but never convicted — withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, peace bond, absolute or conditional discharge — and removes the arrest, fingerprint and photograph records held by the arresting police service and the RCMP.

Question 3

What documents will I need?

Accepted Answer

Typically: RCMP certified fingerprints, a criminal record check, court information for each conviction, local police record checks for every city you lived in during the past five years, proof of citizenship or immigration status, military conduct sheets if applicable, and proof that all fines and restitution were paid.

Question 4

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Gathering documents usually takes 3–8 months, depending on how quickly courts and police services respond. Once filed, the Parole Board of Canada takes roughly 6 months for summary offences and 12–24 months for indictable offences. Record purges are handled by the local police service and are often finished in 3–6 months.

Question 5

Will a record suspension erase my record completely?

Accepted Answer

No. The record is sealed and kept separate, not deleted. It can be disclosed again if you are convicted of a new offence, and a vulnerable-sector check can still flag certain sexual offences. It will not appear on ordinary employment or landlord checks.

Question 6

Does a Canadian record suspension let me enter the United States?

Accepted Answer

No. U.S. border officers do not recognize Canadian pardons, and if U.S. Customs and Border Protection already has your record, you need a separate U.S. entry waiver.

Question 7

Who needs a U.S. entry waiver?

Accepted Answer

Canadians who have been refused entry, or who have a criminal record or an immigration violation such as overstaying, working without authorization or misrepresentation. Once U.S. Customs and Border Protection has flagged you, the waiver (Form I-192) is the only lawful way back in.

Question 8

How long is a waiver valid?

Accepted Answer

It is discretionary. First approvals are often 1 year; renewals commonly run 2, 3 or 5 years as you build a clean history. It grants temporary multiple re-entry, not permanent admissibility.

Question 9

What documents are required?

Accepted Answer

Form I-192, RCMP certified fingerprints and criminal record, certified court documents for every charge, proof of Canadian citizenship, a personal statement of rehabilitation, plus supporting evidence such as employment letters, reference letters and counselling or treatment records.

Question 10

How long does approval take?

Accepted Answer

Plan on 6–12 months from filing at a port of entry to the ARO decision in Vermont. Renewals should be started roughly 6 months before your current waiver expires so there is no gap.

Question 11

Should I get a record suspension first?

Accepted Answer

If you are eligible, yes — a Canadian record suspension strengthens the rehabilitation argument in your waiver package. But you can apply for the waiver on its own; the two applications are independent.

Question 12

What if I was denied before?

Accepted Answer

A previous refusal does not bar a new application. We review the reasons for denial, correct the weaknesses in the evidence and rebuild the rehabilitation narrative before refiling.

Question 13

What can you notarize?

Accepted Answer

Affidavits, statutory declarations, certified true copies of passports, diplomas and licences, travel consent letters for minors, invitation letters, powers of attorney and supporting declarations for record suspension and waiver files.

Question 14

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Valid government photo identification, the unsigned document (sign it in front of us), and any related original documents if you need certified copies. Every signatory must attend in person.

Question 15

Can documents be notarized in Chinese?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We review and explain Chinese-language documents and can prepare bilingual jurats, so you understand exactly what you are swearing to before you sign.

Question 16

How quickly can I be seen?

Accepted Answer

Most notary appointments are completed same day or next day, and usually take 15–30 minutes per document.

Question 17

Is a notarization the same as an apostille or authentication?

Accepted Answer

No. Notarization is the first step; documents going abroad may also need authentication by Global Affairs Canada or the Ontario Official Documents Services and legalization by the destination consulate. We will tell you which steps your document needs.

Question 18

Is the first consultation really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We screen your file first. If you are not eligible, we say so honestly and explain the reason and the earliest date you can apply — no fee for that answer.

Question 19

Do I need to come to the office?

Accepted Answer

No. Most record suspension and waiver files are handled by phone, email and courier across Ontario and Canada. Notary work must be done in person.

Question 20

Will my employer or family find out?

Accepted Answer

No. Your file is confidential. We correspond only through the contact channels you choose.

Question 21

Are you a government agency?

Accepted Answer

No. Accel Pardon is an independent paralegal firm licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, serving clients since 2007. We are not affiliated with the Parole Board of Canada, the RCMP or U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Frequently asked questions

Record Suspension & Purge

U.S. Entry Waivers

Notary Public & Commissioner of Oaths

Working with us

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