The effect of a criminal case can extend beyond the sentence. Some consequences depend on a conviction, others can arise from pending charges or release conditions, and specialized legal regimes may use definitions and thresholds different from the Criminal Code.
Primary legislation and official process sources checked October 5, 2026. Criminal law and court procedure can change; verify the current source before relying on a provision or deadline.
Employment and record checks
Employers may use different levels of police record check depending on law, policy and role. A charge, conviction or local police information does not have the same status in every check.
- criminal record check
- vulnerable sector check
- workplace policy
Professional regulation
Licensed professionals can face reporting or discipline rules under their profession's governing statute, bylaws or code.
- self-reporting
- disciplinary investigation
- licence consequences
Immigration
For non-citizens, criminal charges or convictions can engage federal immigration inadmissibility and removal law, which requires specialist analysis.
- criminal inadmissibility
- permanent resident
- foreign national
Travel
A Canadian record suspension does not control a foreign country's border decision or erase information already held abroad.
- United States entry
- foreign visa
- record suspension limits
Other orders
Weapons prohibitions, driving prohibitions, DNA orders, sex-offender registration or restitution can create long-term obligations depending on the offence and sentence.
- weapons prohibition
- driving prohibition
- ancillary orders
Official and authoritative sources
- Justice Canada — Criminal Code
- Parole Board of Canada — Record Suspensions
- Justice Canada — Immigration and Refugee Protection Act