Record suspensions are administered federally by the Parole Board of Canada under the Criminal Records Act. Eligibility can depend on when the first offence occurred because historical statutory criteria may apply, so current Parole Board guidance should be used instead of assuming one waiting period fits every applicant.
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.
Who may apply
Adults convicted of federal offences may be eligible once the applicable statutory requirements are satisfied; discharges and youth-only records follow different systems.
- adult conviction
- ineligible offences or circumstances
- youth and discharges
Waiting period
The applicable waiting period runs after the sentence is completed and can depend on the law that applies to the person's first offence.
- custody and probation complete
- fines paid
- historical eligibility rules
Application records
The federal application process requires specified records and checks from justice institutions.
- criminal record
- local police records check
- court information
Parole Board decision
The applicant submits the official package and fee directly to the Parole Board; a private company is not required.
- application form
- $50 processing fee
- Board assessment
Effect and limits
A record suspension generally separates the federal conviction record from other criminal records but does not erase the conviction or automatically override every disclosure, border or local-record issue.
- CPIC treatment
- United States travel
- local records
Official and authoritative sources
- Parole Board of Canada — Record Suspensions
- Parole Board of Canada — Record Suspension Eligibility
- Parole Board of Canada — Applying for a Record Suspension