You don’t need to hire us, but you should — you’ll be approved sooner

Considering Vancouver Pardon Services (VPS)?

Nearly 30% of all applications are returned incomplete each year by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC).

EXPERIENCED – We take care of the details, ensuring your application is properly completed and submitted—so you can move forward with your life.

LOYALTY – We always make time for our clients and are available should any concerns arise at any time.

WE’RE AFFORDABLE – We provide clear information that delivers practical results. No one will work harder on your behalf than we will.

What is the purpose of a record suspension or pardon, and how can it benefit me?

Your criminal record will not be erased but will be removed from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database and separated from all other criminal records. When a background check is conducted, it will not reveal that you have ever had a criminal record or that you were granted a pardon, unless you are a flagged offender.

Does a pardon remove the prohibition(s) that I received as part of my sentence?

Prohibitions are not removed and will remain in place until the date of expiration.

When am I eligible to apply for a pardon?

Eligibility periods range from 3, 5, or 10 years, depending on:

• when the last offence was committed

• the date when the sentence was fully completed

• the nature of the offence(s)

A court order prohibiting you from driving or owning a firearm is not considered part of a sentence.

If I have multiple convictions on my criminal record, but am ineligible because of one offence, can I still apply for the remaining offences?

No, you must be eligible for all offences—you cannot choose which convictions to have removed.

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

Government changes to the Criminal Records Act (CRA) went into effect in 2012. Changes that convoluted the process included a symbolic renaming from pardons to record suspensions, as well as increasing the time before an applicant is eligible to apply. Certain sexual offences and individuals convicted of more than three indictable offences who received a prison sentence of two or more years were also deemed ineligible.

What documents are required to complete a pardon or record suspension application?

The Parole Board has specific requirements for pardon and record suspension applications.

The required documentation includes:

• RCMP criminal record

• court information form(s)

• local police records check(s)

• pardon application form

• proof of identity

You may also need some of the following:

• offence exception form

• measurable benefit form

• certificate(s) of conviction

• sworn affidavit

• proof of citizenship

• military conduct sheet

Attempting to simplify the understanding of the process, the Parole Board’s step-by-step instructions include items that are not mandatory under the CRA.

Why doesn’t my RCMP criminal record include all the offences for which I was convicted?

The police agency that arrested you may not have forwarded details of the arrest to the RCMP’s database. If you’re applying for a record suspension and wish to proceed, you’ll need proof for the conviction(s)—either from the court where you were convicted or from the police service that arrested you.

Can a pardon be revoked?

Statistics indicate that a pardon is unlikely to be revoked, although it is possible. If a pardon is revoked, the record would be added back to CPIC’s network.

Criminal charges can be stayed, withdrawn, dismissed, or discharged. Individuals may also be acquitted, enter into a peace bond or participate in a diversion program. These outcomes occur when someone is arrested and charged with a crime but not convicted.

The information gathered by police will remain on file and be referred to as a non-conviction criminal record.

Can non-conviction information be destroyed?

Yes, the arresting police can have this information removed from CPIC, upon request. We offer this service and can contact the police on your behalf to submit a file destruction request.

What files and information get destroyed?

Identification documents such as fingerprints and photographs are destroyed. Your criminal record history, which was entered into the CPIC database, is deleted, and your FPS number is canceled.

What is a FPS number?

FPS stands for Fingerprint Section number and is a unique identifier assigned to an individual who has been fingerprinted. FPS numbers are shared with the United States and are accessible by US Customs.

Is there a waiting period before I can apply to have my file destroyed?

General time frames include:

• stay of proceedings: 1 year

• peace bond: after the expiration

• withdrawn, dismissed, acquitted: 1-6 months

Each police service sets its own guidelines regarding when you can apply. We will provide details about your timeline and eligibility.

Does the RCMP automatically remove absolute and conditional discharges?

Absolute and conditional discharges are automatically removed one and three years, respectively, after sentencing.

Will I have to get fingerprinted for a file destruction?

Unlike a pardon or a U.S. entry waiver application, fingerprinting is not required when you apply for file destruction.

How much does a file destruction request cost?

The approximate cost of having a criminal file destroyed is $260.

What is a US entry waiver and who needs to apply?

A document granted by the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) that allows entry to a non-immigrant under section 212(d)(3)(A)(ii) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is referred to as a US entry waiver.

Those who are required to apply include:

• individuals convicted of a drug offence,

• those convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, or

• individuals with multiple convictions where the aggregate prison sentences were more than five years

Common crimes that make individuals inadmissible include:

• false pretenses

• fraud

• theft

• possession of property obtained by crime

What is esafe?

e-SAFE, which stands for Electronic Secured Adjudication Forms Environment, is the online system where US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) accepts the filing of I-192 and I-212 applications.

What criteria do the authorities consider when reviewing an e-Safe application?

Your application is evaluated on:

• your risk level

• severity of your crime(s)

• reason for entry

What documents are required to complete an eSafe waiver application?

Each e-Safe waiver application is different and documents can vary depending on the applicant.

Documentation can include:

• Personally written statement
  As part of our service, we prepare your statement.

• RCMP fingerprint search results

• Canadian pardon

• Court information

• Form I-192

• Reference letters

• Previously issued waiver(s)

• Proof of citizenship

We prepare the necessary documents and file your application.

If I received my Canadian pardon, do I still need to apply for a US waiver?

Yes. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not recognize a Canadian pardon. If you try to enter the US after you have been told you are inadmissible, you risk being banned or deported.

Does obtaining a Canadian pardon offer any benefit when applying for a U.S. waiver?

Yes, a pardon can noticeably expedite the preparation of an eSafe waiver application.

How soon after my conviction can I apply?

Unlike a pardon application, there is no waiting period before you are eligible to apply, but enough time must pass to allow for reformation and rehabilitation. The severity of your past offence(s) will be a determining factor.

What happens after my application is filed?

After your application is filed, you will be required to visit a designated e-Safe port of entry within 45 days to provide biometrics.

Is an approved US waiver permanent?

Permanent waivers can refer to the validity period for which US entry waivers are approved for by the Admissibility Review Office. If the ARO determines that the nature of your criminal past does not require a US entry waiver, you will be notified of such with what is referred to as a September letter.

How long will my e-Safe waiver be valid for?

US entry waivers are approved for up to 5 years. We guarantee that your entry waiver will be approved, and in most cases our clients receive the maximum 5-year term.

What is the process involved for an e-Safe waiver renewal?

Your renewal will involve the same process as your prior application. We can expedite the process - saving you time and money - because you are renewing your eSafe waiver using our service.

What is the cost of applying for a pardon or record suspension?

The Parole Board fee to submit an application is $50.

Fingerprinting to obtain a copy of your RCMP record, or lack thereof, costs approximately $75.

The fees for court and local police records vary by province and city. Depending on these fees, our price can average $750 to prepare and file an application from start to approval.

What is the price of a US entry waiver application?

The US Customs fee to file an application is US$1,100.

As with a pardon application, fingerprinting can cost approximately $75. The cost of court records, which may be required, vary by province.

Depending on the cost of court records, our fee can average $800. We will prepare, file, and monitor the status of the application until it is approved.

Are your services guaranteed?

Yes. If your application is denied — which is unlikely — we will reapply and will not charge you our service fee.

“Excellent service and FAST!”

T.H. - convicted on two charges of possession of a scheduled substance.

(Waiver approved for 5 years)

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“I highly recommend your service to anyone with a criminal record.”

R.S. - convicted on forty-five charges of possession of a credit card, possession of break-in instruments, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a scheduled substance, possession of stolen mail, obstructing a peace officer, failure to comply with recognizance, personation with intent, break and enter, breach, fraud, assault and theft.

(First waiver was approved for 1 year and the renewals were approved for 5 years and pardon was granted)

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“It sure feels great to have this matter taken care of.”

D.G. - convicted on six charges of obstruction, prostitution, breach of the NCA, theft under, failure to attend court and credit card fraud.

(Waiver approved for 5 years and pardon was granted)

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“I can’t thank you enough for all of your hard work. I’m glad I chose your services.”

C.S. - convicted on four charges of fraud under.

(First waiver was approved for 3 years and the renewal was approved for 5 years and pardon was granted)

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“Lucky for me a friend referred me to you and I got my waiver approved.”

V.Y. - convicted on two charges of theft over and fraud under.

(Waiver approved for 5 years)

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We are proud of our success record. Here are some more heartfelt words of appreciation from happy clients:

“You have no idea of the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you!”

Elizabeth, Maple Ridge, BC

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“The words you emailed me - Congratulations, your pardon has been awarded - have changed my entire perspective on how my life will proceed from this point on. I’m in tears as I write this.”

Marcel, Montreal, QC

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“Yaaaaaaaaaay!!! Oh my goodness this is the best news I’ve gotten in a long time!!! Thank you so much for putting up with me and helping me through this process... thank-you!!!”

Barbara, Brampton, ON

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“Thank you so much for the great news. I would like to thank you for all of your hard work.”

Glen, Brandon, MB

Applying for a pardon can be daunting. There are many steps, some of which can take a long time to complete.

The Parole Board makes mention that you do not need to hire a service provider. However, you should not overlook the years of knowledge we have acquired, which allows us to submit applications faster than applicants can on their own, resulting in your pardon being approved sooner.

We obtained the toll-free number 1-855-727-3667, spelling ‘PARDONS’ with the goal of encouraging immediate contact.

Calling us immediately is the most effective way to start the process. You’ll learn more about our services and find out how we can help you get back up and going.