Watch this brief video below for an overview of the nine important benefits of obtaining a Record Suspension.

The main benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension include better access to employment, career advancement, professional licensing, volunteering and housing. Once granted, it generally keeps the criminal record separate from active federal criminal records, so it normally will not appear on a routine Canadian criminal-record check. A Record Suspension may also demonstrate rehabilitation, reduce certain barriers and provide greater confidence and peace of mind. It does not erase the conviction or guarantee entry into another country.

A Record Suspension is formerly known as a Canadian Pardon.

Every year, thousands of Canadians choose to apply for a Record Suspension to move beyond the limitations of a criminal record. In 2024–2025 alone, the Parole Board of Canada Record Suspension Report reveals:

• they received 17,072 Pardon and Record Suspension applications; and
• granted or issued more than 11,000 applications during the reporting period

demonstrating that many people continue to take advantage of this opportunity to build a better future.

What will a Criminal Record Search Reveal once a Canadian Record Suspension has been granted?

Once a Record Suspension is granted, the criminal record is kept separate from active federal criminal record databases. In most cases, a suspended record will not appear on a regular name-based or fingerprint-based criminal record check because the federal record is kept separate from active criminal records. Limited exceptions apply, particularly to certain vulnerable sector checks.

9 Benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension

Each benefit can be valuable on its own. Together, they may create a strong foundation for new opportunities, personal growth and greater peace of mind—beginning with improved employment opportunities. Let’s look at each benefit in detail.

Reason #1: Qualify for more Employment Opportunities

Employment is one of the most common reasons people pursue a Record Suspension.

Some employers may conduct background checks during the hiring process. A Record Suspension may help ensure future opportunities reflect your qualifications, experience, and skills rather than mistakes from the past.

Obtaining a Record Suspension represents an important step toward greater employment opportunities and career growth. Click the button below to see if you qualify for a Record Suspension.

Reason #3: Create Greater Financial Stability

Research conducted by Public Safety Canada found that individuals with criminal records participated in the labour market less and earned substantially less employment income than the general Canadian population. One of the most significant benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension is the opportunity to improve employment prospects and increase long-term earning potential.

Research suggests that a Canadian Record Suspension may help reduce employment barriers and improve long-term financial opportunities. Financial security does not solve every problem, but it can provide more choices, less stress, and a stronger foundation for the future. For many parents, creating opportunities for themselves also means creating opportunities for their children.

Reason #4: Expand Travel Opportunities

Many people seek a Record Suspension because they want to reduce barriers that may affect travel opportunities. While a Record Suspension does not guarantee entry into another country, it may demonstrate rehabilitation and help address concerns in some situations.

However, each country establishes its own entry requirements. For example, the United States does not recognize Canadian Record Suspensions. Some individuals may require a U.S. Entry Waiver before being permitted to enter the United States. For more information, check out: U.S. Entry Waiver.

We offer a free U.S. inadmissibility review and consultation to help determine whether additional steps may be necessary.

Beyond employment and travel, a Canadian Record Suspension may also open doors in other important areas of life.

Reason #5: Open Doors to Volunteering, Licensing, and Housing Opportunities

Life is about more than employment and travel. Among the many benefits of a Record Suspension is the opportunity to pursue volunteer positions, professional licensing, and housing opportunities that may have previously been more difficult to obtain.

Reason #6: Demonstrate Rehabilitation and Personal Growth

According to Parole Board of Canada Performance Monitoring Reports, approximately 95% of Record Suspensions and Pardons remain in effect, reflecting the success of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts across Canada.

These numbers reflect what many people already know. Given the opportunity, people can learn from their experiences and build productive, meaningful lives. A Record Suspension is evidence that you have demonstrated rehabilitation and maintained good conduct.

Reason #7: Your Past Does Not Reflect Who You Are Today

A Canadian Record Suspension can help people move beyond past mistakes and focus on building a brighter future for themselves and their families.

A mistake from years ago does not necessarily reflect the person you are today.

Many people who apply for a Record Suspension have established careers, supported their families, contributed to their communities, and demonstrated personal growth over time.

Your past may be part of your story, but it does not define who you are today. Instead, a Canadian Record Suspension may allow others to judge you based on the person you are today, rather than on your past mistakes.

Reason #8: Gain Greater Confidence and Peace of Mind

Obtaining a Record Suspension provides something difficult to measure. Peace of Mind. Knowing that your record has been separated from active federal criminal records often provides a renewed sense of confidence, closure, and reassurance.

Reason #9: Invest in Your Future

A Record Suspension is about more than having your a criminal record kept separated and apart from active criminal records. It’s about creating opportunities—and not just the eight already mentioned in this article. Check out 100 Reasons to get a Record Suspension.

For many Canadians, it marks the beginning of a new chapter. If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible, an assessment is the first step toward moving forward.

Take the Next Steps

Don’t let procrastination delay the next chapter of your journey. The key to success is to take action.

Choose the option below that works best for you.

Helpful Resources

• Record Suspension Services
• U.S. Entry Waiver Services
• Calgary Fingerprinting Services
• Pricing Information
• Contact Us

A Message from Deborah Ward

When I founded the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc. in 1995, I wanted to help people overcome legal barriers and move forward with confidence. Since then, my team and I have had the privilege of assisting more than 80,000 clients with a variety of paralegal and fingerprinting services, which include Record Suspensions, Canadian Pardons and USA Waivers.

We understand that our clients have already done the hard work of rehabilitation. We cannot change their past, but we can help reduce the barriers it continues to create. That may mean applying for a better-paying job without worrying about a routine criminal-record check, pursuing a promotion they once avoided or completing a rental application with greater confidence.

We are passionate about helping people take the next step so they can be considered for who they are today—not only for mistakes from their past. I am proud that our commitment to professional and compassionate service has earned us the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

To learn more about us, check out Why Choose Us? and Our Staff.