Published On: July 10, 2026Last Updated: July 21, 2026

9 Benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension

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

What are the Benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension?

The primary benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension include improved access to employment, career advancement, professional licensing, volunteering and housing, along with fewer criminal-record-related barriers in certain countries. It can also provide evidence of rehabilitation and greater confidence and peace of mind. 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:

received 17,072 applications for Pardons and Record Suspensions; and
granted over 11,000 of these applications

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. Okay, lets get started.

Reason #1: Improve 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 #2: Pursue the Career You Want

Do you hope to pursue a new career path that aligns with your passions? A career can change the course of your life. Whether you’re seeking a promotion, changing industries, obtaining professional certification, or pursuing a lifelong dream, one of the benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension is the opportunity to remove barriers and invest in your future.

Improved employment opportunities often lead to another important benefit: greater financial stability.

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

Man reflecting on his past while seeing a confident future self with his family, representing the benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension.

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 sealing a criminal record. It’s about creating opportunities—and not just the 8 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.

Comparison chart showing the benefits of using a Canadian Record Suspension professional versus applying on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Record Suspensions

9 Steps to Getting a Canadian Record Suspension

The Canadian Record Suspension process involves nine stages, including determining eligibility, obtaining fingerprints, collecting and reviewing records, resolving outstanding issues, preparing the application and monitoring it until a decision is made. Because the process involves several agencies and strict requirements, experienced assistance can prevent avoidable delays, reduce stress and keep your application moving forward.

How much does a Record Suspension cost in Calgary?

Our professional fee for a Canadian Record Suspension starts at $895 plus government disbursements. Disbursements typically range from $200 to $400, depending on your specific circumstances. Because every case is different, we recommend calling us for a free consultation and an exact quote on your total cost. Call 403-229-2774 to discuss your case with one of our experienced team members.

Where do I go for fingerprinting?

Fingerprinting is usually one of the first steps in a Record Suspension application. Our RCMP-accredited Calgary office provides convenient digital fingerprinting, while our experienced team can manage the entire process—from document collection to application submission. If you live outside Calgary, we can still help. Call 403-229-2774 or toll-free at 1-800-320-2477.

NOTE: The Calgary Police Service does not provide civil fingerprinting services for Record Suspension Applications.

Am I eligible for a Record Suspension?

Not sure whether you qualify? Start with a free Record Suspension eligibility assessment. You can also call 403-229-2774 during the business hours listed on our Contact Us page, or book your eligibility assessment appointment online at a time that works for you. There is no obligation, and your information will remain confidential.

Should I hire a professional?

In 2024–2025, approximately 29% of applications were returned during initial screening due to ineligibility and/or missing documentation. This shows why submitting a complete application matters. Source: Parole Board of Canada

You can apply for a Record Suspension yourself, but gathering documents, correcting discrepancies and meeting strict requirements can be overwhelming. Professional assistance helps prevent delays and keeps your application moving from eligibility assessment through submission.

Let us handle what we do best so you can focus on pursuing the career you do best. Check out our excellent Google reviews—our clients do not complain that they wish they had applied themselves!

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

History of Record Suspensions in Canada

Learn about the history of Record Suspensions in Canada, from the introduction of the Criminal Records Act in 1970 to the transition from Pardons to Record Suspensions in 2012. Discover why the program was created, how it supports rehabilitation and public safety, and how eligible individuals can reduce the long-term barriers caused by a criminal record. Read the full article

How long do Record Suspensions take to be granted?

Most applications take 2 to 4 months to prepare and submit to the Parole Board of Canada. Once submitted, the Parole Board typically takes around:

4 to 7 months to grant applications for individuals who have only summary offences; or
9 to 15 months to grant applications for individuals who have one or more indictable offences.

Click here to learn why the Parole Board may propose to deny or accept your application.

What's the difference between a Canadian Pardon and a Record Suspension?

Learn the difference between a Canadian Pardon and a Record Suspension, including which one applies to you based on the date of your first offence. This guide explains the legal changes, the 2020 Federal Court decision, eligibility rules, and why both processes provide eligible individuals with the opportunity to move forward after demonstrating rehabilitation. Click to Read Article: Pardon vs Record Suspension.

Success Story: How One Man Became an RCMP Officer with a Criminal Record

After one theft conviction, Jeff feared his dream of becoming a police officer was over. Years later, he obtained a Record Suspension, accepted responsibility for his past and demonstrated genuine rehabilitation during the RCMP recruitment process. He was ultimately accepted. His story shows that a Record Suspension may remove an employment barrier, but honesty, accountability, personal growth and compliance with recruiting standards remain essential.

Click here to learn more about Jeff.

Why Choose the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc.?

Deborah L. Ward and her team have been helping Canadians overcome legal barriers and create new opportunities for more than 30 years. They have assisted thousands of individuals with:

✔ Record Suspensions (Canadian Pardons)
✔ U.S. Entry Waivers
✔ Fingerprinting Services
✔ Criminal Record Assessments
✔ Immigration-Related Matters

She holds a University of Calgary Bachelor of Commerce Degree, Immigration Practitioner Diploma and Professional Legal Assistant Diploma.

The Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc. has earned a reputation for providing personalized service, clear guidance, and practical solutions designed to help clients achieve their goals. This company is the recipient of the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence in the Category of Paralegal Services for Calgary and Southern Alberta, recognizing Deborah’s commitment to professional service and client satisfaction.

Experience You Can Trust

🏆 More than 30 Years of Experience
🏆 Thousands of Clients Assisted
🏆 BBB A+ Rating
🏆 Consumer Choice Award Winner for each of the past 21 years
🏆 RCMP Accredited Fingerprinting Services
🏆 Calgary-Based Office Serving Clients Across Canada

Canadian Legal Resource Centre has assisted clients throughout Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane, Chestermere, High River, Strathmore and surrounding Alberta communities with Record Suspensions, Pardons, U.S. Entry Waivers and Fingerprinting Services.

Start with a free eligibility assessment, choose one option below

Real Google Reviews From Calgary Clients

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ S. Woods

“After getting the required documents completed and sent in, communication was excellent. Everything was handled professionally and I received great news in a timely manner.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ M. Hradec

“Very pleasant and comfortable experience dealing with Debbie and Sarah. Their knowledge and expertise were very much appreciated.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ D. Flemming

“I hired Canadian Legal Resource Centre to help me obtain a U.S. Waiver and Canadian Pardon. They were supportive throughout the entire process and everything went smoothly.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ S. Patel

“The team was transparent, reliable, and delivered results before the expected timeline. They don’t make false promises; they simply deliver on what they say.”

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

What are the Benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension?

received 17,072 applications for Pardons and Record Suspensions; and
granted over 11,000 of these applications

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?

9 Benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension

Reason #1: Improve Employment Opportunities

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

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.