Criminal Records Removed and U.S.A. Entry Waivers

Those who are no longer involved in criminal activity

have the opportunity to make a positive change in their lives

Removing a Criminal Record will enable a person to Pass a Police Clearance for Employment

Pardons Canada is a Federal non-profit organization which assists individuals in removing a past criminal offence from public record. As a resource for over 5,400 government and community agencies, we provide free support and information by telephone, on our website, and in-person at our all day walk-in centre.

We promote positive behaviour by giving people hope. Many people have made regrettable mistakes. Those who are no longer involved in criminal activity have a real opportunity to make a fresh start and a positive change in their lives. By removing criminal records, we help lift the stigma and shame associated with a criminal past, allowing people to feel that they belong in our society again. People who feel part of a community make better parents, citizens, and neighbours.

Individuals with a criminal record are often at a serious disadvantage when competing for employment, job promotion, volunteer work, getting bonded, apartment rental, child custody, adoption, mortgage approval and educational opportunities. A criminal record also impedes foreign travel, including travel to the U.S.A., and often prevents people from obtaining Canadian Permanent Resident Status and Canadian Citizenship.

Everyday, approximately 250 people in Ontario are charged with a criminal offence and over 5% of all Canadians have a criminal record. A criminal record is also created when a person has been charged, even if they are not guilty or convicted. Therefore, a criminal record does exist in cases of acquittals, peace bonds, absolute and conditional discharges, stayed, withdrawn, dismissed and diversion charges.

The Canadian Criminal Justice system is extensive. Even people who work in this field are often subject to serious misconceptions about criminal record retention policies, procedures and laws. Pardons Canada is in constant communication with over 1,450 police stations, courts, and probation offices; each with different policies towards record retention and destruction. We are notified daily of policy and regulation changes and remain current with all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal laws.

Pardons Canada offers information, support and guidance. With the applicant's permission, we undertake all necessary steps and procedures for removing a criminal record, including: Pardons, Purges, Photograph & Fingerprint Destruction, and U.S.A. Entry Waivers. We use our computer terminals to easily access and process all the necessary documents and get proof in writing that the criminal record is removed.