How to Clear Your Criminal Record in Ontario
Stop paying "specialists" thousands. Do it yourself for $50.
The Bottom Line: A criminal record is a 100lb weight on your ankle. It kills job offers, blocks housing, and stops you from crossing the border.
Here is the truth the "pardon mills" won't tell you: You can fix this yourself. You do not need a lawyer. You do not need a sketchy agency in a strip mall. You just need patience, organization, and this guide.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This is a strategic guide based on the official Parole Board of Canada process. If your case is highly complex, seek legal counsel.
Am I Eligible? It’s not called a "Pardon" anymore. It is now called a Record Suspension. It seals your record from the CPIC database so employers and landlords can’t see it.
You are in the game if:
You have finished your sentence: All jail time, probation, and parole are done.
You have paid your debts: Every single cent of your fines, surcharges, and restitution is paid in full.
You have done your time on the outside: You must wait a specific period after everything above is finished:
5 Years for Summary convictions (less serious offences).
10 Years for Indictable convictions (serious offences).
You are OUT if:
You were convicted of sexual offences involving a minor (Schedule 1).
You have more than 3 indictable offences with prison sentences of 2+ years each.
The 5-Step Battle Plan
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Go to an accredited fingerprint agency (or a local police station that offers it) and ask for "Fingerprints for a Record Suspension application." They will send them digitally to the RCMP.
Cost: Approx $50–$80.
Time: You usually get the results in the mail within a few weeks.
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You need the official record of your sentencing. Go to the courthouse where you were sentenced. Request a "Proof of Conviction" and "Proof of Payment" for your fines.
Note: If you were sentenced in multiple cities, you must go to each courthouse.
Cost: Varies (often free or small admin fee).
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You need a specific check from the local police in every city you have lived in for the last 5 years.
CRITICAL: Do not ask for a regular criminal record check. You must ask for the "Local Police Records Check Form for a Record Suspension."
Cost: Varies by police service.
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Download the official Record Suspension Application Guide from the Government of Canada website.
The Hard Part: There is a section called the "Measurable Benefit" form. This is where you have to explain why you want this and how it will help you contribute to society. This is where you have to own your story.
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Pay the $50 application fee (credit card or cheque/money order) and mail the complete package to the Parole Board of Canada.
Processing Time: It usually takes 6–12 months once they accept your file.
“⚠️ WARNING: Don’t Get Scammed
1. The “Pardon Service” Scam: If you Google this, you will see ads for companies charging $1,500+ to do this for you. Avoid them. They cannot speed up the police. They cannot speed up the courts. They just fill out the forms you can fill out yourself. Save your money.
2. The “US Waiver” Confusion: A Record Suspension cleans your record in Canada. It does NOT guarantee entry to the USA. The US border has its own rules. Do not assume this solves your border crossing issues automatically.”
THE TOOLKIT
Stuck on the "Measurable Benefit" Letter?
Writing the letter to the Parole Board is the hardest part of the application. They need to know why you deserve this. They need to see that you have changed.
I help men articulate their story so the Parole Board sees the man, not just the file number.