Do You Need a Pardon, Waiver or Record Purge?

It is important for you to choose the appropriate service package that corresponds with your personal situation.  This page briefly explains what a Canadian Pardon, a U.S. Entry Waiver, or a Record “Purge” is.  Once you have reviewed the following and determined your needs, please click on the corresponding button at the bottom of this page.

Canadian Pardon

If you are convicted of a criminal offence, you have a criminal record.   A criminal record will potentially remain on the national database for life.  A pardon seals criminal records so that they cannot be viewed.  The fact that it ever existed will not be disclosed to anyone without permission from the Minister of Public Safety. (See – What is a Pardon? )

Entry Waiver

If you have a criminal record, you are not allowed to enter the United States.  A U.S. Entry Waiver clears its holder for entry into the U.S.  If you have been refused entry into the U.S. at any time, or if the U.S. is otherwise aware of your criminal record, you must apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver before re-attempting entry.  Without an Entry Waiver, you could be jailed, fingerprinted and photographed for an FBI file, and have your vehicle and/or property seized.

If you have never been refused entry, and the U.S. is not otherwise aware of your criminal record, the U.S. will not be able to ascertain that you had a past criminal record once you receive a pardon.  Under U.S. law however, you are required to disclose that you had a criminal record, and to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver. 

Arrest Record Purge/Destruction

If you are charged with a criminal offence, and even if the charge is later dismissed, withdrawn, or stayed, the information about the offence remains.  Pardon Services Canada can make an application to have fingerprints and photographs destroyed, and to have the record of your charge purged from the local and national database.  Usually the process takes four to six months. (See – What is a Record Purge/Destruction? )

If the U.S. is not already aware of an existing criminal record, it is up to each individual to decide whether they wish to disclose their pardoned record to the U.S.  

What is a Pardon?   What is a Waiver?   What is a File Destruction?