A Record Suspension, formerly known as a “Pardon”, is a process that removes your criminal record from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database, preventing your conviction from appearing on police record checks. This is particularly crucial for various purposes, including employment, volunteer positions, international travel, visa applications, and citizenship processes. While a record suspension doesn’t erase your criminal record, it significantly enhances your opportunities for jobs and education.
However, a record suspension doesn’t mean that you are always able to work, volunteer, or travel freely. For example, applying for work or volunteer positions involving vulnerable sectors (e.g. working with children or the elderly) may require a Vulnerable Sector Check, disclosing any sexual offence convictions even with a record suspension. It’s also important to note that a record suspension may not be permanent, as new indictable offences, misrepresentation in the application, or ineligibility can lead to its cancellation.
If you or someone you know would like to apply for a Record Suspension, please contact us today for a free consultation. At Godinho Zager LLP, our Criminal Lawyers possess extensive expertise in handling Record Suspension applications and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for clients.
Obtaining a US Entry Waiver permits you to enter into the US despite your criminal record. Without a travel waiver, if you have a criminal record that either has not yet been suspended or is ineligible for suspension, and you plan to travel to the US, you face the risk of being denied entry. This applies even in cases where you have received a sentence of an Absolute Discharge or Conditional Discharge, both of which Canadian law does not recognize as creating a criminal record.
A US Entry Waiver is required if you have been previously denied entry into the US due to your Canadian Criminal Record or for any criminal activity. Crossing into the US without a waiver, after you have been denied can sometimes lead to a ban that can range from 5 years to permanent ineligibility to enter the US, or even the risk of going to jail. A US Entry Waiver is also required if you have previously overstayed your welcome in the US and would like to travel to the US again in the future.
If you or someone you know would like to apply for a US Entry Waiver, please contact us today for a free consultation. At Godinho Zager LLP, our Criminal Lawyers possess extensive expertise in handling US Entry Waiver applications and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
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