What Does Bondable Mean?
Being bondable means an insurance company is willing to issue a surety bond on your behalf. A surety bond is a guarantee to an employer that you will perform your job duties honestly and without causing financial harm. Many Canadian employers require employees to be bondable as a condition of employment, particularly in positions involving money, valuables, or sensitive information.
When an employer asks “are you bondable?” they are essentially asking whether you have a clean enough background that an insurance company would vouch for your trustworthiness. A criminal record is the most common reason someone would not be bondable.
Are You Bondable? Understanding the Requirements
To be considered bondable in Canada, you generally need to meet these criteria:
- No criminal record — or a record that has been pardoned (Record Suspension)
- No history of fraud or theft — these are the most common disqualifying offences
- Stable employment history — frequent job changes may raise concerns
- No outstanding legal issues — pending charges can affect bondability
If you have a criminal record, you are likely not bondable until your record is cleared through a Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension). Once your pardon is granted, your record is sealed and you become bondable again.
Jobs That Require You to Be Bondable
Many industries in Canada require employees to be bondable, including:
- Banking and financial services — tellers, advisors, accountants
- Government positions — federal, provincial, and municipal roles
- Security industry — guards, alarm technicians, investigators
- Retail management — positions handling cash or inventory
- Healthcare — roles with access to medication or patient information
- Transportation — trucking, courier, and logistics positions
- Real estate — agents and property managers
- Childcare and education — teachers, daycare workers
How to Get Bonded in Canada
If you need to become bondable for employment, here are the steps:
- Check your criminal record — request a CPIC check to see what shows on your record
- Apply for a Pardon (Record Suspension) — if you have a record, this is the path to becoming bondable. Check your eligibility here
- Wait for approval — once your pardon is granted by the Parole Board of Canada, your record is sealed
- Confirm bondability — with a sealed record, insurance companies can issue a surety bond
- Inform your employer — let them know you are now bondable
How to Get Bonded in Ontario
The process for getting bonded in Ontario follows the same federal process as the rest of Canada, since pardons are issued by the Parole Board of Canada (a federal body). Ontario residents can apply for a pardon through Pardons Canada and receive assistance throughout the process.
Ontario-specific considerations:
- You will need a local police records check from your Ontario municipality
- Court records must be obtained from the Ontario Court of Justice in the jurisdiction where charges were laid
- Processing times may vary based on the court location
Unable to Be Bonded? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve been told you are unable to be bonded because of a criminal record, you have options:
- Apply for a Canadian Pardon — this is the most effective solution. Once granted, your record is sealed and you become bondable. Learn about pardons
- Check your eligibility — you may be eligible sooner than you think. Use our eligibility checker
- Talk to Pardons Canada — our counsellors can review your situation and advise on the best path forward. Contact us for a free consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Being Bondable
What does bondable mean on a job application?
When a job application asks if you are bondable, they want to know if an insurance company would issue a surety bond for you. This is typically a background check question. If you have a criminal record, the answer is likely no — unless you have obtained a Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension).
Can I be bonded with a criminal record?
Generally, no. A criminal record is the primary reason people cannot be bonded. However, once you receive a Pardon (Record Suspension) from the Parole Board of Canada, your record is sealed and you can become bondable again.
How long does it take to become bondable?
The timeline depends on your eligibility for a pardon. You must wait 5 years after completing your sentence for summary offences, or 10 years for indictable offences. Once eligible, the pardon application process typically takes 12-18 months.
Does a pardon make you bondable?
Yes. A Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension) seals your criminal record, which means it will not appear on standard background checks. With a sealed record, insurance companies can issue surety bonds, making you bondable for employment.
What is the difference between bonded and insured?
Being bonded means an insurance company guarantees your honesty and performance to your employer. Being insured means you have coverage for accidents, liability, or property damage. They are separate types of protection — employers may require one or both.