Where do I need to go to submit my Waiver?
Once we have completed your Waiver application, we will mail it to you with information regarding submission. You will either go to one of your province’s international airports or to the closest U.S. border. Full details will be provided.
What is the status of my file?
At each stage of the application process, an analysis is performed by staff from our various departments to ensure your file is progressing towards completion. Rest assured that we are making progress with your file and will contact you when any action on your part is required. If any personal information has changed since the […]
Did you receive my documents yet?
We have efficient tracking systems designed to alert us if documents requested from you, or different government organizations, are taking longer than expected. We then perform the necessary follow-up to ensure the documents arrive in our office promptly. Please consider your documentation received and with the appropriate department for processing if you have not been […]
I paid for a Premium/Priority file. What makes my file different from a Standard one?
The back of your invoice/authorization agreement provides an approximate timeline for general files. Every file is different. Some files are more complex because, for example, there are numerous convictions that we need information about. It also depends on how many times you have moved in the past 5 years. Your file is also affected by […]
You are now requesting a $50 fee. What is this for?
The $50 Parole Board fee is paid directly to the Federal government (Receiver General) and covers their cost to process your application. It is only requested at the final stage in our office, before we submit the complete application to the government. This fee differs from the payment you made to Pardons Canada to prepare […]
My Pardon has been submitted to the Parole Board. What timeline for approval can I expect at this point?
Once your Pardon/Record Suspension application has been submitted to the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), your application will be reviewed for approval. The PBC is mandated to decide on Summary (not serious) offences within 6 months and for Indictable (more serious) offences within 12 months. Timelines with the PBC are as unique as your application […]
Once I have my Waiver, can I go to the U.S. whenever I want?
With a U.S. Entry Waiver you may travel freely between borders so long as the Waiver is valid and you bring all other documents that you would normally need to cross the border. U.S. Entry Waivers expire and must be renewed if you wish to continue traveling to the U.S. The waiver must be carried […]
How long will it take for my Waiver to be granted?
The U.S. normally takes between 4-10 months to process a Waiver application. You must wait at least 4 months after submitting your Waiver before contacting the Admissibility Review Office (ARO).
I’ve lost my Waiver and it’s still valid. What do I do?
A replacement Waiver will be issued if the original was lost, stolen or mutilated. To request a new Waiver, you will need to fill in Form I-824 (Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition). Go to www.cbp.gov and search for I-824. The form and all details regarding submission can be found there. You […]
I just received a letter from you suggesting my file has become inactive. How do I reactivate my file?
The letter you received lists the documents that Pardons Canada is waiting for from you. After several attempts to remind you that you are impeding the process of your file, we are left at a stand still until you can comply with our request(s). A stale fee may apply to reactivate your file depending on […]
I got charged again. Will this affect my application?
Yes, it will affect your eligibility. You must contact us as soon as you are charged. We will require details such as the charge, last court date and the outcome. Once you are finished in court, you must provide us with court information in order for us to determine what the next step is with […]
I lost my citizenship card. What else can I use to prove citizenship?
If you were not born in Canada, you will be required to provide an official government document to confirm your citizenship in Canada.
If you have lost your citizenship card, an alternative document to use with your Pardon application could be your Canadian passport. If you do not have either, obtaining a passport will take significantly less time than awaiting a new citizenship card. Every Canadian is permitted to have a Canadian Passport and applying for this will not cause any further concerns with regard to your criminal record.
Can I apply for citizenship/permanent residence with a criminal record?
When applying for new immigration status, you can expect Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to request a copy of your fingerprints in order to complete a criminal record check through CPIC/ RCMP. Although it is possible CIC has already been made aware of your criminal record, it is in your best interest to complete your […]
Can I travel to the U.S. with a Canadian conviction?
It is illegal to enter the U.S. with a Canadian criminal record. The chances of the Customs Border Protection (CBP) pulling up your criminal record through the CPIC database are high and will be detrimental to your travel in the future. It is in your best interest to remove your criminal record prior to travelling […]
I can’t remember the circumstances around my offence(s). What do I write?
Do your best to include any information you can regarding each charge. The ARO already have the technical information from the RCMP and court records, but they would like to know your personal insight on each conviction. Your application will be judged based on the information you provide, therefore providing no information means you are […]
