If you were fingerprinted by the police and the charges were later withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, peace bond, or discharged, it can still show up on an RCMP file.
If it shows up on the RCMP file then it can interfere with your ability to gain employment or travel to the US as there is a red flag on your criminal background check.
Once a file destruction is approved, it will no longer appear on your criminal background check and your CPIC or RCMP file will be clear.
What Shows on a CPIC Check?
A CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) check reveals any criminal convictions registered in the national database. This includes:
- All criminal convictions (summary and indictable offences)
- Outstanding warrants and judicial orders
- Peace bonds and probation orders
- Absolute and conditional discharges (may appear for 1-3 years)
- Young offender records (in certain circumstances)
A CPIC check does not show: pardoned records (Record Suspensions), provincial offences (traffic tickets), civil matters, or charges that were withdrawn or dismissed.
How Long Do Records Stay on CPIC?
Criminal convictions remain on CPIC permanently unless removed through a Pardon (Record Suspension). Common misconceptions include:
- Myth: Records are automatically removed after 5-10 years — False
- Myth: Summary offences drop off after a few years — False
- Fact: Only a Pardon (Record Suspension) removes your record from CPIC searches
- Fact: Absolute discharges are removed after 1 year; conditional discharges after 3 years
How to Clear Your CPIC Record
The only way to remove a criminal conviction from CPIC is through a Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension). Once the Parole Board of Canada grants your pardon, your record is moved to a separate, sealed database and will no longer appear on CPIC searches.
Check your eligibility for a pardon | Apply now
CPIC and Background Checks for Employment
Most Canadian employers who conduct background checks are accessing CPIC data. When you apply for a job and consent to a criminal record check, the search is run against the CPIC database. If your record appears, it may disqualify you from the position — particularly for roles requiring security clearance, bonding, or vulnerable sector access.
