Pardon
Court Document Search Request
File Destruction
File Purge
Personal Information Request
US Waiver & US Travel

Pardon FAQs

1.  What is a Pardon?
A pardon seals your criminal record only. It does not erase it or the fact that you had a criminal record at one time.

2. How long does a pardon process take?
The current processing time for a pardon is approximately 4-7 months due to the complexity of the process and the amount of individuals currently applying for pardons.

3.  Is a Canadian Pardon recognized outside of Canada?

No.  Many foreign countries, including the U.S. does not recognize a Canadian Pardon.

4. Can FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services guarantee that I will be granted my pardon?
FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not guarantee the granting of an individuals pardon, as we play no role in the decision making or granting of a pardon.  The National Parole Board is the only official federal Agency responsible for processing and making a pardon decision.

5. If my pardon is not granted, will FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services issue a refund?
The National Parole Board grants a pardon, not FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services. An individual must meet all eligibility requirements and must show “good conduct behavior” as deemed by the National Parole Board. If an individual has involvement with a law enforcement agency or has proven questionable behavior, a pardon may be denied. Since FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services has no control over these circumstances, we are unable to provide a refund.

6.  Is FPS affiliated with or have special status the National Parole Board?

The National Parole Board is not affiliated with any third party service providers.  The NPB treats all pardon applications the same way.  Using FPS will not give your application special status or guarantee you a pardon.  However, FPS will ensure that your application is complete and accurate before sending to the National Parole Board.  Therefore, eliminating, time consuming and costly errors.

7.  Can I apply for a pardon myself?

Yes, an individual can apply for a pardon direct.  However, a pardon is not free and costs are associated with the application.

8.  How do I know if I can start the pardon process?

Effective June 30, 2010, the waiting time and eligibility period have changed.  There are different time lines for different offences.  It is best to contact us direct or the National Parole Board.  FPS does not encourage you to apply for a pardon if you are not within 6 months of the eligibility time.

9.  Do I need a pardon to apply for a passport?

No, Passport Canada reviews each application on its own.  Your criminal record is not linked to your passport, unless you have a travel ban or a certain "probation or prohibition" that does not allow you to leave the country.  If you are unsure, you should check with Passport Canada for more specific information.

10.  I have been advised that once my pardon is granted, my information is removed from CPIC, and US Customs will not be able to see that I had a criminal record.  Is this true?

Once a pardon is granted, the conviction information is separate and apart from other criminal records in CPIC.  It does not erase the fact that you were convicted of a crime.  There is no way to know or confirm what US Customs can "see" or find out.    FPS recommends to all clients to carry a copy of your pardon paperwork with you when entering the U.S.

11.  I have a pardon, but was denied entry into the U.S. - Why?

Under U.S. law, a pardon issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized for the purposes of entry into the U.S.

12.  I have a criminal record, but have been traveling to the U.S. and never had a problem.  Why?

Even though you have entered the United States without hindrance in the past, once stopped, you may be denied entry at a future date based upon discovery of your criminality.

13.  Can a pardon be removed?

If you are convicted of a new offence, the information may lead to a reactivation of the record in CPIC.

1. What is a court document search request?
A court document search is a record provided by the courts confirming that all fines and restitution were paid, and confirmation of how court proceed in respect to summary or indictable. U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Custom and Border Protection and U.S. Waivers require this information.

2. How long does a court document search request process take?
Processing time for a court document search may take 5 days to several weeks depending on each individual courthouse procedure. Processing time may vary depending if a certified criminal record check (CPIC) is required to accompany the court document search request.

3. Can FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services guarantee that I will receive a court document search request?
FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not guarantee the granting of an individuals court document search request. FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services specializes in providing you the best solution for your criminal record/history. Our service ensures that all paperwork is accurate and completed in a timely manner.

4. If my court document search request is not granted, will FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services issue a refund?
The individual courthouse where the proceedings took place provides the requested information, not FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services. Since FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services has no control over these circumstances, we are unable to provide a refund.

File Destruction FAQs

1.  What is a file destruction?
A file destruction is a request to the arresting law enforcement agency to destroy your fingerprints and photograph for charges that were dismissed, withdrawn, not guilty, and stay of proceedings. This service is for individuals who have a criminal history not a current criminal record.

2.  How long does a file destruction process take?
Processing time for a file destruction varies on the individual law enforcement agency. .

3.  Can FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services guarantee that I will be granted my file destruction?
FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not guarantee the granting of an individuals file destruction. FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services specializes in providing you the best solution for your criminal record/history. Our service ensures that all paperwork is accurate and completed in a timely manner.

4.  If my file destruction is not granted, will FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services issue a refund?
The arresting law enforcement agency grants a file destruction, not FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services. An individual must meet all eligibility requirements and must show “good conduct behavior” as deemed by the arresting law enforcement agency. If an individual has involvement with a law enforcement agency or has proven questionable behavior, a file destruction may be denied.  The arresting law enforcement agency may deny a file destruction.  Since FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services has no control over these circumstances, we are unable to provide a refund.

File Purge FAQs

1.  What is a file purge?
A file purge is a request to the RCMP Purge Unit in Ottawa to remove an record in CPIC showing an admission or finding of guilt that resulted in a Absolute or Conditional Discharge prior to July 24, 1992.

2.  How long does a file purge process take?
Processing time for a file purge is approximately 4 months.

3.  Can FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services guarantee that I will be granted my file purge?
FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not guarantee the granting of an individuals file purge. FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services specializes in providing you the best solution for your criminal record/history. Our service ensures that all paperwork is accurate and completed in a timely manner.

4.  If my file purge is not granted, will FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services issue a refund?
The RCMP Purge Unit in Ottawa grants a file purge, not FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services. An individual must meet all eligibility requirements. Since FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services has no control over these circumstances, we are unable to provide a refund.

Personal Information Request FAQs:

1.  What is a personal information request?
A personal information request applies to pardoned files. There are several reasons for an individual to request a pardon to be unsealed: U.S. Waivers (sometimes require this), or a Vulnerable Sector Search (for individuals who will be involved with a person(s) or organization(s) responsible for the well-being of the vulnerable population as defined by the Criminal Records Act).

2.  How long does a personal information request process take?
Processing time for a personal information request may take 10 months.

3.  Can FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services guarantee that I will receive a personal information request?
FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not guarantee the granting of an individuals personal information request.  FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services specializes in providing you the best solution for your criminal record/history. Our service ensures that all paperwork is accurate and completed in a timely manner.

4.  If my personal information request is not granted, will FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services issue a refund?
The RCMP in Ottawa reviews a personal information request, not FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services. Since FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services has no control over these circumstances, we are unable to provide a refund.

U.S. Waiver FAQs:

1.  What is a U.S. Waiver?
A U.S. Waiver is a legal document allowing you to enter the U.S.A. with a criminal record for a limited amount of time.

2.  How long does the U.S. Waiver process take?
The current processing time for a U.S. Waiver is approximately 8-12 months due to the complexity of the process and the amount of individuals currently applying for U.S. Waivers.

3.  Can FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services guarantee that I will be granted the U.S. Waiver?
FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not guarantee the granting of an individuals US Waiver. FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services specializes in providing you the best solution for your criminal record/history. Our service ensures that all paperwork is accurate and completed in a timely manner.

4.  If my U.S. Waiver is not granted, will FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services issue a refund?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Custom Border Protection Officials make all final determinations regarding entry into the United States, not FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services. An individual must meet U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Custom Border Protection’s requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Custom Border Protection Officials carefully reviews the criminal record, the sentence information, age of convictions and the reasons for visiting the U.S.A. Many factors are considered before a U.S. Waiver is issued or denied. Since FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services has no control over these circumstances, we are unable to provide a refund.

5.  Why must I attend a U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Customer Border Protection pre-clearance facility or port of entry? This is part of the application process when applying for a U.S. Waiver.  U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Custom Border Protection requires the applicant be fingerprinted by the DHS at a port of entry or pre-clearance facility and payment must be made direct to the DHS.

6.  Is it possible to receive a life-time waiver?

Currently, U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Custom Border Protection is not offering life-time waivers.

7.  What is the time limit of a waiver?

Currently, waivers are 1, 3 or 5 years only.

8.  My current waiver is almost expired, what is the procedure for a new one?

A renewal waiver is the same process as a first time waiver.  The amount of paperwork required is the same.  Therefore, the cost is the same unless you are a previous client of FPS.

FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not offer legal advice.  If you require legal assistance, please contact the appropriate lawyer or legal representative.