CRIMINAL RECORD PARDON
by Andy J. Semotiuk
Member of the US and Canadian bars

Is my foreign pardon recognized in Canada?

If you received a pardon or expungement for your conviction in a country other than Canada it is possible that you are no longer inadmissible to Canada. You should carry the pardon or expungement documents with you when you seek entry into Canada as it is your responsibility to demonstrate to the officer at the Port of Entry that all of your convictions have been expunged or pardoned.

If you have a criminal conviction in Canada, you must seek a pardon from the National Parole Board of Canada before you will be admissible to Canada. You can request a guide on the approval for rehabilitation or any additional information from the following address:

Clemency and Pardons Division, National Parole Board
410 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0R1

Telephone: 1-800-874-2652
(Callers from Canada and the United States only)
Fax: 1-613-941-4981

Web: http://www.npb-cnlc.gc.ca
(The guide, which contains the application form, can be downloaded from this site)

Can I travel to the United States with a Canadian Pardon?

According to the National Parole Board, a Canadian Pardon is not recognized outside Canada. Specifically, they state: "Many foreign countries, including the United States (U.S.), do not recognize a Canadian Pardon. If you have a criminal record and are interested in going to the U.S., you may want to apply for an American Immigration and Naturalization Service Waiver (American INS Waiver)."

For help in filing your application contact me at Andy@myworkvisa.com or call my office at the number indicated on this site.