The short version: applications for record suspensions in Canada rose from 9,140 in 2020–21 to 17,072 in 2024–25. About 1 in 5 applications is returned at screening, mostly for missing documents or payment. Ontario and Quebec account for most record suspensions ordered.
Applications by year
| Fiscal year | Applications received |
|---|---|
| 2018–19 | 13,826 |
| 2019–20 | 12,441 |
| 2020–21 | 9,140 |
| 2021–22 | 10,978 |
| 2022–23 | 16,121 |
| 2023–24 | 17,572 |
| 2024–25 | 17,072 |
Applications dropped during 2020–21 and then climbed past pre-pandemic levels after the application fee was lowered to $50 on January 1, 2022.
Why so many applications are sent back
| Fiscal year | Accepted | Returned at screening | Pending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | 11,617 (72%) | 3,267 (20%) | 1,237 (8%) |
| 2023–24 | 12,785 (73%) | 3,748 (21%) | 1,039 (6%) |
| 2024–25 | 12,130 (71%) | 3,559 (21%) | 1,383 (8%) |
In 2024–25, 77% of returned applications were sent back for missing documents or payment, not because of the person's record.
Why it matters: a complete package (RCMP fingerprint record, court information, local police checks, ID, form and fee) avoids months of delay. Our free Record Suspension Preparation Checklist lists every item.
Decisions in 2024–25
The Board reports two kinds of decisions. Record suspensions apply to people whose first offence came after the 2010 and 2012 law changes; pardons apply to older cases. In 2024–25 the Board ordered 2,333 record suspensions and granted or issued 8,926 pardons. These are national totals and say nothing about any individual application.
By province (record suspensions ordered, 2024–25)
| Province / territory | Ordered |
|---|---|
| Ontario | 1,062 |
| Quebec | 574 |
| Alberta | 289 |
| British Columbia | 81 |
| Saskatchewan | 77 |
| Manitoba | 58 |
| Nova Scotia | 56 |
| New Brunswick | 52 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 34 |
| Prince Edward Island | 8 |
| Northwest Territories | 4 |
| Nunavut | 3 |
| Yukon | 2 |
| Out of country | 33 |
Province guides: Ontario · Quebec · Alberta · British Columbia
How long decisions take
The Board's standards are a decision within 6 months for summary offences and 12 months for indictable offences, after acceptance. In 2024–25 it met them for 87.3% and 73.7% of files (target 95%), citing board-member capacity.
Over half a million since the program began
By the end of 2022–23, the Board had granted or ordered 571,831 pardons and record suspensions in total; 29,825 (5.22%) had been revoked or had ceased to have effect.
What's next
Bill S-207, which would provide for the automatic expiry of some criminal records, was at second reading in the Senate in October 2025. It is not law; current rules still apply.
You can apply yourself. The Parole Board of Canada says you do not need a lawyer or a third-party company to apply. The application fee is $50. Record Support Canada offers free educational information and a private eligibility check; using any paid service is your choice.
Not sure where you stand? Private • Online • No phone call required • No obligation
Journalists: you're welcome to use these figures with a link to the Parole Board sources below.
Record Support Canada is an independent educational and referral resource provided by Federal Pardons And Waiver Services. It is not affiliated with any government. This page is general information, not legal advice. No outcome, timeline or approval is guaranteed.
Sources
- Record Suspension Report to Parliament 2024–25
- Record Suspension Report to Parliament 2022–23
- PBC Performance Monitoring Report 2022–23, Tables 169–177
- PBC service standards 2024–25
- PBC: Official application guide and forms
- Bill S-207 on LEGISinfo
See Which Pathway May Apply to You
Private • Online • No phone call required • No obligation
CHECK MY ELIGIBILITY