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Under U.S. immigration law, a Canadian record suspension does not automatically remove inadmissibility to the United States. In many cases, a person with a past criminal conviction may still require a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) before being permitted to enter the United States.
This page explains how Canadian record suspensions work and how they may affect travel to the United States.
US Entry Waiver Services Ltd focuses specifically on U.S. entry waivers and cross-border admissibility matters.
A Canadian Pardon, officially called a Record Suspension, is granted by the Parole Board of Canada. A record suspension separates a criminal record from other criminal records in the RCMP’s CPIC database. Once a record suspension is granted, most employers, landlords, and volunteer organizations will not see the conviction during standard background checks in Canada.
Canadian record suspensions are administered by the Parole Board of Canada. Individuals seeking to clear their criminal record within Canada should review the official government guidance provided by the Parole Board of Canada and the RCMP.
US Entry Waiver Services Ltd focuses on U.S. entry waivers and cross-border admissibility issues. Our work involves assisting individuals who may be inadmissible to the United States because of a past criminal conviction.
A Canadian record suspension may provide several important benefits within Canada:
• It removes your record from most Canadian background checks.
• It can improve employment and housing opportunities.
• It allows individuals to move forward without the stigma of a past conviction.
It is important to understand that a Canadian record suspension does not guarantee entry into the United States.
U.S. immigration law is separate from Canadian law. U.S. border officials may still consider the original conviction when determining admissibility, even if a Canadian pardon has been granted.
Many Canadians assume that once they receive a Canadian pardon (record suspension), their criminal record no longer affects travel to the United States. Unfortunately, this is not how U.S. immigration law works.
The United States does not automatically recognize Canadian record suspensions when determining admissibility at the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may still consider the original conviction when deciding whether a person is allowed to enter the country.
Because U.S. immigration law operates independently from Canadian law, a past criminal conviction may still make a traveler inadmissible to the United States even if the record has been suspended in Canada.
Many Canadians believe that once they receive a Canadian pardon (record suspension), they will automatically be allowed to enter the United States. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Under U.S. immigration law, a Canadian record suspension does not erase the underlying conviction. U.S. border officers may still review the original offence when determining admissibility.
Because of this, some Canadians who have received a pardon may still be considered inadmissible to the United States and may require a U.S. Entry Waiver before being permitted to enter the country.
Many Canadians believe that once they receive a Canadian pardon (record suspension), their criminal record is no longer a problem for travel to the United States. Unfortunately, that is not how U.S. immigration law works.
A Canadian record suspension removes the conviction from most Canadian background checks, but it does not erase the underlying conviction for U.S. immigration purposes. U.S. border officers and immigration officials may still review the original offence when determining admissibility.
Because U.S. immigration law operates independently from Canadian law, a person may still be considered inadmissible to the United States even after a Canadian pardon has been granted.
In situations where a past conviction makes a traveler inadmissible under U.S. immigration law, the individual may need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) in order to lawfully enter the United States.
DUI / impaired driving
assault
theft or fraud
drug offences
domestic violence
If a Canadian traveler has a criminal conviction that falls under U.S. inadmissibility rules, a U.S. Entry Waiver may still be required even after receiving a Canadian record suspension.
A U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to officially enter the United States for business, travel, or family reasons.
These waivers are reviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Admissibility Review Office and are typically issued for periods ranging from six months to five years depending on the circumstances of the case.
Canadian Record Suspension (Pardon)
• Issued by the Parole Board of Canada
• Separates a criminal record from Canadian background checks
• Helps with employment and housing in Canada
• Does NOT remove U.S. inadmissibility
U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192)
• Issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Allows lawful entry into the United States
• Required when a person is considered inadmissible under U.S. immigration law
• Valid for 6 months to 5 years
Many Canadians are surprised to learn that receiving a Canadian pardon (record suspension) does not automatically allow entry into the United States.
U.S. border officers may still consider the original criminal conviction when determining admissibility at the border. If the offence makes a person inadmissible under U.S. immigration law, a U.S. Entry Waiver may still be required even after a Canadian record suspension has been granted.
A Canadian record suspension and a U.S. entry waiver serve two different official purposes.
Canadian Record Suspension
Clears your record from most Canadian background checks and helps with employment, housing, and volunteering opportunities within Canada.
U.S. Entry Waiver
Allows official entry into the United States even if a past conviction makes a person inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.
Many individuals choose to pursue both options in order to resolve issues in Canada while also addressing U.S. border admissibility.
The waiting period before applying depends on your offence:
Summary offences: 3 to 5 years after completing your sentence.
Indictable offences: 10 years after completing your sentence.
All fines, restitution, and probation must be completed.
No new criminal charges.
Proof of rehabilitation and responsible conduct.
When applying, you’ll need to gather:
Court records proving sentence completion.
Police checks (local and RCMP).
Proof of paid fines and restitution.
Missing or incorrect documents are the main reason applications are delayed or rejected.
Individuals who wish to apply for a Canadian Record Suspension (formerly called a pardon) can obtain official information directly from the Government of Canada.
The Parole Board of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provide detailed instructions explaining the eligibility requirements, documentation, and application process for record suspensions.
Applicants who wish to apply on their own can review the official government guidance and application materials through the Parole Board of Canada website.
These government resources explain the complete process for individuals who want to prepare and submit their own record suspension application.
US Entry Waiver Services Ltd focuses on U.S. entry waivers and cross-border admissibility matters and does not prepare Canadian record suspension applications.
A Canadian record suspension has several important limitations:
✔ It removes the record from most Canadian background checks.
✘ It does not erase the conviction itself.
✘ It does not automatically allow entry into the United States.
If travel to the United States is important, you may still need to obtain a U.S. Entry Waiver.
For individuals who have been refused entry to the United States or who believe they may be inadmissible because of a past conviction, a U.S. Entry Waiver may be required.
US Entry Waiver Services Ltd focuses specifically on U.S. entry waivers and cross-border admissibility issues. With extensive experience in this area, we assist clients in preparing complete waiver applications for submission to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Processing usually takes 6 months to 2 years, depending on your criminal history and whether your application is complete and accurate.
No. A Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension) does not erase your record. It seals it in the CPIC database so most employers, landlords, and organizations cannot access it.
No. The U.S. government does not recognize Canadian Pardons. To travel officially, you may still need a U.S. Entry Waiver in addition to your Record Suspension.
You must have completed all parts of your sentence (fines, probation, jail time) and waited the required period:
3 to 5 years for summary offenses
10 years for indictable offenses
A Pardon can remove barriers to employment, housing, volunteering, and travel opportunities, allowing you to move forward with a clean slate.
In many situations, a DUI conviction may lead to additional questioning at the U.S. border. Depending on the circumstances, a traveler may be considered inadmissible under U.S. immigration law and may require a U.S. Entry Waiver.
A Canadian criminal record does not automatically prevent entry into the United States, but certain offences may make a person inadmissible under U.S. immigration law. U.S. border officers may review criminal history when determining admissibility.
A U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to officially enter the United States for business, travel, or family reasons.
US Entry Waiver Services Ltd focuses specifically on cross-border admissibility and U.S. Entry Waivers for individuals with past criminal convictions. Our work involves preparing waiver applications submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Admissibility Review Office.
Many Canadians are surprised to learn that Canadian record suspensions and U.S. immigration laws operate independently. Even after receiving a Canadian pardon, U.S. immigration authorities may still consider the original conviction when determining admissibility.
Because of this, individuals planning to travel to the United States should understand the difference between a Canadian record suspension and a U.S. Entry Waiver.
If you have a Canadian criminal record and are concerned about entering the United States, you may require a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192).
US Entry Waiver Services Ltd assists individuals in preparing waiver applications and navigating U.S. cross-border admissibility issues.
Contact us to learn more about the U.S. Entry Waiver process and your options for entering the United States.