I got charged again. Will this affect my application?

Yes, it will affect your eligibility. You must contact us as soon as you are charged. We will require details such as the charge, last court date and the outcome. Once you are finished in court, you must provide us with court information in order for us to determine what the next step is with…

I lost my citizenship card. What else can I use to prove citizenship?

If you were not born in Canada, you will be required to provide an official government document to confirm your citizenship in Canada.

If you have lost your citizenship card, an alternative document to use with your Pardon application could be your Canadian passport. If you do not have either, obtaining a passport will take significantly less time than awaiting a new citizenship card. Every Canadian is permitted to have a Canadian Passport and applying for this will not cause any further concerns with regard to your criminal record.

Can I apply for citizenship/permanent residence with a criminal record?

When applying for new immigration status, you can expect Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to request a copy of your fingerprints in order to complete a criminal record check through CPIC/ RCMP. Although it is possible CIC has already been made aware of your criminal record, it is in your best interest to complete your…

Can I travel to the U.S. with a Canadian conviction?

It is illegal to enter the U.S. with a Canadian criminal record. The chances of the Customs Border Protection (CBP) pulling up your criminal record through the CPIC database are high and will be detrimental to your travel in the future. It is in your best interest to remove your criminal record prior to travelling…

I can’t remember the circumstances around my offence(s). What do I write?

Do your best to include any information you can regarding each charge. The ARO already have the technical information from the RCMP and court records, but they would like to know your personal insight on each conviction. Your application will be judged based on the information you provide, therefore providing no information means you are…