4. Get your pardon
Question & Answer
How do I get a pardon or a record suspension?If your application is missing information, it will be returned to you. It's important to make sure the Board knows your current address and contact information. If the Board can't return your incomplete application to you, you won't be able to fix it and move forward with the process.
Once your application is accepted by the Board, it can still take many months for them to make a decision. The Board usually decides within the following timelines:
- Summary : 6 months after the application is accepted
- Indictable offence: 12 months after the application is accepted
If the Board takes longer than that to approve your application, they might give you a refund for a part of your application fee. How much you get back depends on how long it took for your application to be approved:
| Days over the timeline | Percentage of application fee refunded |
| 1-39 | 10% |
| 31-90 | 20% |
| 91-150 | 30% |
| More than 151 | 50% |
The Board is supposed to keep track of how long it takes to approve applications. If it takes longer than the timelines shown above, the Board should contact you to arrange a refund. You will need to give them your personal, mailing, and banking information if you would like your refund by direct deposit. Or the Board will send a check to the mailing address you used in your application.
You should check the status of your application if you haven't heard back from the Board within the above timelines. To check the status, you can contact the Board toll-free at 1-800-874-2652.
If the Board is thinking about rejecting your application, they will send you a letter. The Board can take up to 24 months to make the final decision about a rejection.
