How Long Does A Criminal Record Last in Canada?

In Canada, a criminal record can have long-term effects on your job prospects, your ability to travel internationally, your immigration applications, and your reputation. It’s important for anyone who wants to move on after a conviction or charge to know how long a record stays active and what they can do about it.

In Canada, a criminal record refers to the official documentation maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) within the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This national system stores details such as charges, convictions, discharges, and other related information that can be accessed by law enforcement agencies and, in certain cases, employers or foreign authorities during criminal background checks or criminal record checks.

Many individuals wonder how long their criminal record will stay because it can influence their eligibility for work, travel visas, professional licensing, or permanent residency. The key takeaway is that a criminal record does not automatically disappear over time; it typically remains in the system indefinitely unless specific action is taken, such as applying for a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) or other forms of legal relief. In the sections that follow, we’ll explain how long a criminal record remains visible in Canada, what factors affect its duration, and the steps that may help limit its impact or remove it altogether.

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What Does “Staying on Your Record” Really Mean?

The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) is the national repository of criminal data managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). It keeps important information about a person’s criminal record, including charges, fingerprints, and police reports that law enforcement agencies across Canada can share with one another. CPIC maintains national records, while local police departments retain their own reports, and courts hold full case files and other essential documents. The Criminal Code and the Criminal Records Act govern how federal records are stored, suspended, or sealed, while provincial and municipal authorities manage their own databases for local or regulatory matters.

In certain cases, individuals may be required to submit fingerprints to confirm identity and link or remove information in the federal system. Courts may also keep case files for long periods, but that doesn’t always mean those details will appear on a basic background check or basic criminal record search.

Types of Criminal Record Information in Canada

There are different types of records and outcomes in Canada’s justice system:

Convictions: Found guilty in court; appears on record checks until suspended.
Non-convictions: Includes acquittals, held in custody, and dropped charges; even though this is not a criminal conviction, police records may still be present.
Discharges:
- Absolute discharge: Case closed immediately without conviction.
- Conditional discharge: Case closed after meeting court conditions; removed from federal files after a set time. Individuals who receive an absolute or conditional discharge will generally not have a lasting record on the national database once the retention period has passed.
Youth records: Managed under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, these are protected by strict privacy laws and are usually sealed or deleted after a specific period once legal conditions are met.

How Long Does a Criminal Record Last (Without a Pardon / Suspension)

General Principle: No Automatic Expiry

In Canada, criminal records do not expire automatically. Once a record is entered into the RCMP’s Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system, it generally remains there unless the individual takes formal steps to have it sealed or suspended through a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon). No national policy exists that automatically erases Canadian criminal records after some period of time. But in reality, the RCMP can archive records until an individual is about 80 years old, provided there are no further crimes. This benchmark is merely a guideline in practice and not a legal expiry date.

Although there have been federal discussions about simplifying record management, there is currently no automatic federal policy that seals or deletes criminal records after a set time. Individuals must still apply for a record suspension through the Parole Board of Canada to have a conviction removed from public visibility. Past legislative reforms—such as record suspensions for simple cannabis possession—apply only to specific offences and do not create a general automatic sealing rule.

Variations by Jurisdiction and Police Retention Policies

Retention rules vary widely across provinces, police services, and court systems. Local police often maintain records for 25 to 40 years, depending on the seriousness of the criminal charge or whether it was summary or indictable. Some police forces retain serious or repeat criminal offences indefinitely for public safety. Court records have their own retention schedules, ranging from 1 to 40 years, depending on the type of criminal act and the jurisdiction.

Youth Offence Records (Under YCJA)

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) governs youth records in Canada and sets specific timelines for how long they can be accessed. These records are for individuals found guilty of a crime while under 18 years old. Adult records don’t automatically expire, but youth records are meant to be temporary to help people get better. Depending on the severity of the crime and the court’s outcome, an arrest record or conviction under the YCJA is only available for a short time. After the access period expires, the offence will be sealed, meaning it can no longer be disclosed for most purposes.

If a young person commits another offence during this period, their earlier record may stay open longer and could be reclassified under adult criminal rules. However, if they maintain good behaviour and do not reoffend, the record must be sealed once the access period ends. After that, it cannot be shared or disclosed, except in rare legal circumstances specified by the YCJA, protecting the individual’s right to move forward without the long-term impact of their past mistakes.

Record Suspensions (Pardons) & Their Effect

What Is a Conviction Record Suspension?

A record suspension, formerly known as a pardon, is a formal process under the Criminal Records Act that allows a person’s conviction to be set aside once they’ve completed their sentence and maintained good behaviour. When approved, the record is removed from the RCMP’s CPIC database for most civilian purposes, such as employment or immigration checks. However, it is not destroyed—it’s segregated for managing criminal information securely within the system.

Applicants may be required to submit fingerprints during the application process to verify identity and confirm eligibility for the suspension.

Eligibility & Waiting Periods

To qualify for a record suspension, an offender must first complete all parts of their sentence — including imprisonment, probation, restitution, and fines and then maintain good behaviour. The waiting period before applying is 5 years for summary convictions and 10 years for indictable convictions (for offences committed after March 13, 2012). However, people who have been convicted of a sexual offence involving a minor are not allowed to do this, according to Schedule I of the Criminal Records Act. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have been good citizens by not committing any crimes and fulfilling all their legal obligations. It’s important to prepare carefully because missing documents or incomplete forms can delay or stop the process.

After Suspension: Access to Criminal Record Check

Once a record suspension is granted, the conviction will no longer appear on most criminal record checks, helping individuals rebuild their professional and personal lives. However, suspended records can still be seen in vulnerable sector checks when necessary for public safety, especially for those with past sexual offences. A suspension may also be revoked if the person commits another crime, provides false information during the application, or breaches legal requirements.

While a record suspension provides significant relief by limiting public access to a criminal history, it does not permanently erase the record. Under certain legal conditions, law enforcement and government agencies may still be able to access suspended files to ensure transparency and public protection.

Expungement of Historical Injustices

The Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act recognizes and removes certain historical convictions—such as those tied to consensual same-sex activity—that no longer constitute crimes under the Criminal Code. Once approved, the records are permanently deleted from all databases, ensuring that no trace remains in CPIC, court archives, or the repository of criminal data.

Expungement differs from a record suspension in that a suspension only limits access, whereas expungement completely removes the conviction. This difference shows Canada’s efforts to correct past injustices and promote fairness in managing criminal history.

When a Record Can Be Removed from a Criminal Record

Having a criminal record in Canada can affect employment, volunteering, professional licensing, housing, and international travel. Many organizations consider whether a person has received a record suspension before making decisions about hiring or licensing. While a suspension removes most convictions from public background checks, vulnerable sector screenings may still reveal suspended sexual offences, as required under the Criminal Records Act. Some police agencies also retain records of criminal activity, non-conviction, or contact events based on their own retention policies, and certain data remains accessible through the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) for transparency and public safety.

When travelling to the United States, even older or minor convictions can lead to criminal inadmissibility since U.S. border officials often access shared criminal databases. A Canadian record suspension applies only within Canada and does not guarantee foreign entry. Individuals who received a suspended sentence, or who have completed all sentencing terms, may qualify to apply for a record suspension after the required waiting period—five years for summary offences and ten years for indictable offences (for crimes committed after March 13, 2012). Maintaining good conduct, confirming record retention details with law enforcement, and seeking legal guidance are essential for minimizing future complications.

Need Help with a Criminal Record Check or Document Authentication? LSC Can Help You & Next Steps

Processing times for criminal record checks, record suspensions, and document authentication vary across Canada’s federal and provincial offices, so it’s best to start early. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may need a basic check to confirm your record status or a more detailed verification for immigration, employment, or travel purposes. Starting the process ahead of time ensures your documents are properly prepared, authenticated, and accepted both in Canada and abroad without unnecessary delays.

Reach out to LSC today to begin your application—our experienced team will guide you through every step so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.