Get a Canadian Pardon so You Can Get a Passport

If you're a Canadian citizen who has a criminal record, you probably think it is impossible to get a passport for international travel. Not true. The Canadian government is quite forgiving when it comes to lesser crimes. The National Parole Board, at www.npb-cnlc.gc.ca states the Canadian government is interested in giving pardons to those who deserve them and reintegrating offenders in a timely way. Just follow a few steps to get an official pardon, and you'll be planning a great vacation in no time.

First, call the National Parole Board of Canada to get information on applying for a pardon. Call 1-800-874-2652 to request a pardon application or download it at the website. Or, hire a company to walk you through the process. There are several businesses in Canada that work with people trying to get pardons. These companies know all the steps and will ensure your success.

Your next step is the application itself. You will need some documentation, including your criminal record, proof of conviction and court information. If you have served in the military, you will need that , also. It is also necessary to have your citizenship records or your immigration records if you are a naturalized Canadian citizen. Have two recent pictures, similar to passport pictures. You will also need a guarantor. This is a person who is a Canadian citizen, has a Canadian passport and can attest to your identity.

The fee to submit the pardon application is $50, as of 2009. You can pay by check, money order, debit card or credit card. This fee will not be refunded, even if your pardon application is denied. Pardons are available for both petty crimes and more serious incidents, and if your request is denied, you have the right to appeal it. Sex offenders will not get full pardons.

Remember that although your pardon seals your criminal record, it doesn't charge the fact that you have been previously arrested, charged and sin some cases, served prison time. If you are asked under oath about a criminal record, you must still say that you were convicted. However, once you receive your pardon, you can also add that you have received a Canadian pardon. You are not required to reveal all the details.

The United States government does not recognize a pardon from the Canadian government, even with a legal passport. If you want to travel to the U.S., you will need to apply for a waiver from the American Immigration and Naturalization Service.