Record suspensions are the new Government of Canada term for pardons. The new term reflects that your case is not completely stricken from record, but moved (suspended) from a database that other people can see to a database that is limited and can only be accessed through a difficult and lengthy legal process.
It takes an average of 18 to 24 months for a record suspension to be approved or denied provided there are no errors in your application and you have all of the supporting documentation ready. Supporting documentation means anything from electronic fingerprinting, to copies of your convictions and sentencing documents, places you’ve lived, and so much more. It all takes time and many of our clients get overwhelmed or something happens in their life that puts it on the backburner, only having to start the process again.
Learn more about the record suspension process and the differences between a US Entry Waiver and a Record Suspension / Pardon.