How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Canada?

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go in Canada?

One of the most common questions people ask before a background check is how far back it goes. The answer may surprise you: in Canada, criminal record checks have no time limit and show your entire criminal history.

There Is No Time Limit on Criminal Records in Canada

Unlike some countries that limit how far back employers can check, Canadian criminal record checks show:

• All criminal convictions regardless of when they occurred
• Outstanding charges and warrants
• Any findings currently in the CPIC database

This means a conviction from 20, 30, or even 40 years ago will still appear on a standard criminal record check.

What Shows Up Based on Time

Always Shows (No Time Limit)

• Indictable offences (serious crimes)
• Summary convictions
• Hybrid offences
• Outstanding warrants
• Active charges

Removed After Specific Periods

Never Shows

• Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
• Withdrawn charges
• Stayed charges
• Provincial offences (traffic tickets)

How Records Are Removed

Record Suspensions (Pardons)

The only way to remove eligible convictions is through a record suspension:

Eligibility Wait Times:

• Summary convictions: 5 years after sentence completion
• Indictable offences: 10 years after sentence completion

Not Eligible for Pardon:

• Sexual offences involving minors
• More than 3 indictable offences with 2+ years imprisonment each
• Schedule 1 offences (serious personal injury)

Automatic Removal

Some records are automatically removed:

• Absolute discharges after 1 year
• Conditional discharges after 3 years
• Youth records after the access period expires

What Employers Actually See

Standard Criminal Record Check

Shows all convictions in the CPIC database without time restrictions.

Vulnerable Sector Check

Shows everything in a standard check PLUS pardoned sexual offences if working with vulnerable populations.

Employer Considerations

While there's no time limit on what appears, many employers consider:

• How long ago the offence occurred
• Relevance to the job
• Evidence of rehabilitation
• Pattern vs. isolated incident

Provincial Variations

While criminal records are federal, some provinces have additional considerations:

Human Rights Protections

Provincial human rights codes may limit how employers use older criminal records:

• Must be relevant to the job
• Blanket policies may be discriminatory
• Individual assessment required

Driving Records

Provincial driving abstracts have different retention periods than criminal records:

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Records Are Automatically Removed After 7 Years

Fact: Canadian criminal records have no automatic removal. The "7-year rule" is American and doesn't apply in Canada.

Myth: Old Convictions Won't Appear

Fact: All convictions appear regardless of age, unless pardoned or discharged.

Myth: Employers Can Only Check Recent History

Fact: Employers receive full results from CPIC with no time restriction.

Your Options for Old Records

1. Apply for a Record Suspension

If eligible, this is the most effective solution:

• Removes conviction from standard checks
• Takes 6-12+ months to process
• Costs approximately $700
• Permanent solution

2. Prepare to Explain

If you have older convictions:

• Be honest if asked
• Emphasize time elapsed
• Highlight rehabilitation
• Focus on current qualifications

3. Know Your Rights

Employers must:

• Consider relevance to position
• Allow explanation opportunity
• Avoid blanket rejection policies

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 10-year-old conviction show on a background check?

Yes. Unless you've received a record suspension (pardon), all convictions appear regardless of age.

Do employers check your entire history?

Criminal record checks show your complete history in the CPIC database. There are no time limitations.

How long do criminal records stay on file in Canada?

Indefinitely, unless removed through a record suspension or automatic discharge removal.

Will an old minor conviction affect employment?

Possibly, but many employers focus on recent history and job relevance. Human rights protections may limit how old records are used.

Can I find out what's on my record before an employer does?

Yes. You can request your own criminal record check to see exactly what will appear.

Check Your Own Record First

Before applying for jobs, know what employers will see. Order your own criminal record check through SafeHire to understand your history and prepare accordingly.