DIY Pardon vs. Lawyer: The Real Cost Breakdown
When you Google "Canadian Pardon", the first 4 results are ads from companies promising "Peace of Mind" and "Guaranteed Success". They charge anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500.
But what are you actually paying for?
The "Admin Fee" Trap
Most of these companies charge an "Administration Fee". This is purely profit for them. They take your information, resize it onto the government forms, and mail it.
| Item | Lawyer/Agency Cost | DIY Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprints | $65 (You pay) | $65 (You pay) |
| Court Docs | Included* | $0 - $20 |
| Police Checks | Included* | $50 |
| Govt Application Fee | $50 (Often hidden extra) | $50 |
| Service Fee | $1,500 - $3,000 | $0 |
| TOTAL | $2,000+ | ~$200 |
As you can see, doing it yourself saves you a massive amount of money. The "Service Fee" is essentially a tax on not knowing the process.
Is it Hard to Do Yourself?
No. It involves gathering 3-4 documents and mailing them. If you can file your own taxes or apply for a passport, you can apply for a Record Suspension.
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