Do You Need an Agency?
No. You can apply directly through Parole Board of Canada. Using a private agency or document preparation service is not a requirement.
The PBC explains that applicants may apply directly and do not need to use a lawyer or third-party company. Read the official PBC application information.
The honest answer
You can do the application yourself. A private service does not give you special access or guarantee approval.
Can You Apply Yourself?
Yes. The government publishes the application process and forms. If you can research the requirements, obtain your records, complete forms, and follow instructions, you can manage the application yourself.
The current PBC application processing fee is $50 CAD, separate from any private service fee. Confirm the current amount and payment instructions in the official PBC information.
- Communicate directly with the government.
- Collect the required records and supporting documents.
- Complete and review the forms yourself.
- Pay the government application fee.
- Make sure the submission is complete before sending it.
What You Need to Prepare
Preparation can involve information about convictions, sentence completion, fingerprints, court records, local police checks, identification, forms, and payment.
The exact requirements depend on the applicant and record. Use the official PBC application guide and forms as the controlling checklist.
Where the work usually is
The main work is often identifying the correct documents, requesting them from the right organizations, completing the forms, and checking that information is complete and consistent.
Why Use a Preparation Service?
An optional preparation service is mainly about time, organization, and confidence—not government access.
- You are unsure which documents apply to your circumstances.
- You want a checklist and help organizing the process.
- You want another person to review your materials for completeness.
- You prefer guided support rather than researching each step alone.
- You want help identifying missing or inconsistent information before submission.
You are paying for preparation—not government influence
A reputable service should clearly explain what it provides and should not imply that you must use it or that it can guarantee a decision. PBC also publishes fraud-prevention information that applicants should review.
What Our Service Actually Does
Pardon Navigator helps clients understand the preparation process, organize information, prepare documents, and review materials before submission. The client remains responsible for the truth and completeness of the application.
What the $399+ service includes
- Guidance through the preparation process
- Help identifying relevant information and documents
- Document preparation support
- Review for completeness and consistency before submission
The $399+ service fee is separate from the PBC application fee and any fingerprinting, court, police-check, translation, or mailing costs. It is a third-party service fee, not a government fee.
You remain in control
Our role is document preparation and application support. We do not replace the PBC, make eligibility decisions, provide special status, or guarantee an outcome.
Which Option Is Right for You?
If your situation is straightforward and you are comfortable following official instructions, applying yourself may be the best option.
If you value convenience or want help organizing and reviewing documents, an optional preparation service may be worth considering. Compare the service fee with the work you want help completing.
Before you pay anyone
Ask what is included, whether the government fee is separate, what happens if you cancel, whether legal advice is included, and whether the company guarantees anything. Be cautious of anyone who says you must use their service or has special influence over the government.
See the PBC “Know the facts” information and PBC fraud-prevention guidance before choosing a provider.
Official sources and further reading
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Our assessment is preliminary and is not an official PBC eligibility determination.
Get Your Free AssessmentThis article is general information only and is not legal advice. Pardon Navigator is an independent third-party service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or the Parole Board of Canada. We do not determine eligibility, guarantee approval, accelerate processing, or provide special status. Published August 20, 2026. Last reviewed August 20, 2026.