What is Canada’s National Sex Offender Registry?

Updated: July 07, 2025
Legally Reviewed by Cory Wilson

Convicted sex offenders are treated somewhat differently in Canada than other criminal offenders. Depending on the offence, they may need to register with a national database called the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) and meet ongoing reporting requirements for the rest of their lives.

Authorized law enforcement personnel can access this information when investigating other sexual crimes. 

Alberta also runs a provincial sex offenders database called the Sex Offender Registry Centre of Alberta (SORCA) but here we focus specifically on the NSOR to help those charged with a sexual offence in Canada understand the ongoing consequences of a conviction.

What is the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR)?

The National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) is a national registration system for offenders convicted of designated sex offences. The information it contains is designed to help law enforcement prevent and investigate crimes and to monitor and manage convicted sex offenders nationwide.

Designated offenders must report annually to police, providing a range of up-to-date information. An accurate list of registered sex offenders living within a particular geographic area enables law enforcement to identify and monitor high-risk child sex offenders.

The NSOR is administered by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and was established under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) in 2004.

Who must register on the NSOR?

The regulations for who must register on the National Sex Offender Registry, the information to be provided, and the duration of registration are frequently updated.

Concerns over mandatory registration on the NSOR infringing upon Charter Rights led to the conditions specified under SOIRA being updated in October 2023.

The updates clarified the offences that qualified for mandatory registration as opposed to judicial discretion. The bill limited mandatory registration, added new offences to the list, and enhanced interagency cooperation.

Under current regulations, mandatory registration on the NSOR applies to individuals convicted of offences that involve a victim under the age of 18 or a repeat offence by someone previously convicted of a designated NSOR offence.

Designated offences include the following:

• Sexual assault
• Sexual interference 
• Invitation to sexual touching 
• Sexual exploitation 
• Luring a child
• Child pornography
• Bestiality 
• Incest 

If an offender can demonstrate a limited risk of reoffending and significant impacts on their liberty, judges may grant an exemption to automatic registration on the NSOR.

Judicial discretion 

Judges in Alberta or any province/territory can order NSOR registration for certain non-designated offences committed for a sexual purpose or intent. 

This includes voyeurism, break and enter (to commit a sexual offence) or criminal harassment if it is sexually motivated. 

Often, the key factor in whether a judge orders NSOR registration is the offender’s perceived level of risk to public safety. If there is no ongoing risk of reoffending, Charter Rights and Freedom issues may be argued by an experienced criminal defence lawyer.

Duration of NSOR registration: Summary vs indictable offences 

Offenders must register with NSOR for 10 years, 20 years or life, depending on the severity and number of offences.

Summary convictions are for less serious offences, tried in provincial court, while indictable offences are more serious and can involve a jury trial.

Certain summary convictions may result in 10-year registration on the NSOR but indictable convictions almost always lead to mandatory NSOR orders, especially for listed offences. Depending on the offence, the following durations will apply:

• 10 years registration for the least serious indictable offences.
• 20 years registration for serious indictable offences.
• Lifetime registration for multiple offences or the most serious crimes.

What information must be provided to NSOR?

Registration with the National Sex Offender Registry requires over 80 pieces of personal information to be submitted, including the following:

• Name, address, phone number, employment, vehicle info.
• Physical description and identifying features.
• DNA profiles and photographs.

This information must be provided no more than seven days after conviction or release from custody.

What are the ongoing reporting requirements of an NSOR-registered offender?

If you have been ordered to register with the National Sex Offender Registry in Canada, you will initially need to provide the information outlined above.

You will also be required to report to local police annually and to update any changes of address, employment/etc. within seven days. If you intend to travel outside of your home address for more than seven consecutive days, you will also need to inform law enforcement of the travel plans beforehand. 

Some individuals may also be subject to random, unannounced compliance checks by police officers.

The penalties for non-compliance with these requirements, such as failing to report to police annually or providing false information, can include hefty fines and jail time for up to two years. 

Possible impacts of NSOR registration

An individual who is registered with NSOR can be impacted by the following:

• Employment restrictions due to the conviction appearing on an employer’s background check—especially with positions involving proximity to children or vulnerable persons.
• Travel complications (e.g., U.S. border entry denial).
• Social stigma and surveillance issues.
• Mental health and reintegration challenges.

Can the public view the registry?

The NSOR database is not viewable to the general public in Canada. Only authorized law enforcement personnel can view the details when investigating or trying to prevent crimes.

Can a SOIRA order be challenged?

The best way to prevent the need to register with the National Sex Offender Registry in Canada is to present the best possible defence to the charges filed against you—and escape a criminal conviction.

However, if you are convicted, a criminal defence lawyer may still be able to argue against registration with NSOR. This is especially true in marginal summary cases, where a SOIRA order could be argued as grossly disproportionate.

Your defence lawyer may be able to argue Charter Rights or apply for exemption under the Criminal Code in limited circumstances. Early termination of the order after five years may also be possible in some cases.

Call us to arrange a confidential consultation

Seeking prompt legal assistance for SOIRA-related offences is essential to prevent NSOR registration and many other unwanted consequences of a criminal conviction.

To speak with Cory Wilson or arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with Wilson Criminal Defence, call 403-978-6052 or email us here.