When can I apply for parole?

Parole doesn’t happen automatically when your non-parole period ends. You need to apply for parole.

Although you can’t be released on parole until your non-parole period is finished, you can start your parole application earlier. How early you can start your application depends on how long your head (top) sentence is.

If your head sentence is less than 10 years, you can start applying for parole 12 months before your non-parole period ends.

For example, if your sentence was 4 years’ imprisonment (head sentence) with a 2-year non-parole period, you can start your parole application 1 year into your sentence.

If your sentence is more than 10 years total, you can start applying for parole 3 years before your non-parole period ends.

For example, if your sentence was 15 years’ imprisonment with a 9-year non-parole period, you can start your parole application 6 years into your sentence.

Important:

• The prison should tell you when you are eligible to start your parole application.
• The parole application process can take a long time. You should try to start your application as early as possible.