Denied entry to Canada? Entering Canada with a DUI?

Contact our team of experienced canadian immigration lawyers today for a free consultation 

Are you inadmissible to Canada?

Every year, Canada welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world, with many coming directly from the United States. However, to ensure the security of Canadians and those entering the country, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has a responsibility to screen incomers for any potential criminal background that would make them inadmissible, and hence, prevent them from entering Canada.

If you are concerned that your criminal record could prevent you from entering Canada, know that there are solutions available. Ready to get started? Contact a Canadian immigration lawyer from KLM Immigration today.

klm-about-banner-image

Entering Canada with a DUI

Having even one DUI on record can prevent you from being allowed to enter Canada.

Learn more
klm-about-banner-image

Canada Temporary Resident Permit

A Temporary Resident Permit, also referred to as a TRP is a temporary solution to overcoming one’s inadmissibility to Canada.

Learn more
klm-about-banner-image

Criminal rehabilitation

Criminal rehabilitation is a process, much like a “pardon”, by which you can overcome your inadmissibility to Canada permanently.

Learn more
klm-about-banner-image

Legal Opinion Letter Canada

Are you worried about the potential impact of your criminal record on your eligibility to enter Canada? A Canadian immigration attorney from KLM Immigration can help. Our Legal opinion letter for entry to Canada service might be all you need to enter the country. Speak directly with one of our experienced Canada entry lawyers today and take the first step towards successfully crossing the Canadian border despite past criminal history.

Learn more

Meet our lawyers

KLM Immigration is a boutique law firm located in Montreal, Quebec, and in Los Angeles, California which practices exclusively in immigration law. Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in both Canada and the US and focus on all matters relating to immigration law. We offer our clients tailored help and support throughout the immigration process. Whether you need to enter Canada, but have a criminal record, were denied entry to Canada, or wish to apply for a Canadian pardon or a US Entry Waiver, we can help. Our immigration attorneys also offer assistance with student, work, investment and sponsorship visas and permits to Canada and the US.

Marina
Kristina

What is criminal inadmissibility?

Criminal inadmissibility is a situation whereby an individual is denied entry into Canada because of their criminal record. If you’ve committed an act, which is a criminal offense in the United States or in another country, you may be criminally inadmissible to enter Canada. Americans wishing to travel north of the border need to be aware that offenses committed in the United States or elsewhere can impact their ability to enter Canada as a tourist or as a permanent resident.

Some offenses that could make you inadmissible to enter Canada include:

  • DUI, DWI, OVI, DWAI
  • Reckless Driving
  • Drug related offenses
  • Assault
  • Domestic Violence
  • Fraud
  • Theft
  • Etc.

Inadmissible to Canada: solutions to overcome criminal inadmissibility

Not all hope is lost simply because you have a criminal record. You might be wondering, is it possible to enter Canada if you’ve been charged with a DUI? What about an assault charge from ten years ago? Depending on the type of offense committed and the time elapsed since the conviction, you may benefit from one of the several options available to you.

It’s important to remember that being inadmissible to Canada does not mean a lifetime ban. There are several solutions available to gain entry into Canada despite having a criminal record.

1.

Criminal Rehabilitation

If it has been at least five years since you’ve completed all the conditions of your imposed sentence, then you may be eligible to apply for criminal rehabilitation, the permanent solution. Once granted, this will allow you a lifetime entry into Canada.

2.

Temporary Resident Permit

A temporary resident permit can be requested at any time, even if you were only recently arrested or are still completing any conditions of your sentence. It allows you multiple entries into Canada for a specific period of time, from a couple of days to a maximum of three years. Anyone inadmissible to Canada can apply for a TRP with the Canadian government.

3.

Deemed Rehabilitation

Depending on the offense committed and the length of time since your conviction, you might qualify as a deemed rehabilitated individual. Although there is no formal application, you’ll need to assemble a file to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements by way of requesting a Legal Opinion letter to be drafted by a Canadian Immigration lawyer.

Trusted members of

Inquire now

Get the right legal help if you’re inadmissible to Canada

Latest news

Car keys are next to a glass of alcohol on a table. The keys are black and silver, while the glass has ice and brown alcohol.
October 8 2024

4 DUI Legal Strategies for Successful Canada Entry

Entering Canada with a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction requires careful preparation and an understanding of legal implications. Canadian law treats DUI offenses seriously, categorizing them as criminal inadmissibility. This means a DUI conviction can prevent entry into Canada. However, you can navigate this process with a legal plan. Review these DUI legal strategies […]

Read more
A brown and gold gavel sitting on top of a red book. A large Canadian flag is blurred in the background.
September 20 2024

What Does Being Deemed Rehabilitated To Enter Canada Mean?

What does being deemed rehabilitated to enter Canada mean? Review this in-depth guide on the process, benefits, and steps for achieving deemed rehabilitation.

Read more
Close-up of a judge signing a legal document. He’s near a wooden gavel and the Canadian flag is in the background.
August 29 2024

7 Things To Know About Canada Criminal Rehabilitation

Criminal rehabilitation can help individuals with past criminal convictions enter Canada. Review the seven things to know about Canada criminal rehabilitation now!

Read more