Contact our team of experienced canadian immigration lawyers today for a free consultation
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.
Having even one DUI on record can prevent you from being allowed to enter Canada. Even dismissed or sealed DUI charges can trigger inadmissibility if they appear in US databases reviewed by Canadian officers. A Canada entry lawyer can assess how your offense will be interpreted under Canadian law and determine whether you need a Temporary Resident Permit or criminal rehabilitation. Taking action in advance may prevent delays, secondary screening, or outright denial at the border.
Learn more
A Temporary Resident Permit, also referred to as a TRP is a temporary solution to overcoming one’s inadmissibility to Canada. You must clearly demonstrate a valid reason for travel and that your presence in Canada will not pose a threat. A skilled Canadian attorney immigration professional can help draft persuasive submissions, organize documentation, and choose the best timing for your application. TRPs are ideal for urgent travel when permanent solutions aren’t yet available.
Learn more
Criminal rehabilitation is a process, much like a “pardon”, by which you can overcome your inadmissibility to Canada permanently. Many applicants delay applying simply because they’re unsure where to start or what qualifies as eligible. Taking advantage of a Canada immigration lawyer with free consultation allows you to verify your eligibility, review your full record, and get clarity on required documents. Proper legal guidance can shorten the approval timeline and avoid costly mistakes.
Learn more
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 moreKLM 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inquire now
For professionals in the entertainment industry, international travel is often a requirement. Touring musicians, bus tour drivers, lighting technicians, sound engineers, film crew members, and actors regularly cross borders for performances, productions, and live events. Canada, for example, is a major global hub for film production, with hundreds of films shot each year, particularly in […]
If you want to make multiple entries to Canada, but a past DUI is blocking you, you have options. Learn how to do it with a temporary resident permit.
Get an analysis of Canadian TRP application timelines for US citizens. Learn what to expect from TRP processing times in 2026 and how to avoid delays.
