| Think you can travel to Canada even though you had | | | | If you are inadmissible you have two possible |
| a DUI conviction 5 years ago? Think again! | | | | solutions : |
| Canadian Immigration law allows officers to prevent | | | | * Prove that you are rehabilitated - Application for |
| anyone, from any country, from being admitted if | | | | Rehabilitation |
| they have any criminal history. The length of time | | | | * Apply for special permission to travel to Canada - |
| elapsed since the conviction, or the nature of the | | | | Temporary Residence Permit |
| conviction, does not always affect your inadmissibility. | | | | Rehabilitation |
| Due to the close proximity of the two countries, and | | | | If your offense was not recent, you can show that |
| Canada's access to American criminal information, | | | | you are now a law abiding citizen. The length of time |
| Americans are especially affected by this policy. | | | | that must have passed is either 5 or 10 years from |
| Officers have wide reaching decision making power, | | | | the completion of your sentence. The severity of |
| and might let you in despite a record, but it is big risk | | | | the crime determines whether 5 or 10 years applies |
| to take when making travel arrangements. | | | | to your case. It is important to note that completion |
| Here are the facts on how you can expect to be | | | | of the sentence can reflect jail/prison time, probation, |
| treated. | | | | a fine, or parole. This means that if you spent 30 |
| If upon questioning you admit to having a criminal | | | | days in jail, with 6 months on parole, the 5 year |
| conviction, you will likely be prevented from entering | | | | period begins the day your parole is completed. |
| Canada. | | | | Rehabilitation should be applied for at a Canadian |
| Canada Border Services Agency can access NCIC | | | | Embassy or Consulate, well in advance of the date of |
| (FBI's information system) and examine conviction | | | | travel. |
| information. If your record shows in the database | | | | Temporary Residence Permit |
| you are likely inadmissible. While any conviction can | | | | This permit can be issued to any inadmissible person, |
| prevent entry, Driving under the Influence/ Drunk | | | | if an Officer feels that their situation deserves special |
| Driving, Drug Possession, Theft and Assault are the | | | | consideration. There are a variety of circumstances |
| most commonly seen. Misdemeanors as well as | | | | under which these permits may be approved, but |
| Felonies can be counted against you. | | | | they are always discretionary. |
| Are you inadmissible? | | | | |