If you have a criminal record and want to enter Canada, you might be facing a complex and challenging process. At CBCS, we specialize in helping individuals like you overcome criminal inadmissibility to Canada, whether you’re planning a short visit or seeking permanent residency.
What makes you Inadmissible to Canada
Canada’s immigration laws are strict, and even a single felony conviction can prevent you from entering the country. Canadian immigration officers have access to U.S. and other international criminal databases, which means any past conviction could result in denial of entry.
Common reasons for inadmissibility include:
- Convictions Outside Canada: Crimes that would be considered indictable offenses in Canada, including those punishable by less than 10 years in prison.
- Multiple Offenses: Two or more convictions that would be equivalent to summary offenses in Canada.
- Hybrid Offenses: Crimes that could be prosecuted as either indictable or summary offenses under Canadian law.
Even if your conviction is decades old, it could still be a barrier to entering Canada. That’s where our expertise comes in.
How We Help You Overcome Criminal Inadmissibility
If you’re deemed inadmissible to Canada, don’t worry. We specialize in guiding you through the options available to regain your admissibility, including applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or seeking Criminal Rehabilitation.
1. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
A TRP is a temporary solution that allows you to enter or stay in Canada despite your criminal inadmissibility. It’s ideal for individuals who need to enter Canada for specific reasons, such as family visits, business, or emergencies.
- Application Support: We assist you in preparing a comprehensive TRP application, ensuring that all necessary documents and explanations are provided. This includes detailing your criminal history, the reasons for your inadmissibility, and why your entry into Canada is justified.
- Strategic Submission: We help you decide the best place to submit your application, whether at a Canadian consulate or a port of entry. Each option has its advantages, and we ensure your application is submitted in the most effective manner possible.
- Fee: The application fee for a TRP is $229.77 CAD. We’ll guide you through the payment process and any additional requirements.
2. Criminal Rehabilitation
For a more permanent solution, we can help you apply for Criminal Rehabilitation. Once approved, you won’t need a TRP for future visits to Canada.
- Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your situation to determine if you’re eligible for Criminal Rehabilitation, which typically requires at least five years to have passed since you completed your sentence.
- Application Preparation: Our experts will assist in preparing your application, ensuring it meets all criteria set by Canadian immigration authorities. This involves demonstrating that you’ve been rehabilitated and are unlikely to commit new crimes.
- Deemed Rehabilitation: If more than ten years have passed since your conviction, you might be eligible for deemed rehabilitation. We help present your case to border officials to increase your chances of being deemed rehabilitated without the need for a formal application.
- Fee: The application fee for Criminal Rehabilitation is $229.77 CAD for non-serious offenses and $1,148.87 CAD for serious criminality. We’ll guide you through this process and ensure everything is in order.
3. Record Suspension (Pardon)
If your conviction occurred in Canada, obtaining a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada is crucial. We can assist you in applying for this, which will remove your inadmissibility and allow you to enter Canada without issues.
What If You’re Denied Entry?
If you’ve already been denied entry to Canada, don’t lose hope. We’re here to help you explore your options:
- TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation Applications: If you haven’t yet applied, we can assist you in starting the process and ensuring your application is as strong as possible.
- Legal Advice: Mitch Jessiman is a federally certified immigration consultant (RCIC) who can provide additional support and advice, giving you the best chance of success.
Why Choose Us?
At CBCS we understand how stressful it can be to face criminal inadmissibility to Canada. Our family run business is dedicated to helping you overcome these challenges, guiding you through each step of the process with personalized support. We’ve helped thousands of U.S. citizens successfully enter Canada, and we’re ready to help you too.
Contact Mitch Direct
Everyone’s situation is unique so it’s always a good idea to ask questions to get the correct answers. For a free consultation, simply give Mitch a call at (204) 488-6350 or 1-800-438-7020. Alternatively, you may complete the contact form on this page.