Key West Car Rental - Americans Being Denied Entry at Canadian Border

Think again! Think you can travel to Canada even though you had a DUI conviction 5 years ago?

Does not always affect your inadmissibility, or the nature of the conviction, the length of time elapsed since the conviction. From being admitted if they have any criminal history, from any country, canadian Immigration law allows officers to prevent anyone.

But it is big risk to take when making travel arrangements, and might let you in despite a record, officers have wide reaching decision making power. Americans are especially affected by this policy, and Canada's access to American criminal information, due to the close proximity of the two countries.

Here are the facts on how you can expect to be treated.

You will likely be prevented from entering Canada, if upon questioning you admit to having a criminal conviction.

Misdemeanors as well as Felonies can be counted against you. Theft and Assault are the most commonly seen, drug Possession, driving under the Influence/ Drunk Driving, while any conviction can prevent entry. If your record shows in the database you are likely inadmissible. Canada Border Services Agency can access NCIC (FBI's information system) and examine conviction information.

Are you inadmissible?

If you are inadmissible you have two possible solutions :

* Prove that you are rehabilitated - Application for Rehabilitation

* Apply for special permission to travel to Canada - Temporary Residence Permit

Rehabilitation

Well in advance of the date of travel, rehabilitation should be applied for at a Canadian Embassy or Consulate. The 5 year period begins the day your parole is completed, with 6 months on parole, this means that if you spent 30 days in jail. Or parole, a fine, probation, it is important to note that completion of the sentence can reflect jail/prison time. The severity of the crime determines whether 5 or 10 years applies to your case. The length of time that must have passed is either 5 or 10 years from the completion of your sentence. You can show that you are now a law abiding citizen, if your offense was not recent.

Temporary Residence Permit

But they are always discretionary, there are a variety of circumstances under which these permits may be approved. If an Officer feels that their situation deserves special consideration, this permit can be issued to any inadmissible person.