To see our website filtered by an specific destination, select the country: You’re seing the content related to that we can help you with immigration journey. If you want to see a specific destination, immigration journey. If you want to see a different destination, click here

Entering Canada with Criminal Record

By Michael Niren April 14, 2013 (Updated December 16, 2019) 1 min. read
highanglephotographofairplanewingsabovethecloudsxjpg

A criminal record can be a rather large obstacle for foreign nationals who wish to enter the country, even on a temporary basis. Canada’s increased border security over the last decade or so means they’re more strict when it comes to choosing who is allowed into the country, and who is not.

Someone who wishes to enter Canada needs to ensure in advance that they are not inadmissible to Canada for criminal reasons. This will save them time and money, ensuring that they have a chance to navigate their options in advance as opposed to having to travel all the way to the border and hope for the best when they try to enter Canada – which can lead to significant disappointment.

What are my options if I need to enter Canada with a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record but you need to or want to enter Canada, you don’t have to give up. You have options for overcoming your criminal inadmissibility, and being denied entry to Canada isn’t the end of the road.

A foreign national who is inadmissible to Canada because of a criminal record can consider applying for a Temporary Resident Permit  or (TRP) if their offense is more recent, or Criminal Rehabilitation is their offense is typically older than five years.

However, just because these options are available to you does not necessarily mean that they are easy to apply for. The application processes for both of these methods of overcoming your inadmissibility are difficult and complicated.

A licensed immigration lawyer who has experience in helping people who have been denied entry to Canada can be an absolute game changer when it comes to your own chances. However, it is vital that you speak to an immigration lawyer as soon as possible, because the process can take several months depending on the option you choose.

Eddie de Witt Avatar

Eddie de Witt

When you get the opportunity to go to the US for work from abroad, then I would say VisaPlace would be your best option to get all your documents in place. My 5 star feedback is based on the help I received from Danielle Grbic as she was really professional, I would straight away ask for Danielle to be in charge of your process. From the time that Danielle took over my case I felt confident that it will go well and at the end it went smoother than expected. On my own I would never have been able to get this internal work transfer done as a L1 visa and was best for the professionals to take charge. After arriving in the US, Danielle was still happy to assist with documents and advise. A huge thanks to Danielle and VisaPlace

Sweet Ness Avatar

Sweet Ness

I spoke with Lilly last week and she’s incredible. Very informative and you can tell she definably cares about her job. She wasn’t pushy at all and she’s there to help you figure out if this service is right for you. I’d recommend contacting VisaPlace if you’re thinkin of traveling internationally and you have questions about the different types of permits.

Peter Gianakas Avatar

Peter Gianakas

I had a great experience with Andrew Diamond from The Visa Place. Andrew was very knowledgable and helped us every step of the way. When we had a discrepancy with my spouse’s Visa Andrew helped us navigate the system in the USA. He even offered to speak directly to the customs and border control officer to help us iron out the situation. Overall the experience was very good and smooth. I highly recommend Andrew and his services at The Visa Place.

Vanessa Gomes Avatar

Vanessa Gomes

I spoke with Lilly last week and she’s incredible. Very informative and you can tell she definably cares about her job. She wasn’t pushy at all and she’s there to help you figure out if this service is right for you. I’d recommend contacting VisaPlace if you’re thinkin of traveling internationally and you have questions about the different types of permits.

TK B Avatar

TK B

Great firm. They helped me with my visa at a reasonable cost. They were very responsive and most importantly compassionate about my situation. I have no hesitation to recommend them to others

Nirmal Singh Avatar

Nirmal Singh

Really the best immigration law firm. I got visa with their help, they helped me at every step. They answered every single question. I ‘d recommend 10/10

Krista Sparkes Avatar

Krista Sparkes

Extremely satisfied with the professionalism, expertise, efficiency, speed and thoroughness at which my file was managed. Fadi & Danielle are true class acts! Their response times were fantastic (especially during a high-stress period), their quality of work was phenomenal, and their willingness to go the extra mile (without hidden costs, no less!) to prepare me for my work permit interview was unmatched. I strongly recommend VisaPlace to anyone seeking legal counsel as it relates to cross-border services. Highest Regards, Krista

VisaPlace is the perfect place to start your path to immigration.