Application for Rehabilitation

[mackconsult]

Over 10 years ago I pleaded guilty to a felony in the state of Washington. I served my time, paid restitution, and moved on with my life. I have been sailing in to Canada for over 25 years, and never denied entry.

This last summer I flew into Naniamo to deliver a sailboat back to Seattle. As we unloaded from the Kenmore air flight I was shuttled to the side and deported back to the states because of this felony.

In the end of October of 2015 I submitted the application to the LA Canadian embassy for rehabilitation. In that package was everything that was specified including a letter of reference from a canadian marine captain who is a pilot out of Victoria. and is a good friend of mine.

Here it is 4 months later and I was hoping to find out a status on this. Is there any way I can do this?

I am a USCG master licensed captain here in the US and this a service I would like to continue to offer.

Please if any one can help me I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[mackconsult]

I see know cruising around this forum that it can take over a year to get this certificate of rehabilitation.

Darn, this is the second year I will miss Oregon offshore and swiftsure.

 

[scylla]

Yes - even a simple DUI can result in wait times of over a year. I expect you'll be waiting at least a year with a felony.

 

[mackconsult]

Can you comment as to why I was able to get into Canada by boat and car no problem, but then on the one flight I take they deport me?

Does this mean I am flagged probably and if I go by boat will probably be denied entry?

 

[scylla]

Can you comment as to why I was able to get into Canada by boat and car no problem, but then on the one flight I take they deport me?

Does this mean I am flagged probably and if I go by boat will probably be denied entry?

You simply weren't caught the other times. You were still inadmissible to Canada - they just didn't figure it out and stop you from entering.

Yes - assume you are now flagged in the system. I would caution against attempting a re-entery until rehabilitation is approved. You could end up with an exclusion order banning you from re-entering Canada for a year which would complicate your current situation even further.

I believe there is a process by which Americans can apply for rehabilitation at the border. However I'm not sure it's open to those with felonies. You may want to try googling this. I also believe one or two people on this forum have been successful in doing it (you can try searching the forum to see if you get any hits).