I don't think they can file criminal charges in any way. At the most they can do is to drag you to court for payment. In this scenario, there is a chance for criminal charges if you fail to appear in court/fail to meet court directives in case of judgement. Usually, they go to court either in the first one year of your default or before it reaches 7 years from default.
However, if you need a mortgage in Canada, they will ask you for your credit report from US (some banks asks for you to provide one/ some has direct access and will request you to provide authorization).
That being said, your negative credit report won't be carried here.
(Worked in ALM and risk reporting for 6+ years)
