the CanadaVisa Team - 12 July, 2011
Currently, American citizens with DUI convictions may enter Canada if certain conditions are met. They may enter Canada if more than ten years have passed since they completed their sentence and no other crimes have been committed. In this instance, they would be deemed rehabilitated. If at least five years have passed since a person has completed a sentence, he/she can submit an application for Criminal Rehabilitation.
While the United States may not consider driving under the influence to be a criminal offense, Canada tends to treat DUI convictions more harshly. CBSA and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) are reviewing different options to make the restrictions more lenient. For example, they are considering introducing a no-fee waiver that would allow Border officers to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals with less serious inadmissabilities, including some DUI convictions.
CBSA and CIC are also trying to improve communication with American travellers by educating them about potential problems that can occur at the border in relation to previous DUI cases.
While CBSA and CIC are reviewing the restrictions for Americans entering Canada, there is no news yet as to whether DUI convictions will be considered differently for foreign nationals applying for Canadian permanent residency. Applicants who are applying to enter Canada and who have any criminal convictions in the past are encouraged to talk to an experienced immigration lawyer before submitting their application.
Have you had criminal convictions in the past and want to enter Canada? Learn how Attorney David Cohen can assist you with your immigration applications.
