Entering Canada with a DUI · Canada
Lawyers for entering Canada with a DUI or criminal record
A DUI, DWI or OWI, a felony, or even a misdemeanor can get you turned away at the Canadian border, even for a short trip. Our immigration lawyers, minutes from the Peace Arch, Pacific Highway and Sumas border crossings, help Americans and other visitors with a criminal record get the permission they need to enter Canada.
- DUI, felony and misdemeanor convictions
- Criminal rehabilitation and temporary resident permits
- Consultations by phone and video from anywhere
Book a consultation about entering Canada
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll be in touch to arrange a time.
Travelling soon with a DUI? Criminal rehabilitation can take more than a year. If your trip is sooner, a temporary resident permit may be the only option, so get advice well before you travel.
Canada treats impaired driving seriously. Since December 18, 2018, it carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, which makes it serious criminality for immigration purposes.
- A single DUI, DWI or OWI conviction can make you inadmissible, whether it happened in the United States or in Canada
- Felonies and many misdemeanors, such as theft, assault and drug offences, can also make you inadmissible. Canada looks at the matching Canadian offence, not the US label
- Canadian border officers can see US criminal records, so do not assume an old or minor offence will go unnoticed
- Pending charges can also cause problems at the border, even before a conviction
Never misstate your history at the border: misrepresentation brings its own five-year ban.
Both applications are decided by an officer on the evidence you provide, so preparation matters.
- A rehabilitation application needs court records, proof your sentence was completed, police certificates and evidence of your life since
- A temporary resident permit needs a clear reason for the trip, such as work, family or business, and evidence that you pose little risk
- Even with a permit, the border officer makes the final decision, so carry your documents when you travel
Fees and forms change. We confirm the current IRCC requirements for your application.
- Review your recordWe look at your conviction, sentence and dates to see which options apply.
- Choose the routeDeemed rehabilitation, criminal rehabilitation, a temporary resident permit, or a combination for an upcoming trip.
- Build the applicationWe gather court records and supporting documents and prepare written submissions.
- Travel preparedWe tell you what to carry and what to expect at the border.
Entering Canada with a criminal record: questions
Often not without permission. A DUI or DWI can make you inadmissible to Canada. Depending on when it happened and how long ago your sentence ended, you may need criminal rehabilitation or a temporary resident permit, or you may already be deemed rehabilitated.
You can apply for criminal rehabilitation once at least five years have passed since your sentence ended, including probation. Before then, a temporary resident permit may let you enter for a specific trip.
Often not without permission. A felony usually matches a serious offence in Canada, so you will generally need criminal rehabilitation (at least five years after your sentence ended) or a temporary resident permit for a specific trip.
It depends on the offence. Some misdemeanors match minor Canadian offences and may no longer be a problem after enough time has passed; others still make you inadmissible. We review the exact charge and sentence.
Yes. We work with clients across the United States by phone, video and email. You do not need to visit our offices.
Official sources: IRCC: Impaired driving and inadmissibilityIRCC: Overcome criminal convictions
Other immigration services
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Entering Canada with a DUI help in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver
Meet us at any of our offices, or by phone or video from anywhere in Canada or abroad.
Travelling to Canada with a DUI?
Book a consultation and we will tell you which option fits your record and your travel date.