Loading..

Criminal Inadmissibility

Criminal Inadmissibility to Canada: How to Overcome It

If you have a criminal record, you may be deemed criminally inadmissible to Canada, which can prevent you from entering the country as a visitor, student, worker, or even as a permanent resident. At North Vista Immigration, we specialize in helping individuals overcome criminal inadmissibility and achieve their Canadian immigration goals.

Whether your conviction occurred inside or outside Canada, our team of experienced immigration professionals can guide you through the process of overcoming inadmissibility and securing your entry into Canada.

What Makes You Criminally Inadmissible to Canada?

You may be found Criminally Inadmissible to Canada under the following circumstances:  

For Convictions Outside Canada:

  • You have been convicted of an act that, if committed in Canada, would be equivalent to an indictable offence punishable by a sentence of less than ten years.  
  • You have been convicted of two or more acts that, if committed in Canada, would be equivalent to summary offences
  • You have been convicted of an act that, if committed in Canada, would be equivalent to a hybrid offence punishable by a sentence of less than ten years.  

For Convictions Inside Canada:  

  • You have been convicted of an indictable offense punishable by a sentence of less than ten years.  

You have been convicted of two or more summary offences.

Why Choose North Vista Immigration?

Don’t let a criminal record stand in the way of your Canadian immigration goals. Contact North Vista Immigration today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you overcome criminal inadmissibility.

How to Overcome Criminal Inadmissibility to Canada

At North Vista Immigration, we help clients overcome criminal inadmissibility through the following solutions: 

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
A TRP is a temporary solution that allows criminally inadmissible individuals to enter Canada for a specific period. Whether you need to visit Canada for work, study, or personal reasons, a TRP can be valid for up to three years.
Criminal Rehabilitation
Criminal Rehabilitation is a permanent solution for overcoming inadmissibility. It involves proving to Canadian authorities that you have been rehabilitated and are unlikely to commit future crimes.
Record Suspension (Pardon)
If your conviction occurred in Canada, you may need to apply for a Record Suspension (formerly a Pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) to regain admissibility.
When Are You NOT Criminally Inadmissible?
You may not be found inadmissible if:
1. Your charges were withdrawn, dismissed, or discharged.
2. You were granted a Record Suspension (Pardon) in Canada.
3. You received an absolute or conditional discharge for offences committed in Canada.

However, even if your charges were dismissed or pardoned, you must provide all relevant documents, including court dispositions, pardons, and photocopies of applicable foreign laws, to prove your admissibility to Canadian immigration authorities.
Types of Rehabilitation?
1. Deemed Rehabilitation: If enough time has passed since your conviction, you may be deemed rehabilitated without applying.

2. Individual Rehabilitation: Requires a formal application and proof that you meet specific criteria, including: At least 5 years have passed since the end of your sentence (including probation). You have demonstrated good conduct since the conviction.

Our experts can assess your eligibility and guide you through the rehabilitation application process.
scroll to top