Heading To Canada? Know What Could Stop You At The Border

Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Canada, with travellers flocking in to enjoy family events, business trips, or simply to explore the country’s natural beauty. But before you book your flight or pack your bags, it’s important to understand whether you’re eligible to enter. Canada has strict entry requirements, and even a minor criminal record could affect your travel plans.

In this blog, we’ll explain what makes someone inadmissible to Canada and how you can deal with it if it applies to you.

What Is Criminal Inadmissibility?

Being criminally inadmissible means you may be denied entry into Canada because of a past offence. This applies even if the offence occurred in another country and even if it happened years ago.

Only Canadian citizens have the right to enter Canada unconditionally. If you're a visitor, student, or worker, border officials have the final say—and they check your background to make sure you're not a potential risk.

What Kind Of Offenses Can Make You Inadmissible?

Inadmissibility is usually based on whether the offence is considered a crime in both the country where it occurred and in Canada. Canadian law breaks this down into two categories: criminality and serious criminality.

Criminality

You may be found inadmissible if:

• You've been convicted of an offence outside Canada that would be considered an indictable offence here.
  
• You've been convicted of two or more summary offences from separate incidents.
  

Indictable offences are more serious—similar to felonies in the U.S.—while summary offences are less severe, like misdemeanours.

Serious Criminality

You may be inadmissible for serious criminality if:

• You were convicted in Canada of an offence punishable by a prison term of 10 years or more, or if you actually received a sentence of over 6 months.
  
• You committed or were convicted of a similar offence outside Canada that meets the same severity threshold.
  

For example, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is treated as a serious offence under Canadian law and can stop you at the border.

What Are Your Options If You’re Inadmissible?

If you think your criminal record might affect your ability to enter Canada, don’t panic. There are ways to overcome criminal inadmissibility.

1. Apply For A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

A TRP gives you special permission to enter Canada for a limited time. You’ll need to show that your reason for travelling is compelling—like attending a wedding, a family emergency, or important business.

TRPs are granted at the discretion of Canadian immigration officers. If you're from a visa-required country, your TRP request must be submitted with your visa application. Processing can take 3 to 6 months, so apply early.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply at the border, but approval isn’t guaranteed.

2. See If You Qualify For Deemed Rehabilitation

If enough time has passed since your offence, you may automatically be considered “rehabilitated.”

• 10 years must have passed since completing your sentence for a single indictable offence.
  
• 5 years for summary offences only.
  

Even if you meet the time criteria, border officers still make the final call. It helps to bring documents and, ideally, a legal opinion letter that explains why you should be deemed rehabilitated.

Note: Deemed rehabilitation does not apply to serious criminality.

3. Apply For Criminal Rehabilitation

This is a one-time application to clear your record for Canadian entry purposes. You can apply if it’s been at least five years since completing your full sentence, including jail time, fines, probation, or community service.

Once approved, you no longer need a TRP. Unlike deemed rehabilitation, this process also applies to serious offences—but it takes time, so apply well in advance.

You can also apply for a TRP while waiting for your rehabilitation to be processed.

Consider A Legal Opinion Letter

If you're unsure where you stand, a legal opinion letter can help. It’s a document written by an immigration lawyer explaining:

• How your past offence compares to Canadian law.
  
• Why you may still be eligible to enter the country.
  
• Which route (TRP, rehabilitation, etc.) suits your situation.
  

It’s not required but can strengthen your case significantly—especially if you're applying at the border.

Final Thoughts

Before making summer travel plans to Canada, it’s worth checking if your record could lead to issues at the border. Canada takes border security seriously, and even a seemingly minor offence may cause problems. But there are clear ways to address inadmissibility—so don’t let a past mistake stop you from visiting.

If you're concerned, consider consulting an immigration lawyer to review your options. Preparation is key to a smooth trip.