Can a convicted felon live in Canada?
Asked by: Autumn Jacobs I | Last update: December 11, 2025Score: 5/5 (75 votes)
Individuals convicted of indictable offenses are considered “inadmissible” under Canada's immigration law. Individuals deemed inadmissible are not allowed to enter Canada, but in extreme circumstances can be granted a temporary resident permit.
How long after a felony can you enter Canada?
You can be “deemed rehabilitated” if enough time has passed since your conviction, or since all conditions of your sentence have been met. The standard amount of time is 10 years. So if it has been 10 years or more since you committed a crime or completed a sentence for a crime, you may be able to enter Canada.
What felonies stop you from going to Canada?
Almost all convictions (including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, shoplifting, theft, etc.) make a person inadmissible to Canada, regardless of how long ago they occurred.
How does Canada check for felonies?
Checks are completed in the RCMP 's Canadian Police Information Centre ( CPIC ) system. They consist of a check of the National Repository of Criminal Records based on a person's name and date of birth. It may also include searches of other national and local databases.
Can I move to Canada with a criminal conviction?
If you are refused an eTA because you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offence, you will need to apply for criminal rehabilitation under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Under this Act, if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you will have to apply for a Visa.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
Can a US citizen move to Canada with a felony?
Individuals convicted of indictable offenses are considered “inadmissible” under Canada's immigration law. Individuals deemed inadmissible are not allowed to enter Canada, but in extreme circumstances can be granted a temporary resident permit.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in Canada?
It's a common misconception. And the question is, does your criminal record in Canada clear after seven years? Unfortunately, the answer is, it does not magically disappear.
How far back does a criminal background check go in Canada?
There's no limit to how far back a Canadian criminal record check goes, but the type of offence determines how long it stays on your record.
Can a felon get a passport after 7 years?
For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.
What crimes are considered felonies in Canada?
A felony includes crimes like murder, terrorism, cocaine trafficking, etc. Felony crimes can be punishable by life or in certain states capital crimes are punishable by death. Minor offences are considered misdemeanors.
Why does Canada not allow felons?
Felons may be denied access to Canada if their criminal record is deemed a risk to Canada's safety and security. That said, entering Canada as a felon is still possible if you meet specific requirements. If you or someone you know is trying to enter Canada as a felon, this article is for you.
Can a felon go on a cruise?
Cruise Line Background Checks
As a result, you could be denied boarding if you are a sex offender or have a violent felony conviction on your record, such as for armed robbery.
Who cannot enter Canada?
Any visitor who has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony could be deemed inadmissible according to Canadian law unless they obtain special entrance permission from the Government of Canada, especially if the offense happened in the last ten years.
What felonies keep you out of Canada?
- assault.
- assault causing injury.
- assault with weapon.
- battery.
- domestic violence.
- DUI / DWI.
- eluding.
- theft.
What convictions stop you from entering Canada?
- war crimes.
- crimes against humanity.
- being a senior official in a government engaged in gross human rights violations or subject to international sanctions.
Can you fly with a felony charge?
Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).
Can a convicted felon enter Canada?
Any American that has a felony conviction on their criminal record may not be permitted entry into Canada unless they have received special permission from the Canadian Government.
Can a felon join the military?
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
Do they check your criminal record at the Canadian border?
Canadian border agents have full access to U.S. criminal records, including FBI background checks, so they are likely to flag anyone with an arrest or a felony charge. In effect, YOU are going to have the burden to prove that you are admissible.
What shows up in a Canadian background check?
A criminal record check will determine if you have been charged or convicted of a crime. If a name-based criminal record check does not provide a definite way of confirming your identity, you may be asked to provide fingerprints.
Do background checks go back 20 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
What crimes cannot be pardoned in Canada?
- sexual offences involving a minor.
- more than 3 indictable offences where the sentence was more than 2 years in jail each time.
- any crime in which the sentence can never be completed (in some very serious cases the offender will receive lifetime in jail or lifetime probation)
Does a felony go away after 7 years?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.
How far back does Canada check your record?
Canadian border officials can access criminal record databases from the USA. This means there is no limit to how far back they can look when assessing a traveler's background.