Can felons immigrate?

Asked by: Prof. Rene Hermann  |  Last update: November 20, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (54 votes)

Under U.S. immigration law, being convicted of an “aggravated felony” will make you ineligible to receive a green card.

Where can I live if I have a felony?

If you are looking for housing immediately upon your release from prison or jail, you may qualify for a halfway house or other short-term housing programs, such as ARC Community Services (for women). These programs require a referral from a probation or parole officer, or a social worker.

How long after a felony can you go to 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.

How does a felony affect immigration status?

A conviction for an aggravated felony can lead to deportation without the possibility of multiple forms of relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal. Controlled Substance Violations: Any conviction related to illegal drugs can have a direct impact on immigration status.

Can you immigrate if you're a felon?

Under U.S. immigration law, being convicted of an “aggravated felony” will make you ineligible to receive a green card.

The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record

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What can disqualify you from immigration?

The general categories of inadmissibility include health, criminal activity, national security, public charge, lack of labor certification (if required), fraud and misrepresentation, prior removals, unlawful presence in the United States, and several miscellaneous categories.

Can felons get a work visa in Canada?

Visa and Immigration Status

A criminal conviction can lead to serious immigration consequences for thoses on a work permit in Canada. Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, it may result in the denial of a study permit renewal, removal from Canada, or inadmissibility to Canada in the future.

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 will deny you entry into Canada?

Many convictions in the U.S., including for driving under the influence of alcohol (“DUI”), driving while intoxicated (“DWI”), reckless driving, and negligence, can make a person inadmissible for entry into Canada.

What Caribbean countries can a felon visit?

Caribbean. Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records.

Does a passport show a criminal record?

Passports do not list information about a person's criminal record, including charges for driving under the influence (DUI). They typically only display personal information such as a person's name, date of birth, photograph, and passport number.

What countries don't do background checks?

Worried You Won't Pass The Background Check? In These 5 Countries You Can Qualify For Residency Without One
  • #1: Mexico. Adobe Stock/lunamarina. Residency in Mexico is fast and easy. ...
  • #2: Chile. Adobe Stock/Loïc Bourgeois. ...
  • #3: Colombia. Adobe Stock/Braeden. ...
  • #4: Italy. Adobe Stock/Jag_cz. ...
  • #5: Peru. Adobe Stock/sharptoyou.

Are felonies on your record for life?

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. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.

Where is the best place for a felon to live?

Here are the most and least friendly states for recently released inmates. California scores highest on friendliness to former inmates. The Golden State has a background check law without a salary cap. Alaska, which ranked the lowest, has three reentry programs, which is a relatively small amount.

Can you become a resident with a felony?

It is possible to get a green card with a criminal history. However, your chances may depend on if the type of crime you have been convicted of is permissible under United States immigration law. Serious crimes can prevent you from becoming a lawful permanent resident leading to deportation.

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 felons go to Canada?

If a felon gets approved for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation (CR), they can be allowed in Canada. Otherwise, if an American citizen has a criminal record that renders them inadmissible, they will usually not be allowed to visit even if they do not have any recent arrests.

Can a convicted felon own a gun?

California Penal Code 29800 PC imposes a lifetime ban on gun ownership or control by convicted felons. It applies to anyone convicted of a felony in any state or country.

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.

What felonies keep you out of 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.

Can felons get passports?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

Can I become a US citizen if I have a felony?

Permanent Bars Based on Criminal Convictions

You will be permanently barred from obtaining U.S. citizenship if you have been convicted of murder or of an aggravated felony if the conviction was issued on or after November 29, 1990.

What does immigration not forgive?

It is important for you to know that some crimes can be a major obstacle to obtaining U.S. residency. Among the crimes that immigration does not pardon are crimes of violence, drug-related crimes, fraud and firearms-related crimes.

What is a disqualifying felony?

"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.