Can I go to Canada if I had a felony 20 years ago?
Asked by: Prof. Joel Wiegand II | Last update: August 9, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (30 votes)
Felons who attempt to cross the international border between Canada and the United States of America may risk being denied entry due to criminal inadmissibility, even if their criminal conviction happened 20 or 30 years ago.
How far back does Canada check for felony?
There is no limit to how long ago Canadian border officials can see USA criminal offenses, and we have worked with clients who were denied entry to Canada because of convictions from as far back as the 1960s and 1970s.
What convictions stop entry to Canada?
- war crimes.
- crimes against humanity.
- being a senior official in a government engaged in gross human rights violations or subject to international sanctions.
How long does a felony stay on your record in Canada?
How Long Does a Criminal Record Last? In Canada, criminal records can last a lifetime if you don't make a deliberate effort to seal them (by applying for a record suspension) or erase them (by applying for a record expungement). It doesn't matter how minor the offense was or if you didn't get charged.
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.
Can I Travel to Canada with a Criminal Record?
Can a convicted felon travel 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.
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.
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.
How far back do they check for felonies?
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. However, pending criminal cases can be reported.
Can you go to Canada if your felony is expunged?
Consequently, an expunged felony record could be a problem when trying to visit Canada even if it is not recent. An experienced professional should always be consulted before attempting to enter Canada with a criminal record that has been expunged.
What will Canada deny entry for?
If you've committed or been convicted of a crime
If you drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including cannabis, you may be inadmissible for serious criminality. This means you won't be able to enter or stay in Canada unless we issue you a temporary resident permit.
How do you know if you are flagged by customs?
Extended questioning can be a sign that you've been flagged for further inspection. Secondary Inspection: If you're directed to secondary inspection upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, it could indicate that you've been flagged for additional scrutiny.
What criminal records are not allowed in 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.
Does Canada check criminal records at the 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.
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.
How far back does Border Patrol background check go?
However, it's important to note that the CBP has the discretion to investigate further if necessary, beyond the standard 10-year timeframe. The CBP assesses an applicant's criminal records, both domestically and internationally. Any convictions or pending charges can impact the outcome of the background check.
Do felonies go away after 10 years?
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.
What is the 7 year rule?
The 7 year rule
No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.
Can a background check go back 20 years?
Although the FCRA does not impose a time limit on criminal convictions, employers using CRAs for background checks must follow stricter California state laws. California's Investigative Consumer Reporting Agency Act (ICRAA) generally restricts CRAs from reporting conviction records over seven years old.
How long do you have a criminal record for Canada?
Criminal records stay with you for life. They do not automatically disappear, not after several years and not for minor offences. Except in a few cases, you may apply for a record suspension (pardon) if you want the RCMP to keep your record separate from other criminal records so that the information is not accessible.
What shows up in a Canadian background check?
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.
How far back does a security clearance go?
Security Clearance Adjudicative Process
The clearance process for Secret level access uses an investigation called the National Agency Check with Law and Credit that goes back five years, while the clearance process for Top Secret uses a Single Scope Background Investigation that goes back ten years.
Can I travel to Canada with a felony conviction?
Unless a person has proof of a favorable settlement or "no conviction" result, the Canadian border may refuse them entry if a misdemeanor or felony arrest appears on their record.
How do customs know if you have a criminal record?
Often, border control will access the National Crime Information Center, a database the FBI uses. It contains criminal justice information. Border control may also look at: The Interagency Border Inspection System.
Does Canada do a background check on everyone?
The Government of Canada requires all immigration applicants to include a background check. Among other crucial pieces of information, Canadian authorities will use a background check to make their final decision to determine your eligibility for Canadian immigration.