Can you become a resident with a felony?

Asked by: Russell Weimann  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 5/5 (67 votes)

Under U.S. immigration laws, not all crimes and convictions affect your eligibility to obtain permanent residence. However, if your crime falls in either of the following categories, your green card application would likely be rejected. They include serious crimes including: Aggravated felonies.

Can you become a resident if you have a felony?

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

Can a convicted felon live in Canada?

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 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 get permanent residency with a criminal record Canada?

Having a Canadian criminal record reduces your chances of obtaining permanent residence status. It is usually necessary to have your record cleared, obtain an Approval of Criminal Rehabilitation, or be deemed rehabilitated, before your application will be approved.

If You Are A Permanent Resident with a Felony You Need This Information

20 related questions found

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.

Can a felon get Canadian citizenship?

The Government of Canada takes note of convictions both inside the country and outside. If you were convicted of an indictable offence either at home or abroad in the four years before you apply, your citizenship application will not be approved.

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.

How does Canada know if you have a felony?

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.

What is defined as a felony?

In US law, a felony is typically defined as a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or by the death penalty. Misdemeanors, in contrast, are often defined as offenses punishable only by fines or by short terms of imprisonment in local jails.

What is considered a felony in Canada?

Offence Classifications in Canada:

Canadian law does not have misdemeanors and felonies. The system is based on three types of offences: Indictable, Hybrid and Summary (Including Super-Summary).

Can a Canadian felon enter the US?

If a Canadian citizen or PR is approved for a US Waiver, they can travel to the United States with a criminal record as often as they wish so long as the permit has not expired. If a Canadian attempts to enter the US with a record and has not obtained a Waiver, he or she may be denied entry on grounds of criminality.

Can you get a passport with a felony?

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 felons live in Canada?

If a felon gets approved for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation (CR), they can be allowed in Canada.

Is being a felon permanent?

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 crimes involve moral turpitude?

Moral Turpitude Examples
  • Murder.
  • Voluntary manslaughter.
  • Involuntary manslaughter (in some cases)
  • Domestic violence.
  • Spousal abuse.
  • Child abuse.
  • Kidnapping.
  • Paternity fraud.

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 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.

Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned?

When a border agent scans your passport, the computer system runs your information against the NCIC database and flags any active arrest warrants. The NCIC is not comprehensive, and not all active arrest warrants are present in its database.

How far back does Canada check background?

Understanding Border Checks

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.

How much do you have to steal for it to be a felony Canada?

Theft of more than $5000 is labeled as an indictable offence under the Criminal Code. This type of offence is the most serious in Canadian law. Therefore, theft over $5000 is seen as a very serious crime.

How can I overcome criminal inadmissibility in Canada?

Ways to Overcome Criminal Inadmissibility

There are three main methods available for people who wish to come to Canada but must overcome criminal inadmissibility: Submit a Temporary Resident Permit Application. Submit a Criminal Rehabilitation Letter. Legal Opinion Letter.

Can a Canadian felon get a passport?

If you have a criminal record, have no upcoming legal matters, have completed all sentencing, and are a Canadian citizen, you are probably eligible for a passport. However, having a passport does not mean you can travel freely with a criminal record.

How hard is it to get criminal rehabilitation in Canada?

Criminal Rehabilitation applications can be more complicated and lengthy if you have previously been found guilty of 'serious criminality. ' This means offenses where the maximum imposable sentence in the equivalent Canadian law would be ten years or more.

Who Cannot apply for citizenship in Canada?

In general, a person cannot become a Canadian citizen if they are charged with, on trial for, or involved in an appeal for: an offence under the Citizenship Act, or. an indictable offence in Canada, or. an offence committed outside Canada that is equivalent to an indictable offence in Canada, or.