How long after a felony can you go to Canada?

Asked by: Thea Grimes DVM  |  Last update: April 6, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (39 votes)

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 far back does Canada check for felony?

Our law firm has helped several clients who were denied entry to Canada because of a 30 year-old felony, so there really is no limit on how far back they check.

Can a US felon go to Canada?

Unfortunately, this means that an American with a felony record will typically have difficulty traveling there. Even a single conviction from a long time ago can result in a felon being denied entry by Canada. Felons that want the ability to travel to Canada can apply for special permission to enter.

What convictions stop entry to Canada?

Why you could be found inadmissible
  • war crimes.
  • crimes against humanity.
  • being a senior official in a government engaged in gross human rights violations or subject to international sanctions.

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.

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

31 related questions found

Can a convicted felon go on a cruise?

Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.

Can you go to the Bahamas with a felony?

The Bahamas does not accept Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) for entry. All U.S. Nationals who are currently on community supervision cannot enter the Bahamas, but can seek entry once their sentence is completed.

What reasons will Canada deny entry?

Crimes That Can Make You Inadmissible to Canada
  • driving under the influence (DUI)
  • driving while intoxicated (DWI)
  • operating under the influence (OUI)
  • operating while intoxicated (OWI)
  • driving while ability impaired (DWAI)
  • driving under the influence of drugs (DUID)
  • operating a vehicle impaired (OVI)
  • wet reckless driving.

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 to remove a 5 year ban from Canada?

If you want to return to Canada before the 5-year ban is up, you will need to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). An ARC is a document issued by the IRCC that will give you permission to enter Canada. However, an ARC is not necessary for everyone.

Does Canada do a background check 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.

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).

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.

Can I visit Canada with an old felony?

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 far back does a background check go in Canada?

How far back do pre-employment background checks go? Employers can conduct pre-employment background checks as far back as they want, but they must be relevant to the position.

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.

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 much is a pardon in Canada?

Finally, you will need to pay $50 to the Receiver General to approve your pardon application. You may also choose to pay an agency like Pardons Canada to do the whole application on your behalf for a fee of about $1000.

Will my criminal record follow me to Canada?

This means that anyone with multiple misdemeanors or a single felony on their criminal record can be considered inadmissible to Canada even 30 or 40 years later unless they have been given special approval for entry.

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 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 disqualifies you from visiting Canada?

There are different reasons we may not let you into Canada, such as security, criminal or medical reasons.

Can you go to Mexico if you're a felon?

Mexico Law: Convicted Felons Can Be Denied Entry

The traveler later explains: “The authorities took my boyfriend into the immigration office and told him he would not be allowed to come into the country based on a felony charge on his record from when he was 16 years old.” (This incident was 12 years later.)

Can a US citizen with a felony get a passport?

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 go to Jamaica?

Caribbean. Most Caribbean nations, excluding Jamaica, will not limit entry for those with criminal records. But Jamaica will not allow those with a felony conviction to enter their country. Given the differing treatment, it's best to research a destination's country-specific laws and regulations before traveling there.