What convictions stop you from entering Canada?

Asked by: Prof. Brittany Veum  |  Last update: June 2, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (41 votes)

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.

What criminal charges disqualify you from entering Canada?

For this reason, more people with past criminal charges or convictions are refused entry into Canada. Almost all convictions (including DUI, DWI, reckless driving, negligent driving, misdemeanor drug possession, all felonies, shoplifting, theft, etc.)

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.

What felonies keep you out of Canada?

Crimes That Can Make You Inadmissible to Canada
  • DUI (including DWI, DWAI, reckless driving, etc.)
  • theft.
  • drug trafficking.
  • drug possession.
  • weapons violations.
  • assault.
  • probation violations.
  • domestic violence.

What prevents you from entering Canada?

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

Entering Canada with a felony conviction

37 related questions found

Why would you be denied entry into Canada?

There are different reasons you may not be let into Canada, such as security, criminal, or medical reasons. Normally, if you're inadmissible to Canada, you won't be allowed to enter the country.

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.

Does Canada check for felonies?

Canada has one of the toughest borders in the entire world. 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.

Who cannot travel to Canada?

Not all criminal offenses are disqualifying for a US citizen who wishes to enter Canada. Disturbing the peace, underage possession of alcohol, open container, and simple possession of marijuana (less than 30 grams) are examples of crimes that will not necessary render an American ineligible to access Canada.

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.

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 I go to Canada with a conviction?

If you wish to enter or live in Canada and have a criminal record, you must first overcome criminal inadmissibility. If you are inadmissible on grounds of criminality, you must apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP) to grant you temporary and exceptional access to Canada.

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 I visit Canada with an old felony?

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.

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.

Do charges show on background check Canada?

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. The use of fingerprints is the most accurate way to confirm a person's identity.

What would prevent entry into Canada?

You could be found inadmissible for a number of reasons, such as:
  • security reasons, including. ...
  • human or international rights violations, including. ...
  • committing a crime, including driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol 1

What is considered a serious crime in Canada?

Examples of such crimes: Assault with a weapon/causing bodily harm, Trafficking in cocaine, heroin; Sexual assault; Uttering a forged document/credit card offences; Break and enter; Fraud/theft over $5,000.

Can I go to Canada if I had a DUI?

If you've been convicted of driving while impaired, you may be inadmissible to Canada for serious criminality. This means that you generally can't enter Canada. If that's the case, there are options for you to enter Canada temporarily, or to become admissible again.

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.

What felonies are not allowed in Canada?

The Immigration Act specifically bars felons from entry to Canada. Other offenses that can keep a person from being able to enter Canada include reckless driving, misdemeanor drug possession, any type of felony, domestic violence and shoplifting.

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

When USA customs scan your passports they do not see criminal history/records. They only see criminal records if they investigate further like secondary inspection or suspect foul play when crossing.

Do they check your criminal record at the Canadian border?

United States criminal records are visible to border officers through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).

How does Canada know you have a felony?

the border has access to your records and if they look you up, they'll see you're a convicted felon and deny you entry. it goes both ways as well. if someone wants to cross into the usa and has anything on their record, they could get denied entry.

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.