Will my criminal record follow me to Canada?
Asked by: Syble Ledner | Last update: August 24, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (63 votes)
Entry into Canada is solely determined by Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials in accordance with Canadian law. Anyone with a criminal record may be excluded and denied entry into Canada due to heightened security and enforcement.
Can I go to Canada if I have a criminal record?
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 a criminal record ever go away in 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.
Does your criminal record follow you to another country?
The short answer is: it depends. The ability to enter another country often depends on the type of conviction, its severity, and the specific laws and regulations of the destination country. Countries may deny entry for convictions related to drug offenses, violent crimes, or fraud.
Does Canada check everyones criminal record?
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.
The Countries I can (and can't) travel to with a Criminal Record
Can immigration see your criminal record?
Your application, especially if you're applying for citizenship, will require you to write down any arrests, convictions, and charges in your past, even from another country – and even if they've been expunged. It's always best to be honest, because they will look at your record during the process.
How does a Canadian embassy check criminal records?
We use police certificates to find out if you have a criminal record. They help visa officers make sure you aren't a security risk to Canada.
Does a criminal record follow you forever?
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.
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 other countries know your criminal record?
With the INTERPOL databases, “member countries” (countries that participate in and contribute to the databases) have access to criminal databases containing millions of records. If your home country is a member country with the INTERPOL databases, one of them may contain your criminal record.
How do I clear my criminal record in Canada?
The way that you can remove your criminal record from law enforcement databases is to be granted a Record Suspension, formerly known as a Pardon. However, the process to receive one is often lengthy, so many experts recommend starting the application process as soon as possible.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?
Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.
How does a criminal record affect you in Canada?
Consequences usually range from deceleration or rejection of your citizenship application to deportation. If you're found guilty of a serious criminal offence like murder or aggravated assault, your permanent resident status can be annulled and you can be deported.
What disqualifies you from entering Canada?
Foreign nationals can be refused entry to Canada if they were convicted of a crime stemming from a misdemeanor arrest or for more serious crimes, such as felony convictions.
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.
Can I get a passport if I have a criminal record in Canada?
Canadian law does not restrict former convicts or felons from obtaining a passport. It is only when the terms of your release or judgment restrict you from leaving the country that you may not be able to obtain a passport.
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.
Does immigration check criminal records?
When you apply for a green card, USCIS wants to know about every interaction you've ever had with law enforcement, both in your home country and in the United States. The only exception is traffic violations—if the only citation you've ever received was for a minor traffic issue, you don't need to mention it.
Do all arrests go in the paper?
Each newspaper or other news organization decides what stories they will publish or report. Some papers have a policy of reporting every arrest that is recorded in the “police blotter,” and some do this selectively.
Can a 20 year old felony be expunged?
California Law
For example, in California, felony convictions can only be expunged if: no time was served in state prison, felony probation was successfully completed, and. you are not currently facing criminal charges, on probation, or serving another sentence.
Can Canada see my criminal record?
Canada has access to the nationwide criminal history database in the United States maintained by the NCIC, short for the National Crime Information Center.
What do Canadian visa officers check?
- greet you.
- ask to see your visa and travel documents.
- check to make sure that you and any family members travelling with you have the proper travel documents.
- ask about your health.
- ask you questions similar to those on the immigrant application form, including:
Can you get a visa in Canada with a criminal record?
If you are refused an eTA because you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offence, you will need to apply for criminal rehabilitation under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Under this Act, if you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you will have to apply for a Visa.