Canadian Immigration News

Crossing the Border After Denied Entry to Canada for DUI

1.8 minute read
"Have you been denied entry to Canada because of a past DUI conviction? You’re not alone. Many people who’ve tried to travel to Canada have been surprised that such a criminal conviction – even if committed a long time ago – can make it impossible to enter Canada."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Updated on:  Feb 23, 2021
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Have you been denied entry to Canada because of a past DUI conviction? You’re not alone. Many people who’ve tried to travel to Canada have been surprised that such a criminal conviction – even if committed a long time ago – can make it impossible to enter Canada. What you need is an experienced immigration lawyer.

How are you denied entry at the border after a DUI conviction?

The Canadian Border Services Agency officer will ask you if you’ve ever been arrested, fingerprinted, and/or if you appeared in court for any crime. This includes driving under the influence (DUI), also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Drunk driving or driving under the influence (DWI) charges may also appear on your record as one of the following:

  • Driving without Due Care and Attention
  • Reckless Driving
  • Wet and Reckless
  • Operating under the Influence
  • Driving While Impaired

Are you always refused entry to Canada with a DUI conviction?

Not always, you may enter Canada if you’ve been convicted of DUI, depending on your specific situation:

  1. If your DUI charge and conviction are less than five years old.

Obtain a temporary resident permit.

  • Standard
    If your DUI conviction is less than five years old, you can apply for something called a “Temporary Resident Permit” or TRP. If you’re approved, you can travel to Canada for pleasure or business for the time allotted, up to three years. Allow 6 to 12 months for your request to be processed.
  • Issued at the border
    In 2012, Canada’s government amended its rules so that certain people could gain entry to Canada by being given a TRP immediately upon arrival at a port of entry. These permits are issued only to people with “urgent or compelling circumstances,” and you must consult with an attorney before you plan to apply for a TRP this way.
  • If your DUI charge and conviction are more than five years old
    If your DUI charge and conviction are over five years old, you can apply for a rehabilitation permit that will let you travel permanently into Canada once approved. Allow a year or more for the application to be processed.
  • Deemed rehabilitated
    If you’ve been convicted of a DUI just once and you completed your sentence more than 10 years ago, you may be deemed rehabilitated simply because of the amount of time that has passed. This is not something you can count on, however, and it’s still a good idea to provide Canadian officials with your DUI information and evidence of rehabilitation, such as a legal opinion that you carry in hard copy with you. It should clearly state how and why you should now be eligible to enter Canada despite your conviction.
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