Having a criminal record for a DUI is one of the most common reasons people are denied entry to Canada. Even if your DUI conviction is from very long ago, you can still be denied entry. There are many other types of criminal records that can cause you to be denied entry to Canada, while some criminal records will not result in a denial of entry. However, all criminal records must be disclosed at the border when you attempt to enter Canada, and a DUI will almost certainly deny you entry. 
But what can you do? There are several ways you can overcome or remove your inadmissibility to Canada if it is for criminal reasons.
Obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit to enter Canada
Did you know that you can obtain a Temporary Resident Permit if you are inadmissible to Canada? This is one of two options you have when dealing with criminal inadmissibility.
You can either apply at the Canadian consulate/embassy or the Canadian border, and this would allow you into the country for a temporary visit. In most cases you must have a pressing matter in Canada or an emergency in order to obtain one. The temporary resident permit is for individuals who have a criminal record, but the criminal record is less than five years old.
If your criminal record is older, you could consider an application for criminal rehabilitation. This application takes much longer to process and must be done through the Canadian consulate or embassy, but it is a permanent solution to your criminal inadmissibility issues. Once done, it’s done and you can enter Canada.
Do you have a criminal record for DUI? Would you like assistance in determining what you should do about it? We can help you!
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
