Can someone with a misdemeanor charge (years ago) enter Canada?

Question

My sister is getting married, and the guy she is marrying has a misdemeanor on his record (from 2002). He apparently stole from his employer, and was charged with a misdemeanor, paid restitution, and was on probabtion for a year. She said he has not been in trouble since.

They are planning on going to Niagra Falls and Prince Edward Island for their honeymoon, but I told my sis I didn't think he could be allowed to enter Canada since he has a misdemeanor from 2002, even though the case is closed, he still has it on his record, and I thought Canada was strict with that sort of thing. She said he should be fine, since he was issued a US passport, but I told her I don't think being issued a passport here in the US means other countries (like Canada) have to allow him in.

Am I right, should they choose another place for their honeymoon? I guess my sis is so determined since she already paid for the trips, but I say it's best to know in advance before he's turned away at the border

Answer 1

The passport is th main thing if he has a valid U.S passport, he will be allow entry, here you have apply for a pardon from Corrections Canada and submit the letter with you application, the secuirty issues may only come from the U.S side if there are any, but with the passport he will be allow entry with few questions, on my last trip to see my friends in Florida, the U.S customs agent in Toronto, a burly older women was quite rough with me, asking me if "I had packed my bags", "the nature od my trip", "did I intent to stay and work without a permit", "was I am member of a known terrorist organization", I am 6' 5", weigh 300 lbs am as anglo as they come with grey hair and a moustache, how would I be able to hide??, tell your sister now to worry about us, hopefully it is not your side that has the problem.

Answer 2

You are right to raise the question.  His passport does not automatically give him entry to Canada.  Canada does refuse entry to people with criminal records, and that information will be available to border officials when they check his identification.  

It is very likley that he will be refused entry into Canada unless he sorts some things out ahead of time.  He was on probation for a year, so it is 5 years since he completed his sentence, which is the minimum time that must have elapsed to be considered "rehabilitated".  

There is a process called "Deemed Rehabilitation", which he can apply for at the border.  He should bring with him a copy of court documents for his conviction, and proof that all sentences were completed, a recent FBI identification record, recent police certificates from the state where the conviction occurred, and from any state where he has lived for six months or longer in the last 10 years. He will be deemed rehabilitated automatically when at least ten years have passed since he completed his probation.