Connexion flight in Canada with felony from 2002?

Question

My husband had a felony on 2002, he served all his time and probation after that. He has also had a DUI and I found on the Canada website that he wouldnt be allowed to go there as a tourist.

We are traveling to South America and our connexion flight is in Toronto for 2 hours. I called the Canadian Embassy and could not talk to a "real person", only machines...

Has anybody been in this situation? we want to know if he will be allowed to get in the plane from USA to Canada.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

As your husband was charged with a felony, he would be considered inadmissible to Canada, even though the felony took place outside of the country. To overcome the inadmissibility, your husband must apply for rehabilitation, an arduous task requiring a lot of paperwork, time and money. For more information, visit this website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/inFORMation...

Where are you travelling from? I would try calling the Consulate General in New York, they usually have people answering and are helpful. They may be able to advise you on how to deal with your particular situation. Contact info is here: http://geo.international.gc.ca/can-am/ne...

Answer 2

"Section 19(2)(a.1) of the Immigration Act of Canada states that persons convicted of an offence outside of Canada, that would be an offence under Canadian law, cannot be admitted to Canada. Criminally inadmissable persons can, however, apply for a special permission to enter Canada. This special permission is expressed by a Minister's Permit."

Any person living in the United States who possesses a criminal record and wishes to travel to Canada will need a Ministers Permit. This is valid up to one year. One may also apply for a Rehabilitation. This document is a permanent approval, and allows hassle free border crossing into Canada.

The Canadian Government will look at each application individually. They will consider the following factors:

1) Nature of conviction

2) Date of last conviction

3) Sentencing

4) Reasons for travel

A Ministers Permit may take up to 6 months for processing. A personal interview may be required at the port of entry nearest the applicant's residence.

Rehabilitation allows lifetime access into Canada. This document never needs to be renewed. A Ministers Permit and Rehabilitation does not permit one to work in Canada. These approvals allow visitation for a period up to 6 months at a time.