Getting into Canada with criminal background?

Question

This summer some friends and I are planning on going to Canada to do some hiking, camping, etc...

My question is how strict is Canada on letting US citizens with a criminal background enter? I have a misdemeanor for criminal damage to property and a couple alcohol related offenses.

I've heard you can apply for a pardon via Canadian government, but I'm confused on how that works.

Any feedback from Canadians with legal knowledge would be helpful

Answer 1

Check out the link below.  It should get you started at least.  Good luck.

http://www.pardonservicescanada.com

Answer 2

Pardons are for Canadians who have offences in Canada.  It is quite a long process. A person usually applies for a pardon if the offence(s) are preventing them from gaining employment etc.

Offences would be an issue for people seeking permanent residence.

For a visitor I don't think misdemeanours are a major problem.

At a land crossing, usually you are not asked about offences. Just place of birth, destination. length of stay, etc.

If you travel by plane there is more security but I've never heard anyone being asked about offences.

Just have you documents ready.

.

Answer 3

I have never know anybody to ask!

Where you going?

How long?

Maybe where are you staying?

True I'm doing it in reverse, but US has always been stricter

38 years of crossing

Answer 4

my Friend went there for a concert he had a criminal back ground they would not let him in.

Answer 5

You will be barred from entering. If you are caught lying about your record, you will be arrested, charged and either brought up in court, or deported. (Since 9-1-1, Canadian and American authorities share information about citizens with criminal records).

Stay at home and apply by letter or phone to the National Parole Board in Ottawa. Don't try to cross the border until you have received clearance from authorities. You may regret it if you do.

See below this exerpt from the Canadian Embassy's Washington website (http://geo.international.gc.ca/can-am/wa...

Persons who are inadmissible to Canada --

Members of Inadmissible Classes include those who have been convicted of MINOR OFFENCES (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc.), or of INDICTABLE CRIMINAL OFFENCES (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) are considered Members of an Inadmissible Class. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offence in Canada.

Those who have received TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS (including parking/speeding tickets, etc.) and other minor violations (i.e. littering, etc.) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those who have JUVENILE CONVICTIONS (convictions for crimes committed while under age 18) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offences.

TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT, APPROVALS OF REHABILITATION, AND PERMISSION TO RETURN TO CANADA:

Those who have been convicted of an offence IN CANADA who wish to return to Canada must first apply for a PARDON from the CLEMENCY AND PARDONS DIVISION OF THE NATIONAL PAROLE BOARD. A Pardon permanently erases the Canadian criminal record, and any consequences of inadmissibility resulting from it. Those unable to obtain a pardon may still apply for a TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT. For more information on pardons, contact:

NATIONAL PAROLE BOARD,

Clemency and Pardons Division,

340 Laurier Avenue West,

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0R1.