U.S. citizens with criminal record entering Canada?

Question

OK, I talk to this guy, He is a US citizen.

He had a criminal record on drug trafficing when he was 18. Only this one.

I live in Europe, we want to meet in Canada - since I can go there pretty easy.

He says that he need some kind of pardon to get to Canada from US and it would cost him 1000$ to get it.

He also claims, that he wont need a passport to travel to Canada before 2010, so basically that means all he needs is a pardon and nottin else.

Is it true? can anyone tell me, what is the standard procedure of US citizen with criminal record to enter the Canada?

Answer 1

??Ask yourself why you want to meet a convicted US criminal on your Canadian visit??

It is true that residents of Washington state do not need a passport to travel to Canada yet, but you do need a special driver's license with a "tracker chip" in it.

Birth certificates and photo proof are mandatory for all others.

Canada does offer a special Permit also known as a TRP.

Perhaps he needs #1000 for a lawyer's fees, because neither government is about to offer entry for cash.  With a record, he will also have trouble travelling to most countries in the future.

To quote the website:  

A Temporary Resident Permit or TRP is a Canadian immigration Permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. It allows you to enter Canada as a visitor, worker or student even if you are considered inadmissible to Canada due to a criminal record or certain medical conditions.

In some cases, Temporary Resident Permits or TRPs can be issued to people applying for Canadian immigration who are also inadmissible due to Criminal records or certain medical problems.

Answer 2

Canada as many countries in the world restricts entrance to people with criminal records from entering. If this person were to receive a pardon from the US government he would be able to travel to Canada with no problem.

The need for a passport is a US requirement for reentry.

Since you don't have any problem travelling from Europe to Canada, you shouldn't have any trouble travelling to the USA. It would cost you less than the $1000 to meet him in the USA unless the whole thing is a scam to get a thousand from you.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

It is true that if he gets a pardon, he can get into Canada, but not without a passport.  There are no exceptions to that rule.

Answer 4

Oh boy, this will end in tears.   Your convict should be able to get into Canada with proper picture ID other than a passport for the moment as he says.  Whether his name will come up in the database as being a criminal is not certain - depends on the offense and how long ago, but if he is caught trying to enter with a record he will most definitely be returned to the US and barred for a long time.    He can apply for a pardon himself, it costs only his time, or you can pay someone to do so.   Either way it takes time and usually requires an investigation, this is not a simple or quick thing.  I suggest you tell him to apply for it himself or meet him in the US.  DO NOT GIVE HIM $1000.