Can I enter Canada if I am criminally inadmissible?

Normally you cannot enter or stay in Canada if you are inadmissible. However, there are ways of overcoming your criminal inadmissibility.

If you are inadmissible, you may become admissible again if you:

• satisfy an immigration or border services officer that you meet the legal requirements to be deemed rehabilitated;
• apply for individual rehabilitation and get approved; or
• receive a pardon or record suspension.

You may also be offered a temporary resident permit if:

• your reason to travel to Canada is considered justified in the circumstances; and
• you do not pose a risk because of your inadmissibility.

Visits considered justified could include family emergencies or business conferences. Pleasure trips are normally not considered justified in the circumstances.

This permit has a processing fee of C$200. There are some fee exceptions.