, "My husband and I live in the Midwest but his family still lives in Canada. Does this background prevent me from being able to enter into Canada? I also have 17 years of sobriety in AA. Would I have to wait till I carried out the sentence (which was 3 months probation that ended in February of 2016)? I had two DUIs in the past. He has completed the stipulations ordered by the court relative to the citation. Entering Canada with a DUI Having a criminal record, or simply even having been recently arrested can impact a person's ability to enter Canada. Hi I was convited DUI in Dec 2012 I was only fined no sentence . Am a U.S Citizen with 2 DUI in 1993 and 1998 and was told i was inadmissible for life ! Three provinces have invited candidates to apply for provincial nomination. Hi Nathan, if that is your only offence in your entire lifetime and its been more than 10 years since your sentencing requirements were complete than you will be able to enter Canada at this point. Every trip is entirely independent, so even if a border agent used his or her discretion and granted you entry on a previous visit despite an arrest record, the next CBSA agent you deal with does not have to let you in. I had a DUI conviction in 2002, I believe I should be admissible, but just need to know if I need any type of documentation. Open 24/7 - Call or Text. Effective March 1, 2023, new measures will make it easier for Iranians already in Canada to extend their temporary stay and move between temporary streams. I received a DUI 08/2012 and fines and sentencing were completed 01/2013. Im a drive away truck driver and need to have access into Canada for work related issues but received a DUI in 2001. Thanks. Criminal Rehabilitation Drunk driving is a serious offense in the country of Canada, and the officers could let the person pass, deny admittance or even interrogate the person for his or her attempt of getting into the nation. I was charged with dui in May 2009, and completed all sentence requirements by Sept 2009, am I eligible to travel to Canada from the US. Thank you. Tens of millions of Americans and people from around the world became inadmissible over night. Hi there, I had a dwai in 2010. If approved, it can be valid for up to three years. Having earned a reputation as a leading Canadian immigration authority by working vigorously for our clients while always being honest and accessible, we are able to provide high quality, timely, and cost-effective legal services to Americans residing in all 50 states. Canada has strict rules in place if you are looking to enter the country. I got convicted dui Nov 2014. I need to drive through Canada in April to get to Alaska for work (I am an essential employee as I provide Emergency Medical Services). Ive had no other convictions or tickets. If so is the ten year waiting period the same? 9. Do I need to apply for rehabilitation? Just want to be sure even though it was almost 25 years ago my wife would never forgive me for messing up our dream cruise This is his first offense. . It's the same outcome for or multiple DUI convictions. I have never been arrested for anything else! We're a criminal defense firm, and while we can help point you in the right direction, a lawyer . I have a OWI in 1999 and a DUI in 2006 in USA. I was Sentenced to three years probation in 2014 for a single DUI conviction. I was arrested for a DUI, but the charges were reduced to Careless Driving (in Minnesota) in 2019. Canadian immigration lawyer focused on Canada DUI entry from USA. Would this prohibited me from entering Canada for a fishing trip in July? I have never had any more offenses and nothing ever in Australia. Once you are approved, you will be able to enter Canada unrestricted. I understand the laws surrounding DUI but are they the same as DWAI? You have both temporary and permanent options available to you. Bill-C46 upped the maximum charge for DUI (Driving under the influence same as DWI ) in Canada to a 10-year prison sentence. From what we have been able to learn, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) did not immediately enforce the rule changes. Unlike some US states such as California, there is no double standard in Canada when sentencing a non-professional driver versus a commercial driver for DUI. Hi Mike, the date of the offence is what should apply. I worked for a company Canada from 2017-2019. Am I deemed rehabilitated and Can enter Canada? I have since completed all of my other outstanding requirements by the court. Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada. I attempted to cross in my vehicle and was turned back. Will they just turn you around? Am I good to drive to Alaska through Canada? Entry to Canada: DUI & Equivalent Charges. If youre interested in overcoming this sooner than that, please feel free to reach out to my office at (204) 488-6350 or info@bordercrossing.ca. Hi Brianna, I have follow-up questions to best advise. Am I able to enter Canada. If you have a valid reason to travel to Canada that is justified in the circumstances, we may issue you a temporary resident permit. I have multiple follow-up questions, please feel free to call or email my office and Id be happy to advise further. Email Address *. I was convicted of a DUI in August 2015 and paid all fees/met probation requirements in August 2016. Hi Tim, If you have one DUI conviction in your entire lifetime with no aggravating circumstances (and no other offences what so ever), then youre no longer inadmissible to Canada once 10 years has passed from the completion of all sentencing requirements. Please feel free to call or email my office if youd like assistance with the application. Thanks! My partner was convicted with a DUI in 2010, which is 12 years ago. Many thanks. Am I able to come to canada and not be refused entry? 1 single DUI 25 years ago. Criminal Rehabilitation is a permanent solution. Hi Austin, I have follow-up questions to better advise please call or email my office: (204) 488-6350 or info@bordercrossing.ca. Canada DUI entry 2019 changes. Hi I had a DUI in 2012 that has since been expunged from my record in the USA. Hi Barbara, non-convictions are not straight forward like convictions are and as such I would have a couple of follow-up questions before I can advise further. A TRP is available to you if it has been less than five years since you finished your DUI sentence. Hi. If yes, do I need to apply for any visa/eTA before traveling to Canada by Drive. A Legal Opinion Letter is an option if you are looking to travel to Canada with a criminal charge. Once the border restrictions due to COVID-19 are removed, how do I go about being granted permission to enter Canada? Am I completely inadmissible or until 2025 and have to apply for a TRP? If that is your only offence in your entire lifetime and its been more than 10 years since you completed your sentencing requirements than you shouldnt be denied entry for that offence. First, I have to commend you for the responses in this comment section because your patience and dedication to it is admirable given the amount of time that has passed. . About a few months ago. Hi Sara, yes if you have been convicted of both things you are likely inadmissible. Can they charge you for trying? Heres where the meat is. Canada DUI Changes in 2018 Bill-C46 upped the maximum charge for DUI (Driving under the influence - same as DWI ) in Canada to a 10-year prison sentence. If a friend of mine had a DUI in 2011, sentenced in feb/mar of 2012 I know we are just shy of the 10 year mark which runs the risk of them being turned away at the border. Hi there, I have follow-up questions to best advise. Thank you for a job well done. I have no other offences. Hi Dawn, if your offence happened prior to the legislation change (December 18, 2018) then you are grandfathered in and will be able to be deemed rehabilitated after 10 years. Your American passport has a direct link to an FBI background record. As of December 18, 2018, the DUI maximum punishment doubled from 5 years to 10 years in prison. He hasnt had any other offenses, maybe a speeding ticket. is an option if you are looking to travel to Canada with a criminal charge. Need to wait 3 weeks for court day. I had a DUI in Idaho in Jan. 2015 all fines were paid and the sentence was completed in 2015 I received a withheld judgement and all charges were subsequently dropped. Am I deemed rehabilitated? I have a clean record after 2014 and completed all requirements. Hows my status? Hi Travis, if you have multiple DUI convictions than youll be inadmissible to Canada until you are approved for Rehabilitation. Thanks! If it has been more than five years, but less than 10 years since completion of a sentence, you may be eligible to apply for criminal rehabilitation. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): A temporary option if your DUI sentence was completed less than 5 years ago. If the answer is no, how does Canada know I have a DUI anyhow if they ask, do they have access to the United States criminal system? He will be done his probation in March of 2022 with the possibility of being let off early. Got a DUI in 2011. Quebec has its own programs and criteria for foreign skilled workers hoping to settle in the province. Am I understanding the law that Id be deemed rehabilitated and can gain entry in 2027 if I receive no other infractions? It has been 15 years since my last one. Please feel free to reach out to me at (204) 488-6350 or info@bordercrossing.ca and I can advise further. application is a permanent solution to clear your criminal history. If probation was the last of your requirements, than your waiting periods start from the completion of that. Everything was clean in early 2002 with no other convictions since. Heard someone entered Canada with a DWI? Grew up no parents worked my ass off for my first car. If I had a reckless driving charge in 2011, and I finished paying the fines in 2013, when will I be able to get into Canada? If youd like to know how you can overcome this please feel free to reach out to me by email or by phone. Would I be eligible for consideration to travel to Canada in Dec 2024 with full admission in 2029? I am planning on an Alaska Cruise that departs from Vancouver For very temporary stays where you dont leave the airport, does the 10 year period still apply? Between 18 and 19 years ago I was cited for possession of a fake ID. Tens of thousands of US citizens Cant find answers to this question anywhere (Canadian consulates, Canadian border authority, etc.) Many Americans are shocked to learn that Canada might not let them in because of a past DUI. Since then only a couple minor traffic violations. My husband and I are taking a cruse in August 2023 Is there any documentation you would recommend I carry with me in the event I am questioned at the border? The legalization resulted in tougher punishment for DUI offences. What does he need to do? Civil motorcycle DUI in July 2019. If youd like more information please call or email my office: (204) 488-6350 or infor@bordercrossging.ca. Please either email or call my office for further advice. Like if I finished sentence on 12/2012, can I enter Canada 7/2022? #4 - I got into Canada with a DUI because it equates to a non-conviction in Canada! If your trip to Canada is important and you have a DUI, it is advisable to obtain special entry permission rather than gambling at the border. 2015 - 2016; BC Trip . Thank you! When flying into Canada with a DUI conviction, you will typically be sent on to a secondary checkpoint in the Canada Customs and Immigration area. Apparently effective December 2018, Canada upgraded the "seriousness" of a DUI conviction in its own country, and thus moving forward it is possible that Americans and other foreigners may be denied entry if they have ever had a DUI conviction. Hi Andrew, I have follow-up questions please feel free to reach out to me at info@bordercrossing.ca or 204-488-6350. I received a DWI 8/2008, and finished all probation/fines etc by 2/2010. Hi I was arrested for DUI in the U.S in 2012 and was convicted in 2013. While the Canadian border does have full access to the FBI's criminal database, the background checks can be random and occasionally a visitor with a DUI does not get flagged at the border upon presenting their passport. My boyfriend is actually from there. If yes, would an expungement be of any help? Hello, Hi Andrea, if you know these offences happened than you may be forced to admit to them through questioning at that point it doesnt matter what is appearing on your background checks. The scope of the problem was enormous. I got a DWAI in Colorado with a BAC under .08 but over .05, the offense is driving while ability impaired. I have had no other criminal charges since then. What do you consider to be convictions? Hi there, if that is your only offence in your entire lifetime and its been more than 10 years since all sentencing requirements were completed than you are no longer inadmissible to Canada. Have had no other offenses before or since. Stay up to date with the latest news on Canadian Immigration. If so, what do I need to complete to reduce the waiting period to 5 years? Since it was deleted from my record, would anyone have a record of it? A Temporary Resident Permit is a temporary solution available to those who can demonstrate to the Canadian government they have a convincing reason to enter Canada. Hi T.J., if that single DUI offence was your only conviction in your entire lifetime than you are able to enter Canada again once its been 10 years since you completed all sentencing requirements. Hi, I assume their system will also tell them if I have other arrests/offenses. I am now an Australian citizen. The goal was to stop Canadian citizens from driving impaired. Alternatively, you may complete the contact form on this page. If youd like to overcome that please feel free to call or email my office for more information. This common situation arises due to Canadas strict laws on DUI. A DUI is now a serious crime in Canada punishable by up to ten years in jail, so border patrol can treat them similar to a felony. Most of the time, those with DUI convictions are looking to visit from the United States. The Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a temporary option. If you are currently facing a charge of DUI with no prior criminal history, you should not be considered inadmissible to Canada. If that is your only offence in your entire lifetime, there was no injury to another person, and its been more than 10 years since you completed all sentencing requirements than you should no longer be inadmissible to Canada and be able to enter. Once the five years are complete, and if you have an otherwise clean criminal history, you can pay a $200 fine or apply for criminal rehabilitation to be allowed entrance . I have my license in USA now and have no other charges ever. I was convicted of one dwi, but they looked at the other charges( under age drinking and something else) and said I had 3 DUIs. My husband had a DUI 20-25 years ago and an assault charge when he was early 20,s. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Ive had three lifetime DUIs (2005 x2 and 2008), but I completed a treatment program and all sentence requirements for the 2008 offense in April 2010, after which I was allowed to withdraw my guilty plea and the case was dismissed. Thank you, Hi Jazz, I have follow-up questions to best advise please either call or email my office at (204) 488-6350 or info@bordercrossing.ca. I have satisfied all the classes,fees and fines and will get my Wi. I have 2 DUIs from over 20 years ago but both were in a state where the DUI was considered a driving offense and not a criminal offense. Hi Heidi, if that is your only offence in your entire lifetime than you will be Deemed Rehabilitated and no longer inadmissible to Canada once its been 10 years since all of your sentencing requirements were completed. convictions/criminal charges since. Visiting Canada with a DUI After 10 Years From time to time, an individual with a criminal history can be given a stern warn by border authorities but ultimately allowed to enter the nation. Hello! As we mention below, there may be ways around this ban for people entering Canada with a DUI. Theyre inadmissible under Canadas immigration law. Truck drivers, airline pilots, visitors of all kinds, would be potentially inadmissible. I got an OWI on 9/4/2020 and was convicted on 3/26/2021. Some of the best jobs in Canada for students to earn and support themselves. 24 Hour Response Time! Explore whats happening with the Canadian labour market and why immigration might be the answer. If that single DUI conviction was your only offence in your entire lifetime, and it has been more than 10 years since you completed your sentencing requirements, then you are referred to as Deemed Rehabilitated and are no longer inadmissible to Canada. Thanks! Would I still be deemed rehabilitated at this point, or is there anything else I would need to do? ", http://bordercrossing.ca/testimonials/debbie-illinois/, "As an avid outdoorsman, I loved traveling to Canada for our annual hunting trip with my buddies. Im a Canadian citizenship. I had a DUI in 2010 and another one in 2013 and fines and 3 day jail sentence were completed by 2014. Canada to make it easier for Iranians on temporary visas to extend their stay. This meant that a DUI charge was also upgraded to become a major offence or serious criminality for legal purposes. Our Lawyers . Back in the 70s and 80s many speeding tickets, driving after suspension, and a solid line violation while living in NH. Early in 2019 Canadas Immigration Ministers made a statement in the media, anyone deemed rehabilitated for an impaired driving offence outside Canada before December 18, 2018 would not need to reapply for relief to overcome inadmissibility due to that same offence.