What affects the assessment
- Canadian equivalent of each offence
- Conviction, dismissal or other disposition
- Number of offences and incidents
- Previous Canadian visa or border decisions
CRIMINAL RECORD AND CANADA
Can you enter Canada with a criminal record?
Canada compares foreign offences with Canadian law. A misdemeanor or old record may still require assessment rather than a simple yes or no.
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AI
Canada Entry Assessment Online · preliminary guidance
PrivateHi! I can help with a preliminary assessment about can you enter canada with a criminal record? Tell me what happened, or choose a relevant situation below.
AI provides general preliminary information, not legal advice. A specialist can review your case.
PRELIMINARY ANSWER
What this means for your situation
The outcome depends on the offence, disposition, number of incidents, sentence completion and passage of time. Dismissals, pardons and expungements require individual review.
Possible next steps
- Assess legal equivalency
- Review deemed rehabilitation where applicable
- Apply for individual Criminal Rehabilitation
- Consider a TRP for a justified temporary need
Records commonly reviewed
- Court disposition and the law under which the offence was recorded
- Proof that fines, probation and every sentence component were completed
- Current passport and proposed travel details
- Police records and other documents needed to assess Canadian equivalency
Official information: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Choose what feels easiest.Start with AI, use a traditional form, call us, or request a callback.
CallSTART WITH CLARITY
Different situations call for different Canadian entry routes.
Temporary Resident Permit
A temporary, discretionary route for travellers who have a compelling reason to enter Canada despite possible inadmissibility.
Criminal Rehabilitation
A potential permanent solution for eligible past offences once the required period has passed after completion of sentence.
Not sure which applies?
Dates, offence equivalency and prior history matter. Start with AI and continue with a specialist without repeating your story.
HOW IT WORKS
From a question to a clear next step.
Use whichever route is more comfortable.
We collect the key facts and your travel context.
Understand whether a TRP, Criminal Rehabilitation or specialist review may fit.
Your summary is ready, so you do not need to start over.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Common questions before you start
Does a misdemeanor count?+
Canadian equivalency matters more than the foreign label.
Do old records still matter?+
Age can affect available remedies, but it does not make every record irrelevant.
Who makes the final decision?+
Canadian immigration or border authorities make admissibility and permit decisions.
What is Criminal Rehabilitation?+
It is an application that may permanently overcome criminal inadmissibility based on past offences outside Canada. Eligibility depends on the offence, sentence completion dates and your full record.
What is a Temporary Resident Permit?+
A TRP may allow temporary entry when there is a compelling reason to travel and the need to enter outweighs the risk. It is discretionary and different from permanent Criminal Rehabilitation.
Is the AI giving legal advice?+
No. The assistant helps collect information, explain general concepts and prepare a preliminary assessment. It does not guarantee eligibility or approval.
CANADA ENTRY RESOURCES
Explore a situation closer to yours
Can you enter Canada with a DUI?Understand how a DUI may affect entry to Canada and whether TRP, Criminal Rehabilitation or further review may be relevant.Read the guide →Could Criminal Rehabilitation resolve your Canada entry issue?Learn how individual Criminal Rehabilitation may permanently address criminal inadmissibility for qualifying travellers.Read the guide →Do you need a TRP to enter Canada?Understand when a Temporary Resident Permit may allow justified temporary entry despite criminal inadmissibility.Read the guide →Are you deemed rehabilitated for Canada entry?Learn why deemed rehabilitation depends on offence equivalency, dates and the full record.Read the guide →Were you denied entry to Canada?Review the reason, documents and possible remedies after being refused entry to Canada.Read the guide →DUI completed less than five years ago?Entry options when less than five years have passed since completion of a DUI sentence.Read the guide →
READY WHEN YOU ARE