For U.S. citizens with a past DUI conviction, traveling to Canada isn’t straightforward. Even if a DUI happened ten years ago or more, it could still impact your travel plans. This blog explains how even DUI from decades past can affect your eligibility to enter Canada and outlines steps you might take to overcome these travel barriers.
Understanding DUI Entry Restrictions
Canada considers DUIs, or driving under the influence offenses, as serious crimes. As such, even a single DUI on your record could make you inadmissible to enter the country. This inadmissibility applies regardless of how much time has passed since the offense occurred.
Checking Your Admissibility
Before planning your travel, it’s crucial to check your admissibility status. You can do this through the Canadian consulate or by seeking guidance from an immigration lawyer who specializes in Canadian laws related to criminal records. The lawyers at Richards and Jurusik can examine your U.S. convictions against the Canadian criminal code to determine your admissibility to Canada.
Options for Overcoming Inadmissibility
If you find that your DUI is a barrier to entering Canada, there are steps you can take:
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): If your travel is justified, you might be eligible for a TRP. This permit allows you to enter Canada for a specific period despite being otherwise inadmissible.
- Criminal Rehabilitation: If more than five years have passed since you completed all sentences (including fines and probation), you may apply for Criminal Rehabilitation. This process can permanently clear the way for hassle-free travel to Canada.
Conclusion
A DUI conviction doesn’t permanently bar you from visiting Canada, but it does complicate your travel plans. By understanding your options and seeking the proper assistance, you can address inadmissibility issues effectively. Always plan and consult with an immigration lawyer before traveling to Canada after a DUI. No matter when you are located in the United States, a lawyer at Richards and Jurusik can help you re-enter Canada with a DUI and other criminal convictions. Speak with a lawyer today.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Citations
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding entry to Canada with an old U.S. DUI. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
CHRISTINE JURUSIK is a Partner at Richards and Jurusik and Focuses her practice solely on U.S. Immigration law, with a specialized focus on advising families and individuals on the family-based immigration process and on obtaining U.S. Citizenship. She also handles Canadian Rehabilitation and DUI inadmissibility matters for U.S. Citizens seeking to overcome inadmissibility to Canada. (Full Bio)
