Our client needed to travel to Canada with their child for sporting events. Years earlier, they had been considered inadmissible to Canada due to a single, minor conviction.
Reassessing Inadmissibility
When they contacted our office, we conducted a full review and determined that enough time had passed since the incident. Based on Canadian immigration policy, they were now eligible to be deemed rehabilitated and should no longer be considered inadmissible.
What Is Deemed Rehabilitation?
Under Canadian immigration law, certain individuals with a single past conviction may be considered “deemed rehabilitated” if enough time has passed and specific criteria are met. This means they are no longer viewed as inadmissible to Canada and can enter without applying for individual rehabilitation or a temporary resident permit. The determination is based on factors such as the nature of the offense, the sentence received, and how much time has elapsed since the completion of the sentence.
For U.S. travelers, deemed rehabilitation may be assessed at the border in some cases, but formal confirmation through a consulate application can provide greater certainty and avoid the risk of being turned away.
Application and Approval
We submitted an application to the Canadian consulate requesting a determination of deemed rehabilitation. After reviewing the file, the consulate agreed and issued the determination, allowing our client to travel freely to Canada as needed.
Client Testimonial
“I engaged Christine to assist on a Canadian rehabilitation matter. Her and her staff walked me through the entire process, which was complicated. They were responsive, thorough, patient, and comprehensive. I could not have done this without them and would highly recommend them. As a professional, my standards are quite high, and I was very much impressed with their knowledge and service.”
Conclusion
This successful outcome allowed our client to cross the border as needed from now on. For those with a past conviction, reentry to Canada may be possible through the deemed rehabilitation process. With the right legal support, even past barriers can be overcome.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding entry to Canada, 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. Please 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)
