Traveling to Canada with a DUI or a past criminal offense requires careful attention to immigration rules. A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) might be your key to overcoming inadmissibility for a temporary visit, whether for family, business, or leisure purposes. This article reviews the TRP for entry to Canada with a DUI or criminal offense.
What is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?
A TRP, issued by the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA), enables temporarily inadmissible individuals to enter or stay in Canada. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their need to enter or remain in Canada outweighs any potential health or safety risks they might pose to the Canadian public. This is crucial for individuals with offenses such as impaired driving or other criminal records.
Duration of Stay with a TRP
The duration of a TRP usually aligns with the length of your visit, such as for a week-long wedding or a short business trip. The permit specifies your authorized stay period, requiring you to either obtain a new license or leave Canada before it expires. Typically, TRPs do not permit re-entry, meaning each new visit may need a fresh application.
Is a TRP a Guaranteed Solution?
Obtaining a TRP is not guaranteed. The decision rests with the reviewing officer, who assesses whether your need to visit Canada justifies the potential risks. If the officer deems your visit more critical than the risk, they may grant the TRP.
Consulting a Canadian Inadmissibility Lawyer
If you or your travel companions have a DUI or a criminal record, consulting a licensed Canadian Inadmissibility Lawyer is advisable. Expert legal guidance can increase your chances of obtaining a TRP or exploring other options like Criminal Rehabilitation (CR), ensuring your criminal record does not impede your travel plans. The lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping US citizens with DUI and other criminal convictions with entry to Canada.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Citations
- DOS – Travel to Canada as a US Citizen
- Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
- Government of Canada – Temporary Resident Permit
- Government of Canada – Submit your application – Overcoming inadmissibility
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding a temporary resident permit to enter Canada with a DUI or related offense. 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.
