How Can I Enter Canada with DUI?

Guide to Entering Canada with a DUI

If an American has ever been arrested or conviction for driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), they may be considered inadmissible to Canada on grounds of criminality. This can prevent a person from being able to enter Canada, and can even cause their accompanying family members to get denied admittance as well. Whether the DUI was a misdemeanor or a felony does not play a determinant role in a person's admissibility, in both cases the conviction can equate to serious criminality north of the border and therefore Canadian border agents can treat any DUI like a felony.

If a US citizen is criminally inadmissible in Canada's eyes, they essentially have 3 available options. They can avoid traveling to Canada, they can gamble and try their luck at the border hoping they are allowed in despite their inadmissibility, or they can apply for special permission to visit Canada. This permission can be granted via a Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation. Obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is the fastest way to enter Canada with a DUI, but only covers a person for a limited time. Criminal Rehabilitation (CR) can allow an American with a US DUI to cross the border into Canada whenever they want and never expires, but takes much longer to obtain. Before an American can request permanent Rehabilitation, their entire sentence including any probation must have finished a minimum of 5 years prior.

It is challenging to apply for a Canadian Temporary Resident Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation. For this reason, a lot of people hire a Canadian lawyer to help them. Obviously spending money on a lawyer only makes sense if going to Canada is important. If someone just wants to visit Niagara Falls for a day, it usually won't make sense to spend money on professional assistance. Even a reckless driving conviction can make traveling to Canada difficult, since it also can equate to a serious crime in Canada.