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DUI convictions will prevent entry into Canada
The Canadian Government excludes certain
non-Canadian citizens from entering Canada. These
individuals are members of an Inadmissible Classes,
and thus have an official Inadmissible status
barring entry into Canada. Some individuals mistake
the Inadmissible status for restricting their
ability to operate a motor vehicle in Canada.
Inadmissible status prevents an individual from
entering Canada or remaining within the Canadian
borders.
Criminal convictions can qualify an individual as a
member of the Inadmissible Class. Minor offenses
like shoplifting, theft, possession of illegal
substances, and unauthorized possession of a firearm
will trigger the Inadmissible status. Felony
criminal convictions will also create an
Inadmissible status.
Canada regards DUI / DWI as an extremely serious
offense. A conviction for Driving Under the
Influence (DUI or DWI) will qualify you as a member
of the Inadmissible Class. Those with such
convictions will not be allowed to enter Canada
freely.
There is good news. The Inadmissible status can be
removed. However, before the Inadmissible status
can be removed the individual must wait five years
from the termination of the custodial portion (if any) of the
sentence imposed.
At that point you may apply for a Minister's
Approval of Rehabilitation. Of course it takes a
considerable amount of time to process the
paperwork, and fees are involved.
How can you enter Canada before the Inadmissible
status is removed? You may need to visit Canadian
relatives, or your employer sends you to Canada on
business. You will be required to apply for a
Temporary Resident Permit. The Temporary Resident
Permit allows you to visit Canada for a single
purpose or for a limited period. Of course, there
are more forms and fees. At
Kennedy &
Berner, LLP,
we can assist you through this convoluted process.
Contact us
today so you can visit Canada.
Persons may apply for a Temporary Resident Permit,
Approval of Rehabilitation, or Permission to Return
to Canada either in Canada or at one these Canadian
visa offices in the United States:
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