Crimes That May Make You Inadmissible to Canada

Foreign nationals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense anywhere in the world, that if committed in Canada could be classified as an indictable offense, may be deemed ineligible to enter Canada. Attempting to enter Canada while considered inadmissible due to criminality can result in a person being denied entry to Canada. Only the equivalent Canadian law determines whether or not a person with a criminal record is admissible to cross the border. Consequently, for crimes committed in the United States, it does not matter if the offense is a misdemeanor or felony.

On this page, we have provided a large list of crimes that can make you inadmissible to Canada. While this list is extensive, it is far from comprehensive as there are many other crimes not listed here that can render an American inadmissible to Canada. If you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, you may be considered criminally inadmissible to Canada unless you have acquired special entrance permission from the Canadian Government.

Interested in going to Canada but have a criminal record? Phone us today for a free consultation.

Crimes That Can Make You Inadmissible to Canada

• DUI (including DWI, DWAI, reckless driving, etc.)
• theft
• drug trafficking
• drug possession
• weapons violations
• assault
• probation violations
• domestic violence
• fraud
• vehicular manslaughter (voluntary or involuntary)
• possession of stolen property
• arson
• embezzlement
• drug manufacturing or cultivation
• aggravated assault
• child abandonment
• property crimes
• robbery
• indecent exposure
• failure to appear
• hit and run
• credit card fraud
• prostitution
• money laundering
• sexual assault
• disorderly conduct
• child abuse
• identity theft
• conspiracy
• stalking
• wire fraud
• battery
• cyber bullying
• racketeering (RICO)
• burglary
• white collar crimes
• resisting an officer (resisting arrest)
• solicitation
• extortion
• child pornography
• insurance fraud
• breaking and entering
• shoplifting
• securities fraud
• aiding & abetting
• homicide
• vandalism
• careless driving
• motor-vehicle theft
• kidnapping
• tax evasion
• harassment
• aggravated battery
• telemarketing fraud
• battery
• evading arrest
• rape
• larceny
• bribery
• computer crimes
• hate crimes
• forgery
• obstruction of justice

Crimes That May Not Make You Inadmissible to Canada

While the criminal offenses listed above can render an American inadmissible to Canada, there are some crimes that do not always equate to an indictable offense in Canada. Loitering, open container offenses, criminal contempt of court, disturbing the peace and public intoxication are examples of crimes that will not necessarily make a person criminally inadmissible to Canada provided it is an isolated incident. Even if you have never been convicted of a serious criminal offense, if you have received two or more convictions or violations that equate to summary offenses in Canada, such as disorderly conduct, you may be considered criminally inadmissible to Canada.

If an offense in the United States equates to a hybrid offense in Canada, it can also make a foreigner excludable from Canada. An arrest or conviction for possession of marijuana will not necessarily render an American ineligible to travel to Canada, provided he or she has no other criminal history and the amount of marijuana was less than 30 grams. If you were convicted under a statute that includes quantities larger than 30 grams, however, the onus is on you as the visitor to be able to prove your admissibility if challenged by agents at the border. If you have been convicted for cannabis possession with intent to distribute, as opposed to simple possession for personal use, you could also have issues crossing the Canadian border.

Deemed Rehabilitation After 10 Years

Americans with a single criminal conviction that is not serious (maximum imprisonment of equivalent crime in Canada is less than ten years) may be allowed back into Canada if it has been more than a decade since full completion of all sentencing including any probation. For example, a person with one minor theft conviction for shoplifting may be considered deemed rehabilitated after ten years. To avoid the risk of a border refusal, however, court documents or other paperwork should be brought with you to Canada as old convictions can still raise questions at the border. Any criminal offense that involved violence, a weapon, or property damage does not qualify for Deemed Rehabilitation, and can render a person criminally inadmissible to Canada for life. A DUI is now considered a serious crime in Canada, and any such offense can now result in an American being refused entry at the Canadian border even if it happened more than ten years ago.

Want to go to Canada with a criminal record? Contact us today!