Going to Canada--Clear Your Record First

Over the years Americans have grown used to free passes into Canada for vacations and short term stays. However, as a result of 9/11 and stronger border controls, Canadian border official are declaring many Americans inadmissible who least expect it. Members of Inadmissible Classes include those who have been convicted of MINOR OFFENSES (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc.), or of INDICTABLE CRIMINAL OFFENSES (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) are considered Members of an Inadmissible Class. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada.

Those who have received TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS (including parking/speeding tickets, etc.) and other minor violations (i.e. littering, etc.) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those who have JUVENILE CONVICTIONS (convictions for crimes committed while under age 18) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offenses.

If you plan a trip to Canada think six moths ahead and have a good lawyer, like me, obtain for you a TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT, APPROVALS OF REHABILITATION, AND/OR PERMISSION TO RETURN TO CANADA, each of which requires extensive paperwork from the US.