For people planning a move
Moving to Canada with a record
A conviction can hold up a work permit, study permit or permanent residence application. Dealing with it early keeps the rest of the move on schedule.
Why admissibility comes first
Every Canadian immigration application checks whether you’re admissible. A conviction that would be an offence in Canada can make you inadmissible, and that can stop an otherwise strong application (IRCC: reasons you may be inadmissible).
How the timing works
- Less than 5 years since your sentence ended: rehabilitation isn’t available yet. A temporary resident permit may be possible in some cases, but it’s harder to rely on for a long-term move.
- 5 years or more: you can apply for criminal rehabilitation, which permanently resolves that offence for immigration purposes once approved (IRCC).
- 10 years or more, one non-serious offence: you may be deemed rehabilitated without applying (IRCC).
Getting ready
- Find the exact date your sentence ended, including probation and any fines
- Request your FBI Identity History Summary and court records early
- List every state and country you’ve lived in since 18; each may need a police record
- Tell your immigration consultant or lawyer about the record from the start
Common questions
Will my record come up in my immigration application?
Yes. Canadian immigration applications ask about criminal history and usually require police certificates. Leaving something out can be treated as misrepresentation, which can lead to a five-year ban.
Can I deal with the record and the move at the same time?
Often, but timing matters. Rehabilitation needs five years since your sentence ended, so the date your sentence ended can shape your whole moving timeline.
Who should handle the immigration application?
In Canada, paid immigration advice must come from a licensed immigration consultant or a lawyer. Your advisor can explain how the criminal admissibility side fits alongside their work.
Start with the part that can hold everything up
The free Clearance Check is private and online. You get your likely route, your timeline and every cost itemized, with no phone call needed.