For visitors
Visiting Canada with a record
A fishing trip, a wedding, a conference or the drive to Alaska. Sort out admissibility before you book, so the trip doesn’t end at the border.
Which route fits your trip
| Your situation | Likely route |
|---|---|
| Sentence ended less than 5 years ago | Temporary resident permit for the trip |
| Sentence ended 5 or more years ago | Criminal rehabilitation (one-time, permanent for that offence) |
| One non-serious offence, sentence ended 10+ years ago | You may already be deemed rehabilitated |
Sources: IRCC: overcome criminal convictions,deemed rehabilitation,temporary resident permits.
Plan ahead
Government processing takes time, and gathering an FBI record and court documents takes longer than most people expect. CheckIRCC’s current processing timesand start well before your travel date. If your trip is close, say so in the check. It changes the advice.
Government fees
The Government of Canada charges $246.25 for a temporary resident permit or for rehabilitation in most cases, and $1,231 for rehabilitation when the offence counts as serious criminality, which includes impaired driving since December 18, 2018. Amounts are in Canadian dollars (IRCC fee list).
Travelling with family or a group
Only the person with the record needs permission. If you’re organizing a group trip, a quick private check for the one traveller affected avoids a refused entry on the day.
Common questions
I’m only driving through to Alaska. Does that count?
Yes. Driving through Canada is entering Canada, and the same admissibility rules apply.
Can I just apply at the border?
Some travellers can ask for a permit at the border, but the officer decides on the spot and can say no. Applying ahead, through the free check and an advisor, avoids finding out at the booth.
My conviction is very old. Am I fine?
Possibly. If it’s your only conviction, it isn’t serious criminality, and it’s been more than 10 years since your sentence ended, you may be deemed rehabilitated. DUIs committed on or after December 18, 2018 don’t qualify.
Check before you book
The free Clearance Check is private and online. You get your likely route, your timeline and every cost itemized, with no phone call needed.