Can you cross the border with a criminal conviction?

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Dwight S

Yes, you can cross the border for a limited-time visit. The border guards do not check criminal records for people simply crossing the border unless there is a reason to suspect the person (of potential terrorism or something similar).

However, you will likely be rejected if you attempt to immigrate into Canada (a criminal background check is a routine part of that process).

JuanB

It depends on the details.

If the crime was before you were 18, it won't matter.

If it was 5 years ago or more you apply to be deemed rehabilitated.

If it was within the last 5 years, you apply for a Temporary Residents Visa on compassionate grounds.

Here is the details on how to go about each in the link.

It depends on two things.
One: if they pull you inside for a more indept inspection and if so be honest about your criminal pass that will be in your favor later if your denied and apply for a criminal pass.
Two: depends on the criminal conviction.

Jay A

yes you can, but bear in mind that some things that are a misdemeanor in the US are a felony in canada, such as DUI.

Dan

You have a good question there. For starters its good to know what your conviction is.... as you write misdemeanor I believe that is the lesser convictions correct? Like a speeding ticket? And Felonies are your murders and what not. In Canada Summary Convictions are your misdemeanor and Inditable is your Felonies. Anyway if you have summary convictions like speeding tickets or what not you can most likely get in unless their is a bench warrent on you then their might be some issues..

Hope that helps

lmclear4

I think it all depends on what the conviction is. My brother in law had to pay like $200 to cross the border last year because of his DUI.

sishakara

be honest up front or prepare for a plate of trouble.

â™¥Lilyâ™¥

Wow alot of these answers are wrong!

Okay, yes you can cross if: Your conviction has was more then 5 years ago and you have not been charged criminaly with anything else since.

My boyfriend and I went all through this. To correct the one answer.. the opposite country DOES check you're criminal record and CAN. Now, they may not though. If they ask you,"Do you have a criminal record?" and you say yes, they are going to make you come in & wait while your car gets searched and they make you empty all your pockets & wait while they look up your record.

If they don't ask... bonus. I actually crossed over today to go shopping and they didn't ask. Everytime you cross they'll ask you different questions.

Now, if you have been convicted of something within the past 3 years I would highly suggest you DO NOT try to cross over. This is the mistake my boyfriend and I made. Becuase he tried to cross for him to enter the states he has to apply for permission which costs about $400CDN, 6-12 months of paperwork waiting and he has to have a specific date he wishes to cross. He's not just allowed to go whenever he wants if he is granted permission. Not only that they took a picture of him & figerprinted
him while we were there.

Here are two questions as to what I was talking about for applying for permission:

How long will it take to get a decision on my application for rehabilitation?

Applications for rehabilitation can take over a year to process, so make sure you plan for your visit far enough in advance.

How much are the processing fees to apply for rehabilitation?

The application fee for rehabilitation is either $200 or $1,000 (Canadian dollars) depending on whether, due to the seriousness of the criminal act or conviction, authority from the Minister is required.

If you have anymore questions I would suggest you contact the closest Canadian Customs/Border Services Agency.

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