If you’re planning a trip to Canada and have a criminal record, it’s vital to understand the rules for criminal inadmissibility in 2025. Even minor convictions can affect your eligibility for a visa, eTA, or entry. But with the right preparation—and the assistance of a Mississauga immigration consultant—you can often resolve your inadmissibility issues.
🔍 What Does “Criminally Inadmissible” Mean?
Anyone who isn’t a Canadian citizen could be considered inadmissible if they have committed:
- An offence abroad or in Canada that matches an indictable (serious) offence under Canadian law.
- Two or more offences equivalent to summary offences.
- Even a single serious conviction like DUI, fraud, or theft over CAD 5,000.
Canadian citizens have the unrestricted right to enter Canada, regardless of past offences ([cicnews.com](https://www.cicnews.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
🌟 Types of Inadmissibility in Canada
Criminality
If you committed an offence abroad that would be considered indictable in Canada—or two separate summary offences abroad—you may be inadmissible ().
Serious Criminality
Convictions that carry a penalty of 10+ years in prison—or imprisonment over six months—are labelled “serious criminality.” Examples include:
- Theft or fraud exceeding CAD 5,000
- DUI (especially post‑Dec 18, 2018 law changes)
Such offences will almost always result in denied entry ().
✅ Overcoming Criminal Inadmissibility
Here are the three main paths to regain entry eligibility:
1. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
A TRP may permit entry for a specific purpose—e.g., business, family, or tourism—even if you’re inadmissible. The permit is discretionary and you must demonstrate that your trip is important and safe for Canada. Processing usually takes 3–6 months, with a CAD 239.75 fee ().
You can apply for a TRP with your visa/eTA application or at the border (for U.S. citizens/residents).
2. Deemed Rehabilitation
If enough time has passed, you might be automatically deemed rehabilitated, meaning you’re no longer considered inadmissible:
- 5 years after completing a summary offence.
- 10 years after completing an indictable offence.
There’s no application fee; IRCC or a Canadian consulate can assess your status ().
3. Criminal Rehabilitation
If you don’t meet deemed rehabilitation criteria, apply for criminal rehabilitation. You become eligible 5 years after sentence completion. Once approved, your record is permanently cleared for entry. Processing times vary—expect several months to over a year ().
🧭 Planning Ahead: Travel Tips for 2025
- Consult a Mississauga immigration consultant early to evaluate options for Canada PR 2025 or a TRP application.
- If you’re also applying through Express Entry — especially after the latest draw — double‑check any inadmissibility rules.
- Ensure full disclosure: even pending charges can lead to refusal at border ().
- Gather documentation: police certificates, proof of sentence complete, travel plans.
📌 In Summary
You’re not automatically barred from entering Canada—even with a criminal record. With strategic planning, the help of a Mississauga immigration consultant, and tools like a TRP or rehabilitation application, travel in 2025 is still on the table.
To begin your journey—and explore Canada PR 2025 or options after the Express Entry latest draw—
book your free assessment now and let Aara Canada guide you every step of the way.