Inadmissibility Visiting Canada
Can I Travel to Canada for Work or Business with a DUI?
Canada and the United States share one of the world’s busiest borders, with countless people crossing every day for work, tourism, and trade. In 2024, Canada and the U.S. engaged in bilateral trade totaling an estimated USD 761.8 billion in goods and services, making Canada the top trading partner for the U.S. and vice versa.
Crossing into Canada for business is straightforward for most travelers, but a past conviction can complicate things. The good news is, there are legal pathways to help you gain entry. With the right preparation and advice, you can focus on your work — not border problems.
Why do criminal records affect travel for work?
Even though the U.S. and Canada are close neighbors, they have separate immigration laws and border rules. Canada considers certain offenses — like driving under the influence (DUI), theft, or assault — as serious criminality. This means that even a single past conviction could make you criminally inadmissible, which can stop you from entering Canada, even for a short business meeting. Luckily, Canada usually views business travel from the US to be a valid reason to grant a permit, as long as you can provide the proper documents and applications.
Read more to check if you are criminally inadmissible
What Happens if I am denied entry to Canada for a business trip?
Many of our clients were unaware and surprised to find that they would need a special permit to enter Canada even for a brief business meeting if they are criminally inadmissible.
Imagine booking a flight to Toronto for an important client meeting. You arrive at the airport confidently, only to be told by border officers that you cannot enter due to a DUI conviction from 6 years ago. There is nothing you can do at the moment, and you must book the next flight back to the US. Suddenly, your work plans are ruined, your employer is frustrated, and your professional reputation may be affected. This situation is much more common than you might think.
Whether you are crossing the border for strictly business travel for less than a day, in order to enter Canada, you will need a Temporary Resident Permit, Criminal Rehabilitation, or a Legal Opinion Letter depending on your circumstances and needs.
How do I enter Canada with a criminal record?
Depending on your situation, you can apply for a TRP, or Criminal Rehabilitation or obtain a Legal Opinion letter.
Contact Us For AssistanceTips to enter Canada for a business trip with a criminal record
- Plan ahead and check which option you are eligible for before attempting to cross the border or booking your non-refundable flight.
- Keep all necessary documents, including court records, proof of completion of your sentences.
- Consult with an immigration lawyer of consultant to understand your best options
- Apply in advance! Getting a head start and properly planning your applications can make up for the long processing times for applications.
Do I need a Lawyer to visit Canada for work with a criminal record?
We understand how detrimental being refused entry to Canada for a criminal record could be for your professional life. You don’t want to risk the possibility of cancelling a business meeting, conference or a training session last minute due to your criminal record while representing your company and employer.
Hiring an experienced lawyer to help you can significantly lower your chances of a denial. A lawyer is able to assess your unique criminality, determine your eligibility and prepare the strongest application. Having a single missing document, or accidentally misrepresenting yourself in an application to the government may delay your application processing time further and could even lead to a permanent ban from the country.
To avoid the embarrassment of having to cancel your work obligations, contact us at Canadim. We will guide you every step of the way and ensure you have the best chance of a smooth entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to contact my employer to apply for a TRP or CR?
No, you do not need to contact your employer in order to apply for a TRP or CR. However, it will greatly help your case if your employer provides supporting documents, such as an official letter with the date and location of your business obligation, reference letter stating why specifically your physical presence in Canada is necessary, and the purpose of your travel to Canada.
Can I enter Canada for a same-day business meeting with a DUI?
Yes, but only if you obtain the proper permit and documentations. Even if your trip to Canada is less than 24 hours, in order to cross the border, you will need a TRP or a CR if you are criminally inadmissible. It is common to obtain a TRP for one day.
Can I drive to Canada for work with a criminal record?
When you arrive at a Canadian Port of Entry, a CBSA officer will investigate your criminal record through your passport and screen you further. The officer will determine your admissibility to Canada and if deemed criminally inadmissible, you will be denied entry and must turn back.
Can I fly to Canada for work with a criminal record?
When you arrive at a Canadian airport and go through customs, the customs officer will investigate your record and screen you further. If you are deemed inadmissible by the officer due to not having the appropriate permits or the proper documents, you will be denied entry and must take the next flight back to the U.S. at your own expense.
How does Canada know I have a criminal record?
When you enter a foreign country, such as Canada, your passport will be screened for any criminal history that could make you inadmissible at the border.
Whether you are flying, driving or travelling by water to Canada, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers will need to verify your identity. When your passport is screened, the CBSA officer will have access to all FBI databases and criminal history you might be linked to. They will have access to all your past and current charges or convictions you have faced in the United States. With this information, CBSA officers will determine on case-by-case basis whether you meet the criteria to be criminally inadmissible to Canada. If you possess a charge or conviction, you will likely be denied entry at the border in this stage.
Can I enter Canada for work if my criminal record is sealed?
No. Having your criminal record sealed does not alter your inadmissibility to Canada under
Canadian law, as a sealed record is not the same as a dismissed charge.
Do I need to get a new TRP when the old one expires?
Yes. Once your TRP expires, you will again be considered inadmissible to Canada. At that
point, you must apply for a new TRP and/or for Criminal Rehabilitation, if you’re eligible.
To avoid delays and complications, contact us at Canadim today. We will guide you through every step of the way ensuring the best outcome possible.
Contact us at Canadim today. We will guide you through every step of the way ensuring the best outcome possible.
Contact us for assistance