Other Immigration Services
Inadmissibility & Criminal Rehabilitation
Assessing how a criminal history affects entry to Canada and which remedies may be available.
Overview
An offence outside Canada can affect admissibility even when its name or classification differs from Canadian law. The assessment considers the equivalent Canadian offence, the complete sentence, and your circumstances.
For qualifying offences outside Canada, individual rehabilitation may be available once at least five years have passed since completion of the sentence. Deemed rehabilitation has separate conditions and does not apply to every conviction. Canadian convictions may require a Canadian record suspension instead.
A temporary resident permit is a separate, discretionary option where justified; it does not erase the underlying inadmissibility. We review your records before recommending an application or travel plan.
Who may consider this: People whose past offences or convictions may affect travel, temporary status, or immigration to Canada.
Eligibility Considerations
- Complete details of the offence, conviction, and sentence
- Assessment of the equivalent offence under Canadian law
- Meeting the timing and other requirements of the proposed remedy
How It Works
History Review
We build a complete record of charges, outcomes, and sentence completion.
Remedy Assessment
We assess whether rehabilitation, a permit, or legal advice is appropriate.
Document Preparation
We help organize court records and evidence of your circumstances since the offence.
Application
We prepare the appropriate immigration application with a clear explanation.
Decision & Travel Planning
We explain the decision and its implications for future applications and travel.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Court judgments and the applicable foreign offence provisions
- Proof of completion of imprisonment, probation, fines, and other sentence conditions
- Police certificates and identity documents
- Personal statement and supporting records of subsequent conduct
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Counting time from the conviction instead of completion of the entire sentence
- Assuming a foreign pardon automatically resolves Canadian inadmissibility
- Leaving out an offence or providing incomplete court records
How We Help
- Identify the records needed for a meaningful assessment
- Explain the options and their limits in plain language
- Prepare a consistent application and flag issues requiring a lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every conviction prevent entry?+
No. The answer depends on the offence's Canadian equivalent, the sentence, and the applicable rules. A full record review is needed.
Is rehabilitation the same as a TRP?+
No. Rehabilitation addresses qualifying criminal inadmissibility; a TRP permits a temporary stay or entry despite inadmissibility when justified.
Can I travel while rehabilitation is pending?+
A pending application is not permission to enter. We assess admissibility and any temporary permit option before you make travel plans.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.