● Canadian Immigration Professionals

Criminally Inadmissible to Canada?

A past conviction doesn’t always mean you can’t enter Canada.

Denied entry because of a DUI, assault, theft, drug offence, or another criminal record? We help U.S. travellers overcome inadmissibility through Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) and Criminal Rehabilitation.

✓ Licensed in Canada✓ Confidential consultation✓ U.S. clients welcome
500+
U.S. clients assisted
44
U.S. states served
98%
TRP success rate
24h
Response time
How We Help

Two Proven Paths to Enter Canada

Urgent travel

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

Need to travel to Canada now? A TRP may allow entry despite criminal inadmissibility when your reason for travel outweighs perceived risk - business meetings, family visits, weddings, emergencies, or work opportunities.

  • Same-day Port of Entry TRPs
  • Consular TRP applications
  • Strategic legal submissions
  • Comprehensive evidence package
Start with a free consultation →
Permanent solution

Criminal Rehabilitation

If enough time has passed since your sentence was completed, Criminal Rehabilitation may permanently remove your inadmissibility to Canada - no more TRPs required for covered offences.

  • Eligibility assessment
  • Legal equivalency analysis
  • Court & rehabilitation evidence
  • Long-term travel freedom
Start with a free consultation →
What Causes Inadmissibility

Common Offences That Can Bar Entry to Canada

Even offences that seem minor in another country can have serious immigration consequences in Canada.

DUI / DWI / Impaired Driving
Reckless Driving
Assault
Domestic Violence
Theft or Shoplifting
Fraud
Drug Possession
Drug Trafficking
Weapons Offences
Multiple Convictions
Refused Entry?

You May Still Have Options

If any of the following apply to you, contact us for a confidential review of your case:

  • Been turned around at the border
  • Had a TRP application refused
  • Been denied boarding
  • Been told you are criminally inadmissible
  • Received conflicting advice

Every case is assessed on the specific offence, sentence imposed, court records, and time elapsed since sentence completion.

Shabnam Akrami

Shabnam Akrami

PA, B.A. (Hons.), M.A., LL.B. (UK)

Founder · True North Akrami Immigration

"Personal guidance you can trust."

Compassionate, professional immigration counsel - every step of the way to legal entry into Canada.

Why Choose Us

Trusted by U.S. Travellers Facing Canadian Inadmissibility

Focused Strategy

We assess your criminal history, identify the Canadian equivalent offence, and determine the strongest path forward.

Comprehensive Preparation

Strong applications require more than forms. We prepare evidence, rehabilitation documentation, and persuasive legal submissions.

Personalized Guidance

No two inadmissibility cases are alike. We tailor a strategy to your circumstances and travel goals.

Transparent Communication

You will understand your options, timelines, and potential outcomes before moving forward.

Real Results

Case Studies

Alaska Cruise Traveller

DUI Won't Stop a Family Vacation

Situation

A U.S. citizen with a past DUI booked an Alaska cruise from Vancouver. He feared denied boarding or refusal at the border.

Strategy

Not yet eligible for Criminal Rehabilitation, we pursued a consular TRP with court records, rehabilitation evidence, cruise documentation, and a personal statement.

Result

TRP issued before departure. The client enjoyed the family vacation without interruption and is now pursuing Criminal Rehabilitation.

Business Executive

Urgent Business Entry Approved

Situation

A senior executive needed to travel to Toronto to finalize a major transaction. A decade-old assault conviction rendered him inadmissible.

Strategy

We prepared a detailed TRP showing the business purpose, economic benefits, professional history, character references, and rehabilitation evidence.

Result

TRP approved. The client completed his business obligations and later pursued Criminal Rehabilitation for future travel.

Port of Entry Family Visit

Same-Day TRP for a Family Celebration

Situation

A U.S. resident with an old theft conviction wanted to attend a family event with limited time before travel.

Strategy

We assembled a Port of Entry TRP package: certified court documents, proof of sentence completion, rehabilitation evidence, and legal submissions.

Result

TRP granted at the border. Client attended the celebration; we later filed a Criminal Rehabilitation application.

Case studies are illustrative and based on real client matters. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Free Consultation

Book Your Free Consultation

The fastest way to get answers is to call us directly. Prefer to write? Send us a quick message and we’ll get back to you within one business day.

Or send us a message
Name
Email
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter Canada with a DUI?+
Possibly. A DUI can result in criminal inadmissibility, but depending on your circumstances, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation may be available to allow legal entry to Canada.
What is the difference between a TRP and Criminal Rehabilitation?+
A TRP is a temporary solution allowing entry for a specific purpose and period. Criminal Rehabilitation is a permanent solution that overcomes inadmissibility for qualifying offences once enough time has passed.
How long do I have to wait before applying for Criminal Rehabilitation?+
Eligibility depends on completion of all sentencing requirements and the nature of the offence - typically at least five years after sentence completion. A detailed assessment is required.
Do I need a lawyer or representative?+
Many applicants choose professional representation because criminal inadmissibility involves legal equivalency analysis, court documentation, and discretionary officer decisions.
How long does a TRP application take?+
Processing times vary. Consular TRP applications can take several months, while Port of Entry TRPs are decided the same day. We help you choose the right path based on urgency.
Take the next step

Don't Let a Criminal Record Keep You Out of Canada.

One mistake from the past should not define your future. Contact True North Akrami Immigration today to determine whether you qualify for a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation.