Criminal Record and Canada: Your Rehabilitation Options
A criminal record, even a DUI, can make you inadmissible to Canada. You can fix it with deemed rehabilitation, a rehabilitation application, a record suspension or a temporary resident permit (TRP). The right route depends on the crime and the years since your sentence ended.
since 1991
What is criminal inadmissibility?
Criminal inadmissibility is a legal bar on entering Canada because of a crime you committed or were convicted of. It covers minor and serious crimes, such as theft, assault, dangerous driving, drunk driving and drug offences.
If you were convicted under age 18, you may still be able to enter Canada.
Criminality or serious criminality?
Serious criminality covers an offence with a maximum sentence of at least 10 years in Canada, or a Canadian sentence of more than six months. Criminality covers an indictable offence, or two offences that did not come from one event, and an offence that can be tried either way counts as indictable (IRPA section 36).
Which fix fits?
- Deemed rehabilitation: enough time has passed since your sentence
- Rehabilitation: you apply and show you are highly unlikely to reoffend
- Record suspension: for Canadian convictions, through the Parole Board of Canada
- TRP: short entry for a valid reason
Is this page for you?
A quick check before you apply or travel.
Read this if you
- Have a conviction in Canada or abroad
- Have a DUI or impaired driving record
- Were told you may be inadmissible
Look elsewhere if you
- Have no convictions and no charges
- Hold a Canadian record suspension
- Were refused only for missing documents
Five ways to deal with a criminal record
IRCC lists four routes. Impaired driving has its own rules. Source: IRCC.
Deemed rehabilitation
Time has passed. IRCC lists 10 years for one indictable offence and five years for two or more summary convictions.
Rehabilitation
You apply. At least five years must have passed since your sentence ended and since the act.
Record suspension
For Canadian convictions, apply to the Parole Board of Canada. A suspension removes the bar.
TRP
Entry for a valid reason. It does not fix the record.
Impaired driving
IRCC treats it as serious criminality, in Canada or abroad.
Want your record reviewed?
We check your offence, your dates and your travel plans before you apply.
Rules to know first
Match the offence
IRCC compares a foreign crime with a Canadian offence. That match sets your category.
Count from the right day
Rehabilitation needs five years since your sentence ended, probation included, and since the act.
Send it the right way
Mail or courier a rehabilitation application to the visa office. With a visa or permit application, you can file at a Visa Application Centre.
eTA travellers go first
File rehabilitation before you apply for an eTA. An early eTA application may be refused.
A TRP is not a cure
A border officer can still refuse you, even with a valid TRP.
Check the page date
IRCC updated its criminal conviction pages on 23 July 2026. Check them before you apply.
Related pages
These pages cover refusals, letters and what to do next.
How to deal with a criminal record
Five actions, in order.
Find the offence
Name the offence, the country and the date.
Gather court records
Get court papers and proof your sentence is complete.
Count the years
Count from the end of your sentence, probation included.
Pick the route
Choose deemed rehabilitation, rehabilitation, a suspension or a TRP.
File and wait
Apply early. Rehabilitation can take over a year.
Want help picking the route?
We check your offence and your dates first.
Criminal inadmissibility, step by step
Six steps from record to decision.
Name your offence
Write down the charge, the country and the date.
Collect court papers
Get the court record and proof you finished every part of the sentence.
Count the years
Rehabilitation needs five years since the sentence ended and since the act.
Choose the fix
Match your case to one of the four routes.
Submit the application
Mail it to the visa office, or file it with your visa or permit application.
Wait before you travel
Do not travel on a guess. Wait for the decision.
Five mistakes with a criminal record
These mistakes cost time or bring a ban.
Leaving it off a form
Hiding a conviction can bring a five-year misrepresentation ban.
Applying for the eTA first
File rehabilitation first, then apply for the eTA.
Trusting a foreign pardon
Ask the visa office whether it counts in Canada.
Testing the border
You could be refused at arrival or face enforcement.
Applying too late
Rehabilitation can take over a year to process.
Criminal inadmissibility facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC, checked October 2026.
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Criminal inadmissibility FAQs
Can I enter Canada with a criminal record?
Maybe. You may be allowed in if you are deemed rehabilitated, approved for rehabilitation, granted a record suspension or hold a TRP. The right route depends on the crime and the years since your sentence ended.
What is the difference between criminality and serious criminality?
Serious criminality covers an offence with a maximum sentence of at least 10 years in Canada, or a Canadian sentence of more than six months. Criminality covers an indictable offence or two offences that did not come from one event (IRPA section 36).
What is deemed rehabilitation?
It means enough time has passed that your crime may no longer bar you. For a port of entry self-assessment, you need one conviction, at least 10 years since you finished every sentence, a crime that is not serious in Canada, and no serious property damage, physical harm or weapon. Approval is not guaranteed.
How long must I wait to apply for rehabilitation?
At least five years must have passed since the end of your sentence, probation included, and since the day you committed the act. You must also show you are rehabilitated and highly unlikely to commit more crimes.
How much does a rehabilitation application cost?
IRCC lists $246.25 for criminality and $1,231.00 for serious criminality. Fees can change, so check the IRCC fee list before you pay.
How long does a rehabilitation application take?
IRCC says these applications can take over a year. A deemed rehabilitation assessment can take six months or more, so plan well before your trip.
Is a DUI serious criminality for Canada?
Yes. IRCC says impaired driving can make you inadmissible for serious criminality, in Canada or abroad. If you were convicted in Canada, you must apply for a record suspension, and if you were convicted abroad, you can apply for rehabilitation after five years.
Does a TRP fix my criminal record?
No. A TRP lets you enter for a valid reason, and an officer weighs your need against the risk to Canadians. It can be cancelled, and a border officer can still refuse you entry.
Can Amir Ismail help with a criminal record and Canada?
Yes. Amir Ismail, RCIC R412319, reviews your record, your dates and your options. Book a Strategy Consultation before you file anything.