If you are thinking of heading north but have a felony on your record? Canada doesn’t make it easy. Their strict border policies often deny entry to U.S. citizens with a criminal history—even minor offenses.
Why Canada Makes It So Hard for Felons to Visit?
According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), individuals with a criminal record may be considered “criminally inadmissible” to Canada. This isn’t just a warning—it’s law. And it applies to:
- Felons (regardless of the conviction date)
- People with misdemeanor convictions
- Even those who received a pardon or expungement (in some cases)
Unlike many other countries, Canada treats foreign convictions as if they happened on Canadian soil, applying its own criminal code for equivalency. Even a DUI in Texas could be the equivalent of a felony under Canadian law.
Can felons travel to Canada from the USA?
Yes—but only if one of three legal paths is followed:
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
- Criminal Rehabilitation
- Record Suspension or Pardon (recognized by Canada)
Let’s dig deeper into each option and the conditions under which a felon can legally enter Canada in 2025.
What Makes a Felon “Inadmissible” to Canada?
Canada uses the term inadmissible to describe anyone who is not legally allowed to enter. Inadmissibility due to criminality applies if you:
- Were convicted of a crime inside or outside Canada
- Committed an act outside Canada that is considered a crime under Canadian law
What are the Common Convictions That Make You Inadmissible?
| Type of Offense | Inadmissibility Risk | Canadian Equivalent |
| DUI/DWI | ✅ High | Indictable Offense (Felony) |
| Drug possession/trafficking | ✅ High | Indictable |
| Assault (including domestic violence) | ✅ High | Indictable |
| Theft, robbery, burglary | ✅ High | Hybrid/Indictable |
| White-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement) | ✅ High | Indictable |
| Minor traffic violations | ❌ Low | Summary Offense |
| Juvenile offenses | 🔶 Case-by-case | Depends on age and severity |
How Long Must a Felon Wait Before Becoming Eligible?
Canada requires that at least 5 years must have passed since the completion of your sentence—including jail time, parole, and probation—before you can apply for Criminal Rehabilitation.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows felons to enter Canada temporarily if they have a valid reason for the visit, like work, family, or humanitarian concerns.
Key Requirements:
- Must demonstrate why your trip is necessary
- Must prove you’re not a risk to Canadian society
- Can apply before you travel or at the border (not recommended unless urgent)
Duration of TRP:
TRPs are typically valid for a single visit or up to 3 years, depending on the reason and severity of your offense.
Required Documents for TRP:
- FBI background check
- State police records
- Court documents for all convictions
- Personal statement explaining the purpose of your visit
- Supporting documents (invitation letter, job offer, etc.)
Hire a Canadian immigration lawyer for faster processing and a stronger case.
Criminal Rehabilitation
If it’s been 5 years or more since you completed your sentence, you can apply for Criminal Rehabilitation—a one-time, permanent solution to inadmissibility.
Benefits of Rehabilitation:
- Permanent clearance from inadmissibility
- No need for TRPs every time you travel
- Safer and more predictable option than applying at the border
Fees and Processing Times:
- Application fee: CAD $200 for most; CAD $1,000 for serious crimes
- Processing time: 6 to 12 months
Required Documents:
- Police clearance from all states and countries lived in
- Court documents for each conviction
- Proof of rehabilitation (e.g., employment, therapy, community service)
- Personal narrative
- Copies of passport, ID, and previous visas
Canadian Pardon or Record Suspension
If your conviction was pardoned or expunged in the U.S., you might think you’re in the clear. Unfortunately, Canada doesn’t automatically recognize U.S. pardons.
What Canada Requires:
Canada assesses whether your record still shows a serious offense under its own laws, even if expunged. In many cases, you’ll still need a TRP or Rehabilitation unless:
- Your conviction was minor (summary offense)
- Your record was sealed in a way Canada accepts
What Happens at the Canadian Border?
Even with a plane ticket or approved visa, border agents have the final say. They can pull up your FBI record and:
- Ask questions about your conviction
- Request additional documents
- Deny entry even if you hold a TRP (though rare)
Never attempt to cross without disclosure. Border agents share criminal data with U.S. authorities via CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) and FBI.
More Opportunities: Can Felons Become Cops or Police Officers?
Case Studies
Case #1: DUI in 2018 – Denied at Border
Brian, 35, from California had a single DUI in 2018. He assumed it was “just a misdemeanor” and drove to Canada in 2024. Border agents flagged his record and denied him entry on the spot.
Case #2: Drug Charge in 2012 – Approved for Rehabilitation
Jessica, 42, completed a sentence for drug possession in 2012. In 2020, she applied for Criminal Rehabilitation and was approved in 2021. She’s now free to travel to Canada without restrictions.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Entry
- Be honest on your application. Lying about your record is an automatic denial.
- Gather every document. Missing paperwork delays or kills your application.
- Include character references. Personal letters from employers or clergy help.
- Use legal assistance. Immigration lawyers know what works.
- Start early. Processing takes months. Don’t wait until your flight is booked.
How Does Canada Compare with Other Countries?
| Country | Entry Rules for Felons |
| Canada | Strict – requires TRP or Rehabilitation |
| Mexico | Milder – often allows entry unless offense is serious |
| UK | Moderate – some offenses allowed after 10 years |
| Australia | Strict – full disclosure required |
| Japan | Very strict – may deny even minor convictions |
Can You Visit Canada by Plane, Train, or Car?
Yes—felons can use any method of travel if they’re legally admissible. But the border scrutiny is the same whether you’re flying into Toronto or driving into Vancouver.
- Airports: CBSA agents do detailed screening
- Land border crossings: Often check records for U.S. plates
- Cruises: Canada-bound cruises from Seattle may deny boarding at port
Final Thought
Crossing into Canada with a felony on your record isn’t impossible—but it’s far from simple. Whether you’re planning a vacation, visiting family, or attending a business event, you’ll need to navigate Canada’s strict inadmissibility rules with the right paperwork, patience, and proof that you’ve turned your life around. If you follow the legal steps—through a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation—you can travel confidently and lawfully. Canada may be cautious, but it doesn’t close the door forever. It just asks that you knock the right way.
Final Thought
Can I travel to Canada if I had a felony 20 years ago?
Yes, if it’s been over 5 years since your sentence was completed, you can apply for Criminal Rehabilitation.
Can I go to Canada for vacation with a record?
Only if you have a valid TRP or have been deemed rehabilitated.
Will Canada know about my U.S. record?
Yes. Canada shares criminal databases with the U.S.
What if I wasn’t convicted, just arrested?
Arrests alone usually won’t result in inadmissibility, but CBSA may ask questions.
Can I get a Canadian visa with a felony?
Yes—but your visa won’t override inadmissibility. You must resolve that first via TRP or Rehabilitation.
