x
Contact us

Contact Information

1 (403) 452-9515

1 (800) 932-1190

Learn how we can help you

More Options...

I have several convictions from over 30 years ago. Will I be able to enter Canada and obtain a Canadian Work Permit?

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in Inadmissibility Issues and Waivers and Criminal Inadmissibility

I have several convictions from over 30 years ago.  Will I be able to enter Canada and obtain a Canadian Work Permit?

Because there are several convictions, you would not be able to apply for deemed rehabilitation at the POE. You would have to apply for Individual Rehabilitation through a Canadian Consulate.

The Individual Rehabilitation process can be lengthy and often takes more than a year to process. If you have not applied for a pardon/expungement/ record suspension in the jurisdiction where you were convicted, then begin the process now. Also, ensure you have all your court documents, parole officer notes, sentencing documents and any other supporting information regarding your past convictions, penalties and proof of completed sentences.

Because you are currently considered inadmissible, you will not be able to obtain a Canadian Work Permit unless you obtain a TRP first. There are no guarantees that you will be granted a TRP, as the Officer considering your application will weigh your reasons for entering Canada versus the risks to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Officer will consider if there is a compelling need for you to be in Canada, usually this would be some economic benefit to a Canadian employer or a specific event, like presenting at a conference.

If you are not sure if you are inadmissible, it is best to have your records reviewed by someone familiar with Canada’s criminal and immigration law to guide you through this process.


Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Founder/Managing Lawyer

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

More About Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

How To Travel Between Canada and the U.S. If You Have A Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record, you may still be able to travel between Canada and the U.S., but you may need to apply for a visa or permit. The specific requirements will depend on the nature ...

Read More

Episode 67 Inadmissibility Due To Criminality: How To Move Forward On Your Immigration Journey

Calgary immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah provides a detailed explanation of how an individual with a criminal incident in their past can qualify for a TRP or visa waiver to enter Canada ...

Read More

How Can An American With a DUI Travel to Canada on Business?

Canada and the United States are close neighbours, and many people who live near the border forget the fact that they are entering a foreign country and cross the border regularly for ...

Read More

Evelyn Ackah on the Fair Legal Blog: Is A Criminal Charge Preventing You From Visiting The US?

Immigration lawyer Evelyn Ackah spoke to criminal lawyer Charles Fair of Fair Legal in Calgary about how a background check can prevent Canadians from crossing the border to the United ...

Read More

How to Winter in Florida If You Have A DUI or Other Criminal Case

Too often, our office gets panicked calls from Canadian snowbirds who wanted to go to the U.S. but were stopped at the border - often people who have travelled regularly to the United ...

Read More

Are You Inadmissible To Enter Canada? A TRP May Let You Legally Cross The Border

If you are inadmissible to enter Canada due to a past criminal, security, health and other reason but want to visit Canada for business, holiday or a family reason, a Temporary Resident ...

Read More

Heli Source Ltd. has had the pleasure and opportunity to use the services of Ackah Law for our Immigration/Visa requirements since 2011. We have found the firm and the personnel to be extremely Professional, Knowledgeable, Timely and a Pleasure to work with, meeting and exceeding our needs.

With pleasure, I would strongly recommend Ackah Law for your Immigration and Visa requirements.

– Tony Hunley, President

View All Testimonials