According to Maple News, U.S. citizens with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in their past may still be eligible to visit Canada—but there are important entry rules and legal pathways to understand beforehand.
Canada enforces strict inadmissibility laws concerning individuals with criminal records, including older DUI charges. When traveling from the U.S., your passport is electronically linked to your FBI criminal history, which border agents with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can review upon your arrival. Even a single DUI charge or conviction can lead to refusal at the border unless certain steps have been taken in advance.
However, Canada’s immigration system does offer routes to overcome this barrier. The key options include a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), Criminal Rehabilitation, and a Legal Opinion Letter—each serving different circumstances depending on how long ago the offense occurred and whether it led to a conviction.
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) allows individuals whose DUI sentence was completed less than five years ago to temporarily enter Canada. Applicants must demonstrate a compelling reason for their visit and prove that the benefits of their entry outweigh any potential risks.
For those whose DUI sentence was completed five or more years ago, applying for Criminal Rehabilitation offers a permanent solution. Once approved, the individual is considered rehabilitated and should no longer be denied entry based on that past offense—as long as they have not committed additional crimes.
If you’ve only been charged with a DUI but not convicted, a Legal Opinion Letter prepared by a lawyer can help. The document explains the nature of the charges and argues your case for admissibility. While not a guarantee, it may help CBSA officers allow your entry as your legal process unfolds.
Each of these options requires preparation, documentation, and often legal guidance. The Canadian government assesses each situation individually, factoring in the type of offense, completion date of the sentence, and reasons for travel.
The takeaway from Maple News: A DUI does not automatically disqualify you from visiting Canada, but proactive steps and the correct legal pathways are essential to secure entry and avoid being turned away at the border.