Maple News reports that, as of August 9, Canada has reopened its border to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents for non-essential travel—including tourism. With this change, a large segment of American travelers, including wildlife enthusiasts interested in hunting and fishing, are again looking northward. However, a key consideration for some is Canada’s strict laws regarding individuals with past criminal records.
In Canada, criminal inadmissibility is not taken lightly. Even minor or distant offences from another country can restrict entry. Canadian immigration law compares foreign convictions to Canadian laws and classifies offences as indictable (serious), summary (less serious), or hybrid (can be tried as either). Surprisingly, even a pending charge or a crime that would be considered minor in the U.S., like a DUI, can result in inadmissibility if it’s deemed equivalent to a hybrid or indictable offence in Canada.
There are three primary pathways to address criminal inadmissibility: Temporary Resident Permits (TRP), criminal rehabilitation, and legal opinion letters. A TRP allows short-term entry and can be applied for at a port of entry or beforehand, but approval is not guaranteed and typically is granted only for urgent or justified reasons. TRPs cost $200 CAD and are usually valid only for the duration of a specific visit, making them less practical for casual or recreational travel like hunting or fishing.
For a more permanent solution, individual or deemed rehabilitation may be appropriate. Individual rehabilitation is available to those who completed all sentencing at least five years ago and can demonstrate they are no longer a risk to commit crimes. Deemed rehabilitation, on the other hand, happens automatically in certain circumstances—typically ten years must pass after sentence completion for indictable offences, or five years for two or more summary offences. Either form, once granted, restores the traveler’s admissibility indefinitely—unless they re-offend.
In cases where charges are pending or the legal situation is nuanced, a Canadian immigration lawyer can provide a legal opinion letter. This document can clarify circumstances and influence border officers’ decisions, especially when it comes to relatively minor offences or misunderstandings.
Hunters and fishers should also be mindful of Canada’s strict firearm regulations. Visitors must declare all firearms at the border and complete the Non-Resident Firearms Declaration Form in advance. Certain firearms legal in the U.S. may be restricted or prohibited in Canada, requiring special authorization to transport. Non-compliance can result in confiscation, fines, or even criminal charges.
Finally, since hunting and fishing are considered leisure activities, customs officials may scrutinize whether the benefit of one’s visit outweighs any perceived risk. Longer trips, significant local economic contributions, and older or less serious criminal records may tilt the decision in the applicant’s favor.
With the border open again, Americans planning a hunting or fishing trip to Canada should take these legal considerations seriously. A proactive approach—along with expert guidance—can help ensure memorable experiences without unexpected border complications.