Maple News reports that as global air travel rebounds from the impacts of the pandemic, international airlines are ramping up recruitment and resuming operations. With major players like Air Canada reinstating over 2,600 jobs and U.S.-based Delta Airlines planning to hire 1,000+ new pilots by summer next year, demand for airline professionals is sharply rising.
Canada stands as a crucial node in global aviation, with Toronto Pearson Airport offering the highest number of international destinations (163) in North America prior to the pandemic. In 2019 alone, the airport saw over 50 million passengers, while Vancouver International Airport served over 25 million. As international routes reopen, staffing needs are again reaching pre-pandemic levels.
However, foreign airline employees looking to enter Canada for work must be aware of immigration restrictions that could limit their ability to travel. One of the most common barriers is criminal inadmissibility. Even relatively minor offenses—like a single DUI conviction—can render someone ineligible to enter the country. While DUI charges may be treated as misdemeanors in countries like the United States, Canadian immigration considers such convictions more seriously.
Inadmissibility can prevent airline professionals from being hired or affect their ability to maintain employment, particularly in a field where international mobility is essential. Discovering at the last minute that a crew member is barred from entering Canada can disrupt schedules and impact airline operations.
Fortunately, there are legal remedies that can restore eligibility. Criminal rehabilitation is a process where Canada formally acknowledges that a previously inadmissible person no longer poses a risk. Once granted, this status does not expire—so long as no new offenses are committed. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the nature of the offense, sentence served, and time elapsed since completion of the sentence.
Another option is the Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), which allows short-term entry despite inadmissibility. TRPs can be issued for single or multiple entries within a period of up to three years. Notably, applicants with a valid, ongoing need to enter Canada—such as airline crew members—stand a better chance of securing a long-duration TRP.
Seeking legal counsel can be beneficial even if a criminal case is still pending abroad. An immigration lawyer can help assess how different outcomes might influence admissibility to Canada and whether rehabilitation or a TRP would be viable.
While establishing admissibility doesn’t guarantee airline employment, it greatly improves the odds. Airlines prefer candidates who can travel freely across borders without legal complications, making admissibility to Canada a key competitive advantage. As the aviation sector gears up for a strong recovery, being proactive about one’s legal standing can make all the difference for job-seekers in the industry.