{"id":12854,"date":"2016-11-08T17:49:33","date_gmt":"2016-11-08T17:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/immigrationca.staging.wpengine.com\/?p=12854"},"modified":"2025-12-05T15:42:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T20:42:17","slug":"entering-canada-impaired-driving-conviction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/entering-canada-impaired-driving-conviction\/","title":{"rendered":"Entering Canada with an Impaired Driving Conviction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On this page you will find<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why impaired driving makes you inadmissible to Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How Canada assesses impaired driving offences before and after 18 December 2018<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Options to enter temporarily through a Temporary Resident Permit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How criminal rehabilitation and deemed rehabilitation work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where and how to apply for each option<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Impaired driving is considered a serious crime under Canadian immigration law. Even a single conviction for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs can make you<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/criminal-inadmissibility-overview\"> criminally inadmissible to Canada<\/a>. This can prevent you from entering the country, regardless of how minor the offence may seem in your home jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada assesses foreign offences by comparing them to how the same offence would be treated under Canadian federal law. Since Canada increased the maximum penalty for impaired driving on 18 December 2018, many foreign impaired driving convictions now fall under serious criminality. This makes entering Canada more difficult without first resolving your inadmissibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite this, several pathways allow individuals with past impaired driving convictions to visit, work or immigrate to Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why impaired driving may stop you from entering Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada treats impaired driving as a serious public safety issue. As a result, any conviction related to operating a vehicle while impaired may result in criminal inadmissibility. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Driving While Impaired<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving While Intoxicated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operating Under the Influence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wet and Reckless<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dangerous or reckless driving involving alcohol or drugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Driving without due care and attention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are criminally inadmissible, border officers can refuse you entry. You must then use one of the available legal processes to overcome your inadmissibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-75\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/immigration-consultation\">Get Help Understanding Your Pathways to Canada<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Canada assesses offences before and after 18 December 2018<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada introduced tougher penalties for impaired driving on 18 December 2018. This matters because the date of your offence affects how inadmissibility is assessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you committed the offence before 18 December 2018<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Canada will assess your case using the penalties in force at the time. You may be inadmissible for criminality rather than serious criminality unless you received a Canadian prison sentence of more than six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are inadmissible for criminality only, you may qualify for deemed rehabilitation once 10 years have passed since completing all sentencing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you committed the offence on or after 18 December 2018<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Impaired driving became a serious criminal offence. This means a single impaired driving conviction can render you inadmissible for serious criminality, and deemed rehabilitation will not apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To enter Canada again, you must apply for either a Temporary Resident Permit or criminal rehabilitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/criminal-inadmissibility-temporary-residence-permit-trp\/\"> Temporary Resident Permit<\/a> allows you to enter Canada temporarily despite your inadmissibility. It is often the fastest option, especially if your conviction occurred less than five years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may apply for a TRP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>in advance at a Canadian visa office, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>at a Canadian port of entry (in urgent situations)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To qualify, you must show that your need to enter Canada outweighs any risk you pose to public safety. You must also demonstrate a compelling purpose for travel, such as business, family visits or urgent travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A TRP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>can be valid for up to three years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>may be cancelled at any time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>carries a C$200 processing fee (some older offences may be exempt)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A TRP is a temporary solution. You will need a new TRP each time you wish to travel unless you later obtain criminal rehabilitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Deemed Rehabilitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Deemed rehabilitation allows you to become admissible again without submitting a formal application. However, it applies only in limited circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may be deemed rehabilitated if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>at least 10 years have passed since completing all sentencing, fines and probation, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>your offence is not considered serious criminality under current Canadian law, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the offence did not involve bodily harm, significant property damage or a weapon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because impaired driving is now treated as serious criminality, deemed rehabilitation primarily applies to offences committed before 18 December 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A determination can be made:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>at a visa office (most reliable method)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>at a port of entry if you clearly meet all criteria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Processing through a visa office may take up to six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-75\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/immigration-consultation\">Get Expert Help Immigrating to Canada<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Criminal Rehabilitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Criminal<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/individual-rehabilitation\/\"> rehabilitation<\/a> is a formal, permanent solution that removes your<a href=\"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/determining-inadmissibility-individual-criminality\/\"> inadmissibility<\/a>. Once approved, you can enter Canada without requiring a TRP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may apply for criminal rehabilitation if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>at least five years have passed since completing all sentencing, including fines and probation, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>you meet the eligibility criteria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Criminal rehabilitation applications usually take more than a year to process. Once granted, the decision is final unless you commit a new offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applications must be submitted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>by mail within Canada to the appropriate immigration office,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>through a Visa Application Centre abroad if you do not already have a visa, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>directly to a visa office abroad if you already hold valid status to enter Canada.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764966930487\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I enter Canada with a recent impaired driving conviction?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If your conviction occurred less than five years ago, you are unlikely to qualify for rehabilitation. Your main option is a Temporary Resident Permit. You must show a strong, justified reason to enter Canada and demonstrate that any risk is minimal. Approval is discretionary and never guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764966940450\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is a DUI from the United States treated the same as one from Canada?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Canada assesses the underlying behaviour, not the terminology used in another country. U.S. DUIs, DWIs and similar offences are treated as impaired driving under Canadian law. If the conduct would be a serious offence in Canada, you may be found criminally inadmissible.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764966948514\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long do I have to wait to apply for criminal rehabilitation?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You must wait at least five years from the date you finished all parts of your sentence. This includes fines, licence suspensions, probation and any education programs. If any portion of your sentence remains outstanding, the five-year period has not begun.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764966959047\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the difference between deemed rehabilitation and criminal rehabilitation?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Deemed rehabilitation happens automatically, without a formal application, once enough time has passed and only if the offence is not considered serious criminality. Criminal rehabilitation requires a detailed application and official approval but provides a permanent solution regardless of the seriousness of the offence.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1764966967498\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Will Canada refuse me entry even if my offence was minor in my home country?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Possibly. Canada looks at how the offence compares to Canadian criminal law. Even if your home jurisdiction treats impaired driving as a misdemeanour, Canadian law may classify it as serious criminality. This can result in refusal unless you obtain a TRP or rehabilitation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how impaired driving convictions affect entry to Canada, and understand your options including TRPs, deemed rehabilitation and criminal rehabilitation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":481,"featured_media":152406,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5495],"tags":[78759,78761,78762,78760,78026],"class_list":["post-12854","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-criminal-inadmissibility","tag-criminal-rehabilitation-canada","tag-dui-inadmissible-canada","tag-enter-canada-with-dui","tag-impaired-driving-canada-entry","tag-trp-impaired-driving","category-5495","description-off"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12854","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/481"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12854"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12854\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/152406"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12854"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12854"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/immigration.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12854"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}