Canada has extremely strict entry requirements. A past misdemeanor, including a single DUI or reckless driving charge, can result in being turned away at the border. We help travelers overcome criminal inadmissibility to enter Canada legally.
Under Canadian law, driving under the influence (DUI) is treated as serious criminality. Whether you are traveling for business, vacation, or family matters, immigration officers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or land crossings can deny entry. We assess your record and map the correct path to resolve inadmissibility.
If you have a pressing reason to visit Canada but are inadmissible, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) can grant temporary entry. We help you build a compelling case proving that your need to enter Canada outweighs any potential health or safety risks to the Canadian public.
For a permanent solution, you can apply for Criminal Rehabilitation. Once approved, your past offenses will no longer bar you from Canada. This is ideal for frequent business travelers, professionals, and individuals seeking permanent residency.
General information for Vancouver applicants — not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts and current IRCC or IRB policy.
In most cases, a DUI conviction makes you criminally inadmissible to Canada. To enter legally, you must either obtain a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for a temporary visit, or be approved for Criminal Rehabilitation for permanent access. The rules depend on when the offense occurred and the sentencing details.
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a temporary waiver for a specific visit or duration. Criminal Rehabilitation is a permanent clearance that completely resolves your inadmissibility, meaning you no longer need special waivers to enter Canada.
TRP processing times can range from several months at visa offices to immediate assessment at land borders for urgent needs. Criminal Rehabilitation applications generally take 6 to 12 months, so advance planning is highly recommended.
Yes, reckless driving or dry reckless convictions under US law are often equated to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle under the Canadian Criminal Code, which makes an individual inadmissible to Canada.
Share your timeline and goals on our consultation page — we will outline practical next steps for your immigration strategy in BC.
Immigration consultation — Vancouver