I was convicted of a DUI misdemeanor in 2001 in the state of Florida. Probation served, fines paid, no jail time. All over by 2002. No prior or new convictions since. Can I get into Canada with only my Driver's License and US Passport? Some background:
I will be traveling to Canada in 2014 (6 days, for tourism). I have been researching the Canadian government's website, and it's a lot of information to process. Can you please help me with some questions?
1. Am I eligible to enter Canada under there more "lax" rules, which went into effect March 1, 2012? Or am I still taking my chances?
2. Do I need to (or should I) complete an Application for Rehabilitation?
3. Do I need to (or should I) apply for a Temporary Resident Permit?
4. For questions 2 and and 3, should I apply for both?
Thank you for the thoughtful answer. I was not able to recategorize and had to repost the question, now under Border Crossing/Immigration.
I am a criminal lawyer (as will be the vast majority of attorneys who see your question as posted - with "DUI" as practice area and tagged for "DUI") and you really should address this issue with a immigration lawyer, so I suggest that you either retag (if you can) or repost and tag (if you cannot add tags to this question) and instead of tagging "DUI" (which will attract criminal lawyers like me) instead tag "immigration" or "customs" or "borders" and see if that doesn't get you some solid advise.
Good luck!
Jerry JenkinsCriminal Defense AttorneyOrlando, FL ·
This seems like the wrong section to ask this question. Additionally, I for one can not answer what another government entity is going to do. We as lawyers can not even predict our own government's actions. You may want to try and contact an attorney in Canada to see what they suggest as the appropriate way to ensure you can make it into Canada.
While an immigration attorney would be able to provide you with sound advice, my experience with this issue suggests that after 10 years have elapsed, the ability to enter Canada is generally much more likely. During the first five years, there is almost no likelihood. During the second five years, you may petition for entry, but the process is burdensome, slow, and uncertain. After ten years, as I suggested, the task may be far more realistic. Contact the Canadian Consulate for more guidance.
