Currently the Americans are doing random criminal checks with Canadians crossing the US Border but soon criminal checks may be done for every Canadian crossing the US Border.
If you have a criminal record and are stopped by the Americans at the US Border you will be denied entry to the US and you will require an I-192 or US Entry Waiver to return to the US. These applications are complicated and expensive and are required for the rest of your life.
If you have not been stopped at the US Border, its a good idea to first obtain a Canada Pardon or file destruction to remove your criminal record from the RCMP files so that you will not be stopped at the US Border in the future.
Even if you have been charged for a criminal offence but the charge was later dismissed, withdrawn, stayed, absolute or conditional discharged, your file can be seen by the Americans and you may be subject to denial at the US Border.
Here is a recent article from the Toronto Star titled “Border Deal Fuels Concerns in Canada” that highlights how the Americans and Canadians are getting even more strict at the US-Canada Border.
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1094483–border-deal-fuels-concerns-in-canada
If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at [email protected] or call 1-877-929-6011 or 416-929-6011.