If you are traveling to the US with a criminal record, it is possible that you will get turned away at the border. Even if the criminal charge is a minor one, or if you have received a conditional or absolute discharge, the Americans have the right to deny you entry.
Once you get denied entry to the US, you will need a US Entry Waiver to re-enter. If you get a Canada Pardon or File Destruction before being denied entry, it is possible you can cross the US border without any hassle.
Here is a letter from a person we recently helped to get a Canada Pardon for an assault charge:
“I received my official pardon documents today and I wanted to thank the staff at Pardons Canada for making it happen. I doubt I would have taken all the necessary steps without your guidance and assistance.”
“Fortunately, due to industry selection, my criminal record never hampered my ability to get a job but it always gave me concern and hung like a cloud whenever travel to the US came up for discussion.”
“However, I no longer work in that industry and today’s job market is different with criminal record checks more common. After all these years it became a huge concern over the impact a criminal record could have on any future employment not to mention my current employer now insisting criminal background checks for all new personnel at my level.”
“Most importantly, I am now safe to travel to the US without worry that I will be turned away at the US border which would have been a huge embarassment to myself and my family.”
If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.
