Can a Person with a Recent Criminal Offence Travel to the U.S.?
Since June 30th we have received more calls than in the past from Canadians who have been turned away at the US border because of an old criminal record.
Even if you have a conditional or absolute discharge, withdrawn, dismissed or stayed charges may still show up because you have been fingerprinted and photographed by the police.
This is likely the result of the Americans requiring by law that all Canadians must have a passport to cross the US border.
When you have been denied entry to the US, you need a US Entry Waiver or I-194 in order to re-enter the US. This application is complicated and lengthy.
The Americans or DHS (Department of Homeland Security) will decide how long the US Entry Waiver is good for. Our goal in helping Canadians with the US Entry Waiver is to ensure that it is done right so that the application is accepted by the American government and that they approve the longest possible Waiver.
If you have never been denied entry to the US, you may not need a US Entry Waiver or I-194. You may simply need to get a Canada Pardon which will remove your criminal record so that it is no longer available to be seen on the RCMP CPIC.
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.
Pardons Canada undertakes all necessary steps and procedures for removing your criminal record, including: Pardons/Record Suspensions, Purges, Photograph & Fingerprint Destruction, and U.S. Entry Waivers.
