Can a Person with a Recent Criminal Offence Travel to the U.S.?
Many people with a criminal record are concerned about traveling to the US. Understandably so, considering that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can refuse you entry at the US border if you have a criminal record.
Since June 2009, the Americans are requiring every Canadian to have a passport to cross the US border which has made it even easier for them to detect criminal records.
Even if your criminal charges are dismissed, stayed, withdrawn or acquitted or conditional or absolute discharge, you can be denied entry to the US.
We know this because we get calls from Canadians every day who have been denied entry at the US border because of their criminal record.
If you have been denied entry, then you need a US Entry Waiver or I-194 to re-enter the US. This process is very complicated and time consuming. We help hundreds of Canadians each month obtain US Entry Waivers so that they will be safe to travel.
If you have never been denied entry to the US but have a criminal record (or been charged criminally) you may be safe to travel to the US without a waiver if you obtain a Pardon or File Destruction.
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.
