The law in the US is that they do not have to allow a foreigner into their country with a criminal record, period. Impaired Driving or DUI is among the most common criminal charge in Canada and many people do not know if they are safe to travel.
In our experience, most customs officers will allow you into the US with an Impaired Driving or DUI as long as you have the appropriate paperwork to prove that its your only charge. Of course, if you get a nasty customs officer he can deny you entry solely based on the law.
When we start the pardon process, we can usually get the necessary paperwork to be safe to cross the border within 4-12 weeks, well before the pardon is granted.
Here is a letter we recently received from a client with an Impaired Driving charge that we helped to get a Pardon:
“I would like to extend my appreciation for all the work your team did in getting this pardon.”
“Back in 2002, I was convicted for driving over the limit with alcohol in my system. I was chopping firewood at my cottage all day and afterwards had a few drinks. My mistake was to drive to the local restaurant to get a meal. I felt fine, but evidently not as per the breath check.”
“I have recently retired after over 30 years at a multi national company in a sales and marketing capacity. The last few year of travel to the US were of major concern about being barred for entry. I have regretted my actions ever since the day I was charged.”
“Now that the pardon as arrived, I feel much more comfortable about crossing the US border.”
“Now I feel like a real person again….”
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.