Can a Person with a Recent Criminal Offence Travel to the U.S.?
Every day we get calls from Canadians who have been turned away at the US border because of a criminal record. Often these people are surprised because they did not realize an old criminal record would show up.
Since June 1st, the Americans are requiring every Canadian to have a passport to cross the US border and they have become even more diligent at uncovering criminal records. They are even uncovering criminal charges that have been stayed, dismissed, acquitted or absolute and conditionally discharged.
Its a shame that so many people don’t realize that they could have gotten a Pardon for the criminal charge or a file destruction for the non-convictions (stayed, dismissed, acquitted, absolute and conditional discharge) so that the Americans would have never seen the criminal charges upon their search.
Once the Americans turn you away at the US border, then you need to obtain a US Entry Waiver.
Here is a letter we received from a client we helped to get a Canada Pardon and US Entry Waiver:
“25 years ago I was charged with a domestic assault. Surprising to me, 25 years later I went on my vacation and upon my return I had to go through a passport control office at the US Border.”
“I couldn’t believe it when they asked me what I was arrested for 25 yrs. ago. I was shocked to learn that it was still on my record.”
“When I got home I went to the police headquarters and they told me I had to go to Pardons Canada to have my criminal charge removed.”
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.
