Even If You Have Crossed the US Border in the Past, You Can Still Be Turned Away

Think you’re safe to travel to the US with a criminal record because you’ve crossed before? Think again. A single border check can uncover your record – no matter how old or minor – and stop you from entering.

With the right help, you can protect yourself from being turned away. Pardons Canada is here to guide you through clearing your record or securing the documents you need for worry-free travel.

Past Crossings Won’t Guarantee Future Entry

Many people with an old criminal record believe that if they have crossed the border in the past without a problem, there will be no issue in the future. This is WRONG. It just takes one customs officer who decides to do a criminal check, and they will uncover your criminal record and then possibly refuse you entry to the US.

It does not matter how minor or how old the charges are – they can even see withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, and absolute and conditional discharges.

Why a Criminal Record Suspension Matters for Travel

If you are denied entry to the US, then you will require a US Entry Waiver or I-92 or I-194 to return to the US. This is a complicated and lengthy application and can take 7-20 months to obtain.

If you have never been denied entry to the US, then it is a good idea to get a criminal record suspension or a file destruction so that you may be safe to travel to the US in the future. This is your chance to avoid trouble at the border, and Pardons Canada can help.

A Real Story of Being Turned Away at the US Border

Here is a real-life example of an email we recently received from a distressed traveller after being turned away at the US border:

“I reside in North Ontario, which is only a 20-minute drive to New York. We frequent the US for a variety of things—shopping, dining, etc. My parents have a place in Florida, which we also visit yearly.

All the times we’ve crossed, I have never been asked if I had a criminal record. Of course, when asked, I replied yes. I mentioned a drunk driving charge I incurred more than 14 years ago. Homeland Security asked if I had any other charges, and I replied no. They asked my brother-in-law and me to park and go in.

They obviously ran a check on me and not only came up with the drunk driving charge but also a theft under $1,000 charge from more than 20 years ago that I forgot about. When pressed, I brought it up, but truly, it was a forgotten charge. I was only 20 years old. It was a conditional discharge.

Please help. I need to travel between both countries. Anything you can do to help would be most appreciated.”

How Pardons Canada Can Help

If you have a criminal record but have never been denied entry, applying for a criminal record suspension (pardon) or file destruction can help prevent future travel issues. For those who have already been denied entry, a US Entry Waiver is required to regain access.

Pardons Canada has over 35 years of experience guiding Canadians through these legal processes, helping them navigate paperwork, meet eligibility requirements, and submit applications with the highest chance of approval.

Take Action Today to Protect Your Travel Privileges

Don’t wait until you’re turned away at the border. If you have a criminal record, even if you have entered the US before, you could still be denied in the future. Pardons Canada is here to help – contact us now to start the process.

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.