Demystifying Eligibility Criteria for Record Suspension
For Canadians with a criminal record, travelling to the United States can be stressful. Criminal charges, even those withdrawn or dismissed, can lead to complications at the US border, often resulting in denied entry.
Obtaining a Canadian pardon offers hope, helps to seal a criminal record and potentially opens the door to smoother travel experiences. In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges of travelling with a record and the experience of travelling to the US once a pardon is granted.
Why a Criminal Record Can Affect US Travel
The United States takes border security seriously, and criminal records are a frequent red flag. If you have a criminal record in Canada, even charges that have been withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, conditional or absolute discharged, you may be held for questioning or denied entry.
For individuals who have been denied entry before, future travel becomes even more complicated. In such cases, obtaining a US entry waiver is mandatory for legal re-entry.
Can You Travel With a Pardon?
In Canada, obtaining a pardon, also known as a record suspension, seals your criminal record, removing it from public view. This can make travelling to the US far less stressful, as border officials are less likely to see past charges.
If you have not been denied entry to the US but have been charged criminally, you can obtain a Canadian pardon. While a pardon improves your chances of entry, it’s essential to note that it does not guarantee access to the US. Border officials have ultimate discretion and can still deny entry based on other factors.
Travelling and Pardons: A Success Story
The impact of criminal record pardons can be life-changing. For one client, the ability to travel freely after years of restrictions was a long-awaited dream come true. Their story highlights the relief and freedom that come with travelling and pardons, bringing lifelong dreams within reach:
“I would like to thank you and your company for working on my behalf to receive a pardon under the Criminal Records Act.
“I now can feel free to go away into the southern part of the USA to spend the winter months, away from all the snow and cold that we get up here in the winter.
“My wife and I have been wanting to travel all over to see some of the wonders of nature when we retired but felt that we couldn’t because of this criminal record.
“We will now be able to see all the places we have wanted to go.”
Contact Our Team About Travelling to the US With a Pardon
Travelling to the US with a criminal record can feel like a daunting challenge, but a Canadian pardon offers a path to relief. While it doesn’t guarantee entry, it removes a significant barrier, allowing individuals to move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Don’t let a criminal record limit your travel opportunities. Contact Pardons Canada about travelling to the US with a pardon today to take the first step toward reclaiming your freedom.
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.
