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Being Denied Entry into Canada

This post is intended for non-Canadians attempting to enter Canada with a criminal conviction.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has an FAQ for visitors to Canada which includes a section called "Overcoming criminal inadmissibility".
Can I enter Canada if I am found criminally inadmissible? 
Normally you cannot enter or stay in Canada if you are inadmissible. However, there are ways of overcoming your criminal inadmissibility.
If you are inadmissible, you may become admissible again if you:
  • satisfy an immigration or border services officer that you meet the legal requirements to be deemed rehabilitated;
You may also be offered a temporary resident permit if
  • your reason to travel to Canada is justified in the circumstances; and
  • you do not pose a risk because of your inadmissibility.
Visits considered justified could include family emergencies or business conferences. Pleasure trips are normally not considered justified in the circumstances.

The details are quite similar to the I-192 waiver process, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant as offered by the United States. For your reference, there is a previous post where I also discussed Americans travelling to Canada with a criminal record.

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