Have You Been Denied Entry to Canada?

If you are eligible to enter Canada but you are denied entry due to having a criminal history, the emotional effect can be as devastating as the change in plans. Regardless of the severity of the offences or how long ago they occurred, a criminal past raises flags for Canadian immigration officers.

Fortunately, there may be options for you to become admissible. If you are denied entry to Canada, it is recommended to immediately contact an immigration lawyer that can explore your situation and determine if you are still eligible to enter the country.

Niren & Associates has over 15 years experience assisting individuals to successfully enter Canada, including many who have been initially denied entry. We will use our extensive knowledge of the legal system and apply it to your predicament to see if you have any options.

Contact our Montreal immigration lawyers now for a consultation

I travelled to the port of entry to get approval of a temporary residence permit over the weekend prior to my trip this week and was pleasantly surprised that the officer, after reading the packet you sent, granted me a 6 month TRP (which he said was the longest he could do) and also a RABC for six months also! – Greg S.

Option 1: Getting a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

If you have been entry to Canada due to a criminal record, offence or for certain medical conditions, you may apply a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), which could allow you entry to Canada as a visitor, worker or student.

US Citizens and those from visa exempt countries may apply for TRP at the Canada/US Border or Port of Entry. However, applying at a border or airport can be risky, since you could be refused and turned away. In some very rare cases, you could be detained by the Canada Immigration authorities.

For these reasons, it is imperative to have an experienced immigration lawyer assess your situation, so you’ll know what the best course of action would be for your unique scenario.

At Niren and Associates, we’ve dealt with every kind of refused entry case, and we are aware of all the challenges and frustrations that you may encounter. We will consider your potential options and advise you at each step of the process.

Contact our Montreal immigration law office for a professional assessment

The Length of Time Permitted for a TRP

Depending on the circumstances of your case, the length of time your TRP will be valid can be for a number of months or years, or for a single entry to Canada or for multiple entries. This is precisely why an immigration lawyer is an effective ally when you have been denied entry, as they can represent your case while it’s in the system.

Option 2: Criminal Rehabilitation Application

In certain cases, if your conviction occurred 5 years ago or longer, you may be eligible to make an application for Criminal Rehabilitation to enter Canada. If approved, it will wipe out your criminal inadmissibility that prevents you from entering.

Like the Temporary Resident Permit, an application for Criminal Rehabilitation can be made at a Canada/US border if you are a U.S. Citizen or from a visa exempt country. A Criminal Rehabilitation application can also be made at a Canadian Consulate or Embassy.

Keep in mind that if the correct documents are not submitted for your Criminal Rehabilitation application, the rehabilitation process will be negatively affected. Before you apply, it is imperative to discuss your qualifications with an experienced immigration lawyer. When you’ve been refused entry, enlist the help of legal experts who will work closely with you to help find solutions.

Contact our Montreal immigration attorneys to help overcome your denied entry to Canada