Getting a Canada visa rejection can devastate applicants wishing to enter Canada. A major reason for rejection is criminal inadmissibility. However, having a criminal record does not mean you can never enter Canada. This is why we bring to you the answer to the question, “Is it possible to get a Canada visa despite having a criminal record?“
The following blog post will help you understand the reasons for inadmissibility, the people prone to it and the measures you can take to get a positive visa decision on your application.
What are the reasons for becoming inadmissible in Canada on criminal grounds?
IRCC the visa assessing and processing authority can find you criminally inadmissible for the following reasons:
As a result, any offence that is punishable in your him country and is illegal in Canada can result in visa refusal. If look at a breakdown of offences that result in visa rejection then you can better understand the gravity of the situation.
List of offences that will lead to Canada visa rejection
As shared earlier, having a criminal record does not mean you can never enter or visit Canada. The Canadian government offers various pathways for such applicants to get visa approval. The following is a list of the same:
A TRP application is a short-term solution and can help you gain entry into Canada for 3 years. Also, you can apply for an extension on the same from inside Canada.
This application aims to show that the benefit of your entry is higher than your criminal record. Also, the process is the fastest among all the other options available.
If you wish to apply for a TRP application then your case must come under 1 of the following:
To get a Canada visa despite having a criminal record, you can apply with a TRP application. However, there are 2 ways of doing the same:
Canadian Consultate Applications
You can apply to TRP with the help of a consulate. This is the fastest way of getting a Canada visa with a criminal record. The process takes up to 6 to 12 months. Also, applying through a consulate guarantees higher chances of visa success. Also, gives faster clarity on whether you can enter Canada or not.
Port of Entry (POE) Applications
These are emergency applications which you can make at Canadian airports, ports of entry, land crossing, and sea crossing. This is the fastest way of getting a visa approval. However, carries a degree of risk as well. Because if your visa is rejected you will have to apply through a consulate.
This option allows applicants to enter Canada with a past criminal record. However, you can apply after a certain period has passed away. Also, if you get approval you will not be inadmissible and will not need TRP. Besides, this option is permanent and does not require any renewal process.
To do the same, you choose 1 of the following:
Who can apply for a Criminal Rehabilitation?
You can apply for criminal rehabilitation if you meet the following terms:
If you meet the above terms, you can apply for criminal rehabilitation, to enter Canada with a past criminal record.
This option can help applicants avoid becoming inadmissible to Canada based on their criminal record. To do the same, the applicant will need the help of an immigration attorney.
Because the attorney will draft the letter, outline all applicable laws, and showcase how the applicant’s entry will affect Canada.
In short, having a criminal record can no longer stop you from living your Canadian dream. If you are seeking guidance on the same connect with immigration experts.
Mr. Kalyan Paul, President & CEO is the founder of GVI, an MBA in Finance and also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from Canada. Mr. Paul has more than 18 years of experience in immigration consulting that made him one of the preferred & valued immigration consultants in the immigration industry. He is a licensed member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) [Previously known as Immigration Consultants Of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC)] (Membership ID: R417119) which is a professional body of licensed immigration consultants recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
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