NSW Travelling to US & Canada with Drink Driving Offence on Criminal Record

[Paul Longinidis]

Hi, I received a DUI (drink driving) around 3-4 years ago. I have already booked a trip to the US and Canada starting travel in July of this year, but am really concerned about getting into Canada. It is really hard to get information from fellow Aussies who have gone through the same scenario. What are the chances of being let in at the border? It is my only offence on my criminal record which was a 0.104 which a mid range here in Australia.

Please let me know of any tips or info.

Thank you

 

[Tim W]

Why not ask the Canadian Embassy?

 

[procrastinasian]

Hi Paul,

I worked as a paralegal in Canada doing immigration law in 2008 so from my experience, it was definitely a lot easier to enter Canada back then than it is now. In general, the most common method I have used was a Temporary Resident Permit (but it requires urgent circumstances.) However, for some general information, I think this might be helpful for you:

Canada Immigration News - Entering Canada with a DUI Conviction

 

[Paul Longinidis]

Hi Paul,

I worked as a paralegal in Canada doing immigration law in 2008 so from my experience, it was definitely a lot easier to enter Canada back then than it is now. In general, the most common method I have used was a Temporary Resident Permit (but it requires urgent circumstances.) However, for some general information, I think this might be helpful for you:

Canada Immigration News - Entering Canada with a DUI Conviction

Thanks for that!

Is there really much hope of just being allowed into the border or is that really a rarity. I only have 2 months untill my trip so i doubt ill have time to get a TRP done.

Paul

 

[procrastinasian]

We don't usually allow people with DUI's in the country (because our mentality is similar to the US in terms of the issue.)

However, you can try contacting Citizenship and Immigration Canada further:

Overcome criminal convictions

If you just show up there, you might be able to convince an immigration officer that your offence happened years ago and you've changed, but I cannot make guarantees if you will be accepted.

Try giving CIC a call to explain your situation and they might be able to help you further in terms of making an objective decision. I think that is better than just going down and risking being deported anyway.