October 31, 2025
Entering Canada with a DUI: What You Need to Know and How to Overcome Inadmissibility
MyWorld Immigration | October 2025
Trying to visit or enter Canada with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or other criminal record can be complicated — and, if unprepared, could lead to being refused entry at the border.
Under Canadian immigration law, a DUI is treated as a serious criminal offence. This means that if you’re not a Canadian citizen, you can be found criminally inadmissible, even if the conviction happened outside of Canada.
However, there is good news: you may still be able to enter Canada legally — if you take the right steps in advance.
At MyWorld Immigration, our licensed consultants help clients overcome criminal inadmissibility and regain access to Canada. Here’s what you should know and the steps to take before you travel.
🧾 Step 1: Understand Criminal Inadmissibility
Only Canadian citizens have an automatic right to enter Canada.
If you’re a foreign national (visitor, worker, or student) or even a permanent resident, you can be refused entry due to past criminal charges or convictions.
You may be found criminally inadmissible if you have:
- Pending charges
- Arrest records
- Warrants
- Convictions — including for DUI, assault, theft, or other offences
❗ Do not attempt to enter Canada until you’ve taken proper legal or immigration steps. Repeated attempts while inadmissible could lead to an exclusion order, barring you from entering Canada for years.
⚖️ Step 2: Identify the Canadian Equivalent of Your Offence
The seriousness of your offence under Canadian criminal law determines how immigration officials assess your admissibility.
This involves finding out what your foreign conviction (e.g., DUI in the U.S.) equates to under the Canadian Criminal Code. Factors like:
- The number of offences
- The date of the offence(s)
- When your sentence was completed
- Whether there were any aggravating factors
…will affect your options for entry.
Because these details can be complex, it’s best to consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer who can help determine your Canadian legal equivalent and advise on your best remedy.
🧭 Step 3: Choose the Right Remedy for Your Situation
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for one of several options to overcome inadmissibility and enter Canada legally.
✅ Option 1: You Have Pending Charges
If you’ve been charged with a DUI but haven’t been convicted yet, you can strengthen your case by obtaining a Legal Opinion Letter.
A Legal Opinion Letter is written by an immigration professional or lawyer to explain your situation to border officials. It:
- Provides background on your case and charges
- Explains why you should be allowed entry
- References relevant Canadian laws
- Demonstrates that you pose minimal risk to public safety
While not mandatory, this document can significantly improve your chances of being admitted at the border.
✅ Option 2: You Were Convicted of a DUI (After December 18, 2018) or Have Multiple Convictions
If your DUI conviction occurred after December 18, 2018 — or you have more than one conviction — you will likely need to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
Criminal Rehabilitation allows individuals who have completed their sentence at least five years ago to demonstrate that they are rehabilitated and no longer pose a risk.
You must show that you:
- Have completed all parts of your sentence (including fines and probation)
- Lead a stable, responsible life
- Have had no further offences
This process is a formal application submitted to a Canadian consulate and, once approved, permanently removes your inadmissibility.
✅ Option 3: You Were Convicted of a DUI Before December 18, 2018 (Single Offence Only)
If your DUI occurred before December 18, 2018, and you have no other criminal record, you may qualify for Deemed Rehabilitation.
This applies if a significant amount of time (typically 10 years or more) has passed since completing your sentence. If the offence was minor and isolated, Canadian authorities may consider you automatically rehabilitated.
A Legal Opinion Letter can help demonstrate that you meet these conditions.
✅ Option 4: You Are Inadmissible but Have an Urgent Need to Enter Canada
If you must enter Canada for urgent or compelling reasons, you may apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
A TRP is issued when the benefits of your visit outweigh the risks of your inadmissibility.
You may qualify if you:
- Need to attend an emergency family matter
- Require urgent business or medical travel
- Are escaping abusive or unsafe conditions
A TRP can be valid for up to three years, depending on your situation, and must be renewed or exited before expiry.
If you’re from a visa-required country, you’ll also need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). U.S. citizens or visa-exempt travelers (with an eTA) can apply for a TRP online or at the port of entry.
💡 Take Control of Your Travel Future
Having a DUI on record doesn’t have to end your chances of visiting or entering Canada. With proper planning and professional guidance, you can overcome criminal inadmissibility and move forward confidently.
At MyWorld Immigration, we help clients navigate the legal and procedural requirements for Criminal Rehabilitation, Deemed Rehabilitation, and Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) — ensuring your case is handled with care and precision.
📞 Contact MyWorld Immigration Today
Our team of experienced immigration consultants is ready to help you overcome criminal inadmissibility and enter Canada legally.
📱 WhatsApp: +1-672-399-0000
🌐 Website: www.myworldimmigration.com
📧 Email: info@myworldimmigration.com
📍 Serving clients across Canada and worldwide
✨ MyWorld Immigration — Helping You Find Your Way to Canada, One Step at a Time.