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SobeysBags t1_izamn16 wrote

International travel may prove difficult going forward (he/she may not care, but it is something to consider). Canada, for example, bans all individuals with an OUI (especially since Canada can see all American's criminal histories, especially since 2014). Many other countries have similar laws.

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kauaime t1_izaud8i wrote

As far as I know Canada does not ban you from travel it prohibits you from driving in their country. Also I also believe ( not positive ) this is for a 10 year period.

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SobeysBags t1_izay4nk wrote

Sadly, it is a straight up ban (as there is no way they could enforce preventing you from driving), even if you are married to a Canadian, have a job offer from a Canadian company, anything. It used to be after 10 years you were considered "deemed rehabilitated" and a CBSA officer could permit you entry, but that has since been amended, and a DUI in Canada now has a potential max sentence of 10 years in prison, thus it is considered a serious offence, and the only way to overcome it is is to apply for rehabilitation through a Canadian consulate or at a port of entry after 10 years have passed. If 10 years have not passed you can apply for a TRP (temp residency permit), which may allow you to enter Canada for a fixed period of time, but you must have compelling reasons (so no casual visits). This is neither cheap, quick or easy in either scenario.

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kauaime t1_izb2g5f wrote

Thank you for the information. Since you seemed well versed, I have had 3 DUI's the last one was over 36 years ago. Does that mean I am not allowed to visit Canada? Makes me wonder why I got a passport.

Edit, just read up on the laws so there is no need to answer this. I guess I don't need to visit Canada ever again. Just not worth it. Just like getting my felony for growing weed 30 years ago expunged, not giving the courts another dime of my money. Thank you for taking the time respond in a civil manner.

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SobeysBags t1_izb6vk6 wrote

No problem, If you think you will ever need to go to Canada since your record goes back over 30 years ago, you can apply for rehabilitation with the Canadian Border Services. This can be done by mail through a Canadian embassy, or you can actually submit it at a land border crossing (they can process it in a few weeks rather than a few months like the embassy). It costs $200 Canadian (about $150 USD) to apply, along with their requested docs. Once you are granted it, it is good forever so you can enter Canada freely after that. It's a money grab no doubt, and in my opinion Canada is over zealous in this regard, Canada could seriously devote these resources elsewhere (like gun smugglers for example). However, you should have few issues visiting other countries (tourist) as your passport will not show your criminal record like it would for Canadian border officials, but it is always good to do a bit of research before you book a flight. Best wishes.

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ErnieBochII t1_izbg4e0 wrote

>anted it, it is good forever so you can enter Canada freely after that. It's a money grab no doubt, and in my opinion Canada is over zealous in this regard, Canada could seriously devote these resources elsewhere (like gun smugglers for example). However, you should have few issues visiting other countries (tourist) as your passport will not show your criminal record like it would for Canadian border officials, but it is always good to do a bit of research before you book a flight. Best wishes.

Well, I sincerely hope this isn't true. I have a nasty history from a few years ago. I was able to get into Canada afterward (2018-19). This was driving to montreal with my mother, aunt and cousin (me in the back seat). I am planning on flying up there for xmas this year and am very, very nervous that they will turn me away. My sister is married to a Canadian, with a baby and a good job. She wasn't back then the first time though.

Sounds like the agents DO have a little discretion. Fingers crossed.

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SobeysBags t1_izc8adv wrote

They do have discretion and they don't always properly check (it can also depend on how long ago your offences were, as they may not be readily available to them). Also the deemed rehabilitation (where you are automatically considered rehabilitated after 10 years) will still be considered for old offences before they changed the law in 2018. Flying in is usually better as they are more hesitant to turn you around as they have to get the airlines involved (the airline has to pay for your return flight if you are denied entry). But don't freak out if they bring you in for secondary screening, and just answer them truthfully and fully, they always prefer that, and it shows you're not hiding anything and not a menace. When you are driving up, they have no hesitation in turning you around since you just turn your car round, it's a lot less screening for them, and they are in their rights to do it.

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mmaalex t1_izisfke wrote

Depending on the offense they can give you a one time reprieve when you show up. You will get a piece of paper that says you're good for the trip, but don't come back. The permit also requires a fee of something like $300 IIRC.

I worked on a ship that went to Vancouver, largely with the same people, once or twice a month for a few years. Several people made it in quite a few times before Canada decided they were persona non grata, and told them not to come back. One guy came in 6-8 times before they realized he ha been in jail for "kidnapping" and told him never to return.

You can also fill our the form, or hire a lawyer, for permanent rehabilitation. There's no guarantee that they grant it, and no timeline for completion. I've seen several people take up to a year, and some just never get a response at all.

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ErnieBochII t1_izktfc1 wrote

I didnt pay anything or get any piece of paper a couple years ago. Either way, fuck Canada. Talked with my sister last night and she was like "you'll be fine. they will not turn you away. but have a plan B in case."

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great. fuck canada. i'm 3.5 years sober and want to be with my sister who lived in singapore for 15 years. she's common law married to hockey royalty family and my only niece is 1.5 years old and she loves me and took her first steps on thanksgiving with 17 people around in maine.

but F canada if they don't let my shitbag ass in. i know rules are rules and i broke the rules and the consequences are what they are. but i don't even have a drivers license (by choice), let alone intend to drink and drive. I just want to be with my family for christmas. sacre bleau!

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