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kauaime t1_izaud8i wrote

Reply to comment by SobeysBags in What happens if you plead guilty to criminal speeding and OUI? by mamag93

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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