Have You Been Refused Entry to Canada?

Have You Been Refused Entry to Canada?

Have you tried to enter Canada and were refused? Or do you think you may be refused if you try to enter Canada?  We know that it is a very stressful and disrupting experience.

You Have Options!

When it comes to being refused entry into Canada, it is important you deal with the situation properly. Whether you have a criminal record like a DUI or something even more serious, you may still be admitted into Canada as long as you have the ‘right’ paperwork in order.

You will most likely need to file a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) application which is a ‘Form IMM 5708’.  Form IMM 5708 is the official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to indicate that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, a student, or a worker).

Reasons Why You Can Be Denied Entry to Canada:

There are a number of reasons you can be found inadmissible or refused entry to Canada, such as:

Security
Human or international rights violations
Criminality (even DUIs and DWIs)
Organized criminality
Health grounds
Financial reasons
Misrepresentation (of any kind)
Non-compliance with IRPA
Even having an inadmissible family member can cause you to be denied.

Normally, if you are inadmissible to Canada, you will not be allowed to enter, unless you know how to prepare the ‘right’ paperwork. If you have a ‘reason’ to travel to Canada that is justified in the circumstances, you may be issued a temporary resident permit (TRP).

Top 4 Questions We Get About TRPs:

1. Can I Apply for a TRP at the Canadian Border?

If you are a U.S. citizen or a citizen from a visa exempt country, you could apply for your TRP at the Canada/U.S. Border.  If you are approved, a ‘Temporary Resident Permit’ will be granted.

However, there are some risks to consider when applying for a TRP at the border or airport. You could be refused and turned away at the border. In some very unusual cases, you could be detained by the Canadian Immigration authorities (this is rare).

2. Can I Apply for a TRP at a Canadian Embassy?

In most cases, TRPs are submitted to a Canadian consulate or Canadian embassy for processing. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a TRP at a Canadian consulate in the United States. However, the downside for applying at a Canadian consulate rather than the border is that processing times for TRP applications at the Canadian consulate sometimes can take a number of months.

3. How Long Are Temporary Resident Permits Valid For?

The duration of your TRP varies depending on the circumstances of your case. TRPs can be valid for a number of months or years, and they could be for a single entry to Canada or for multiple entries to Canada.

4. What If My Criminal Offence Took Place Years Ago?

In certain cases, if your conviction occurred 5 years ago or longer, you may be eligible to make an application for Criminal Rehabilitation to enter Canada. A ‘Criminal Rehabilitation’ application (if approved) will wipe out your criminal inadmissibility that prevents you from entering Canada.  If you travel often to Canada, you may want to apply for this.

Note:  Unlike Temporary Resident Permits, an application for ‘criminal rehabilitation’ cannot be made at a Canada/U.S. border. You should make an application for criminal rehabilitation at a Canadian consulate or embassy.

Professional Help Can Increase Your Chances of an Approval