Criminal Rehabilitation is an application-based process that allows an individual to permanently overcome criminal inadmissibility. This is different from "deemed rehabilitation," which is an automatic process that applies only to certain non-serious crimes after a set period of time has passed.
An approved Criminal Rehabilitation application ensures you will not be denied entry to Canada for that specific offense, making it a reliable, long-term solution.
Discretionary Approval
The final decision to approve your application rests with the immigration officer. You must present a compelling case to prove your rehabilitation, as there is no guarantee of approval, even if you meet the basic eligibility criteria.
Permanent Solution
Once approved, Criminal Rehabilitation provides a permanent, indefinite solution for the specific offenses listed in your application. It can be used for multiple entries into Canada without needing to reapply for future trips.
Ongoing Inadmissibility
You remain criminally inadmissible to Canada while your application is in process. If you need to travel to Canada during this time, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to be granted temporary access.
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Our team can help assess your unique situation and determine the best strategy for your specific case and criminal record.
We can advise on the type of documentation and evidence that will most effectively demonstrate your rehabilitation and good character to the government.
We will prepare and organize your application to ensure it is complete and accurate, minimizing the risk of refusal due to minor errors.
We can communicate directly with immigration authorities on your behalf, providing you with peace of mind throughout the entire process.
Many people confuse these two processes, but they are very different. Deemed rehabilitation is an automatic process that applies only to non-serious criminality, and only after a specific amount of time has passed (usually 10 years for a single offense). There is no application required, though a Legal Opinion Letter is highly recommended for travel.
Criminal rehabilitation, on the other hand, is a formal application for people who do not meet the criteria for deemed rehabilitation, including those with serious criminality.
The type of offense on your record impacts the application process. A non-serious criminality offense is one that would be punishable by a maximum prison term of less than 10 years in Canada. A serious criminality offense is one that would be punishable by 10 years or more. Individuals with serious criminality on their record can never be deemed rehabilitated by the passage of time and must apply for criminal rehabilitation to resolve their inadmissibility.
If you need to travel to Canada while your criminal rehabilitation application is being processed, you are still considered criminally inadmissible. In this case, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to gain temporary entry.
The TRP is a separate application that allows you to travel for a specific, compelling reason while your long-term rehabilitation application is under review.
If you have a compelling reason to visit Canada but are not yet eligible for criminal rehabilitation, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be an option. It provides a temporary solution for those who are otherwise inadmissible.
Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.
While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score. These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry! If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.
If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.
Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.
Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.
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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.
