Inadmissibility
There are a number of reasons you can be found inadmissible, denied a visa or refused entry to Canada such as:
- security,
- human or international rights violations,
- criminality,
- organized criminality,
- health grounds,
- financial reasons,
- misrepresentation,
- non-compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA),
- having an inadmissible family member.
Visit the Determine your eligibility page for more information.
Penalties for driving while impaired
If you drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including cannabis, you may be inadmissible for serious criminality. This means:
- you won’t be able to enter or stay in Canada unless we issue you a temporary resident permit
- you will have to pay the C$200 processing fee for the permit and there’s no guarantee you will be allowed to enter or stay in the country
Find out more about the new penalties for impaired driving and cannabis-related crimes.
Overcome criminal convictions
Depending on the crime, how long ago it was committed, and how you have behaved since the conviction, you may still be allowed to come to Canada if you:
- convince an immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated, or
- applied for rehabilitation and were approved, or
- were granted a record suspension, or
- have a temporary resident permit.
Visit the Overcome criminal convictions page for more information.
Ministerial relief
If you have been found inadmissible to Canada on grounds of security, certain provisions relating to human or international rights violations, or organized criminality, you may request that the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (the Minister) make a declaration of relief under subsection 42.1(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) if the Minister is satisfied that doing so is not contrary to the national interest. This process is commonly referred to as Ministerial relief.
You may apply for Ministerial relief using BSF766. Refer to the Guide to Applying for a Declaration of Relief Under Subsection 42.1(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
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