Crossing into Canada with a possibly criminal record
Hello,
I am new and was referred to this site by my TA.
I have been doing some research and found out that if one has a criminal history they will not be permitted into Canada. We have booked a 14 day Alaska cruise that will board in Vancouver. My DH has been charged with a misdemeanor and instead of fighting it in court and spending thousands of dollars to fight it our Attorney feels it would be best just to take a Diversion instead. This means no probation but has to stay out of trouble for 1 year and this will be dropped off of his record. We are due to leave before the 1 year period...
So can anyone tell me if he will be denied from getting into Canada?
I called the US and Canadian Consulate and were told by both that it would be up to the officer there. But please understand that spending all that money then being denied to enter because the officer there that day decides tough luck buddy no can do.
Can someone please tell me what can I do about this? Also the Canadian C. also said they do not have Diversions in Canada.
I don't know the answer to your question, and I don't think anyone can second guess what the degree of compliance to that ruling will be on your cruise date. I certainly hope you can get more "official" answers before final payment day.
"**NOTE: In general, applications for Temporary Resident Permits, Approvals of Rehabilitation and Authorization to Return to Canada take into consideration the nature of the offenses committed by the applicant, the number of offenses on the applicant's record, the length of time since the last offense, reports from parole or probation officers, the purpose for which entry into Canada is sought, and the applicant's standing in the community."
Sounds like this is a way for them to listen to your story. If you have cruised anywhere before, I would give them that information too. If they know you are frequent travelers there to see their country and spend money in it, they should listen to you.
Since you have plenty of time before you have to make your final committment, I would suggest doing what you need to do to get through your legal problem and then afterwards, submit the paperwork for this permit. Perhaps it would help to have your attorney submit a letter along with the permit explaning the circumstances. And then see what happens.
What's strange is that when we went to Vancouver in July to do an Alaskan cruise, it was basically a very quick and nonchalant process. Didn't hear or see anyone being detained.
It helps to have a great TA so if anyone needs one just PM me...
I will wait to see what happens and go from there.
On this forum you are allowed to talk about your travel agent! We consider this part of our knowledge base, so feel free to post the name and information.
On our coastal last May, at our first stop in Canada. 5 people had to report to Canadian official before the ship could be cleared. I do not no any of the details but all were cleared to go ashore. Since you cruise starts in Canada, it would be wise to try and get some sort of pre-clearance or you may not be able to get to the ship.
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Crossing into Canada with a possibly criminal record
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