Pathway finder

Sort out my status or inadmissibility: A criminal or medical issue

Routes people usually look at

1
Criminal rehabilitation
For people with a conviction or offence outside Canada, once enough time has passed since the sentence was completed.
2
Deemed rehabilitation
Which may apply automatically in some cases: generally 10 years after completing the sentence for one less serious offence, or 5 years for two or more minor (summary) offences.
3
A temporary resident permit (TRP)
Which can allow entry for a specific reason and period when someone is otherwise inadmissible.
4
A record suspension
(Canadian convictions), through the Parole Board of Canada.
5
Medical inadmissibility responses
Where IRCC has raised a concern about danger to public health or safety, or excessive demand on health or social services. IRCC usually sends a procedural fairness letter first, and you can respond with a mitigation plan.
6
Advice on a current charge
Where the outcome may affect status.

Get the full record: court documents, sentence details, and proof the sentence was completed.
Work out how the offence compares to Canadian law. This decides how serious it is for immigration.
Choose the route: rehabilitation, a TRP, or both.
For a medical concern: read the procedural fairness letter, get medical evidence, and prepare a response within the deadline.
Submit the application or response with a clear explanation.

Court records and police certificates
Proof of completed sentence, including fines, probation and licence suspensions
Letters of reference and evidence of your life since the offence
For medical matters: the procedural fairness letter, medical reports and a mitigation plan

Timing depends on the route and where the application is processed. Check IRCC’s processing times page. Procedural fairness letters have deadlines.

Not disclosing an offence because it was minor, old or a long time ago
Assuming a DUI is a minor matter. Impaired driving is treated as serious criminality in Canada
Arriving at the border without dealing with inadmissibility first
Missing the deadline on a procedural fairness letter

What’s usually involved

Get the full record: court documents, sentence details, and proof the sentence was completed.
Work out how the offence compares to Canadian law. This decides how serious it is for immigration.
Choose the route: rehabilitation, a TRP, or both.
For a medical concern: read the procedural fairness letter, get medical evidence, and prepare a response within the deadline.
Submit the application or response with a clear explanation.

Documents you’ll typically need

Court records and police certificates
Proof of completed sentence, including fines, probation and licence suspensions
Letters of reference and evidence of your life since the offence
For medical matters: the procedural fairness letter, medical reports and a mitigation plan

Timing

Timing depends on the route and where the application is processed. Check IRCC’s processing times page. Procedural fairness letters have deadlines.

Common pitfalls

Not disclosing an offence because it was minor, old or a long time ago
Assuming a DUI is a minor matter. Impaired driving is treated as serious criminality in Canada
Arriving at the border without dealing with inadmissibility first
Missing the deadline on a procedural fairness letter

This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.

Talk it through with Manny

Bring this summary. Consultations in English, Punjabi and Hindi.