Are you planning a trip to Canada? You might want to know whether you are admissible to Canada, especially if you have a cannabis-related conviction or other criminal history. Inadmissibility to Canada depends on how a foreign conviction equates to the Canadian criminal code. If a foreign national is deemed criminally inadmissible to Canada, it’s because the crime they committed in another country equates to a crime under Canadian law that would render the individual unable to enter this country.
Thankfully, not all cannabis-related offences will prevent foreign nationals from entering Canada. Some foreign convictions may still be considered admissible because such crimes are no longer illegal in Canada. For example, the possession of cannabis (to an extent) may not necessarily bar a non-Canadian from entering the country. However, there are a few common cannabis-related offences that can still be problematic, including possession (over 30 grams) of cannabis, cannabis-related Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges, and illegal sale or distribution of cannabis.
If you are facing inadmissibility to Canada due to cannabis-related convictions or other offences, there are options available to help you overcome it. One of these options is through a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). This permit may grant you temporary access to Canada if you have a valid reason to travel to the country, such as for business or an emergency. TRPs can be granted with a validity period of up to three years, and applicants do not need to complete a criminal sentence to be eligible for this permit. Canadian immigration lawyers can help foreign nationals prepare a legal opinion letter and a criminal rehabilitation application, allowing successful applicants a way to enter Canada after permanently clearing their past criminal history.
If you have cannabis-related convictions or are facing inadmissibility to Canada for other reasons, it’s essential to understand your options for overcoming this barrier. Don’t let past convictions prevent you from experiencing all that Canada has to offer. Schedule a free legal consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm to discuss your case and take steps towards overcoming inadmissibility to Canada.
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