Can I visit Canada if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record in your home country or elsewhere can make you inadmissible to Canada under federal immigration law. Whether you are inadmissible depends on how the Canadian Criminal Code would characterize the equivalent offence. Minor convictions may be deemed non-serious; convictions for indictable offences (the Canadian equivalent of serious crimes) typically render a person inadmissible.

If you are inadmissible, you may still be able to travel to Canada in some circumstances. Options include applying for Criminal Rehabilitation (available if sufficient time has passed since completing your sentence), obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for a specific trip with valid reasons, or, for some offences, relying on "deemed rehabilitation" if enough time has elapsed and the offence was minor.

These are federal processes managed by IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The analysis is fact-specific and errors in this area lead to refusal or removal at the border. Getting legal advice before you travel is essential if you have any criminal record.