Can I still apply for a Canadian tourist visa if I have a criminal record?

When applying for a Canadian short-term visa or immigrant visa, you need to provide a notarized certificate with no criminal record. In other words, if you have a criminal record, you will not be able to go to Canada. Are there exceptions? Perhaps a legal opinion from an immigration attorney can help you figure this out. Although the legal opinion cannot overturn your criminal facts, it will analyze your personal background from a legal perspective and explain in detail to the customs immigration officer why you can enter Canada.

_ "Deemed Rehabilitation" applicants, to a large extent, will not be refused entry by Canadian customs officials because of their criminal background. For example, if a person was punished for a misdemeanor 10 years ago and has no criminal record since then, he will be considered a "reformed person." When entering Canada, you can enter smoothly without any obstruction at all. Of course, you may also encounter questioning at the customs. The customs immigration officer will still think that because you have a criminal record, even if it is a misdemeanor, it may bring security risks to Canada in the future. Then, at this time, the legal opinion is very important.

_People may be refused entry due to criminal background

Misdemeanor customs officials cannot professionally and accurately determine which are misdemeanors and which are felonies. One person was sentenced to 10 years in prison Crimes that carry a prison sentence, such as being the perpetrator of a serious car accident, may be considered a felony by customs officials. A professional legal opinion will help customs officials better distinguish the facts of the crime, explain why a person is guilty of a misdemeanor, and why he can be allowed to enter Canada.

Canadian law does not apply. Some behaviors are criminal in the country where the person comes from, but they may not be in Canada. For example, smoking marijuana is a crime in many countries, but in Canada, it is not illegal in amounts stipulated by law. If it is this type of immigrant, the legal opinion will explain to the immigration officer that although the immigrant was convicted of a crime in his country of origin, the crime is not established in Canada and the person is innocent and is allowed to enter Canada.

Finally, Hong Yuanjun summarizes two points: Find a trustworthy immigration lawyer, let him or her fully understand your personal situation, listen to the lawyer’s professional advice, and never provide false information