Canada has strict rules about who may enter the country. Even a single past conviction—even one that seems minor or happened many years ago—can make a person inadmissible to Canada. This includes offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), theft, assault, fraud, drug-related offenses, and more.
For individuals who need to travel to Canada despite a prior offense, the Canadian immigration system offers two main solutions:
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
- Criminal Rehabilitation (CR)
Both options help overcome inadmissibility, but they serve different purposes and apply in different situations. Below is a clear explanation of each pathway and how they work.
1. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
For urgent or time-sensitive travel to Canada
A TRP allows an inadmissible person to enter or remain in Canada for a specific purpose and for a limited period of time. This is the best option for individuals who cannot wait years for rehabilitation or who have an immediate need to visit Canada.
When to use a TRP
A TRP is appropriate when:
- You need to enter Canada before you are eligible for Criminal Rehabilitation
- You must travel for work, business, medical appointments, conferences, family emergencies, sports events, or other compelling reasons
- You have completed your sentence but not enough time has passed for CR eligibility
How long does a TRP last?
A TRP can be issued for one day up to three years, depending on the reason for entry.
Key requirement
You must show that your need to enter Canada outweighs any risk you may pose to Canadian society.
Common examples
- A traveler attending a business meeting
- A professional entering Canada for a contract or training
- A family member traveling for a funeral or urgent family matter
- A performer or athlete entering for an event
- A person flying through Canada and needing a same-day TRP for transit
If properly prepared, a TRP can sometimes be issued the same day at the border or may require a mailed application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. Criminal Rehabilitation (CR)
A long-term solution that permanently resolves inadmissibility
Criminal Rehabilitation is a process where the Government of Canada formally declares that an individual is no longer inadmissible due to past criminal activity. Once granted, you no longer need a TRP for that offense.
When are you eligible for Criminal Rehabilitation?
You may apply for CR when:
- At least five years have passed since completing all parts of your sentence (including probation, fines, community service, and license reinstatement), and
- You can demonstrate that you are rehabilitated and no longer pose a risk
What does Criminal Rehabilitation accomplish?
If approved, you:
- Are permanently admissible for that offense
- Can enter Canada without future TRPs
- May travel freely for business or tourism
- Avoid repeated border issues and document requests
What IRCC looks for
To approve CR, officers consider:
- Your offense and the circumstances
- Your behavior since the incident
- Evidence of stability (employment, community involvement, no further offenses)
- Proof that the event was isolated and not part of a pattern
TRP vs. Criminal Rehabilitation: Which one should you choose?
| TRP | Criminal Rehabilitation (CR) |
| For immediate or urgent travel | For permanent removal of inadmissibility |
| Can be issued for 1 day to 3 years | Valid for life (unless another offense occurs) |
| Can be applied for even if 5-year period has not passed | Requires five years after completing the sentence |
| Used when you cannot wait for CR eligibility | Best long-term solution |
Many clients strategically apply for both—a TRP for urgent travel and CR for permanent resolution.
Common Situations We Assist With
- DUI, DWI, refusing breathalyzer
- Assault (simple, domestic, or related offenses)
- Theft, shoplifting, fraud, mischief
- Possession of controlled substances
- Old convictions that still cause issues at the border
- Situations where charges were dismissed but records still appear
Even offenses that occurred decades ago may still require a TRP or CR before entering Canada.
What About Your Family?
Family members without criminal history are not affected by your inadmissibility.
However, your personal inadmissibility still prevents you from entering Canada unless you resolve it through TRP or CR.
We help many families travel together for:
- Business relocations
- Tourism and vacations
- Family reunions
- Study permits and school enrollment
- Work permits and company transfers
NPZ Law Group Can Help
Our Canada Immigration Team regularly assists clients with both TRP and Criminal Rehabilitation applications. We help you:
- Confirm which option applies to your situation
- Gather police records, court documents, and required evidence
- Prepare a strong explanation demonstrating rehabilitation
- Present a compelling case for why your travel is justified
- Resolve inadmissibility permanently through rehabilitation
Whether your travel is urgent or you are planning long-term immigration, NPZ will guide you through the process with sensitivity, discretion, and professionalism.
If you have a past conviction and are unsure whether you can enter Canada, contact us for a consultation.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.