Licensed Canadian immigration guidance
A criminal record — even one from decades ago, or for an offence considered minor in another country — can make a person inadmissible to Canada. Several routes exist to overcome inadmissibility depending on the offence, how much time has passed, and the purpose of travel.
A decade of files, decisions and outcomes across every major Canadian pathway.
What we handle
A sharper service plan
The right service is more than a checklist. It is a sequence that turns your facts into a coherent, review-ready pathway.
Start with the facts, goals, history and deadlines that shape the route.
Organize evidence, explanations and forms around the decision-maker’s concern.
Keep ownership, communication and the next deadline visible from start to finish.
A visual route guide
Every file has a human story behind it. These moments reflect the preparation, decisions and new beginnings that shape this service.
Start by understanding exactly what the decision-maker needs to see.
A focused response gives the important facts their clearest voice.
Good timing protects the options still available to you.
Clarity returns when the next action is visible and within reach.
Relevant evidence makes the story behind the file easier to understand.
Even a difficult decision can have a considered next chapter.
A wider view helps you respond thoughtfully under pressure.
The next attempt can be stronger when the lessons are carried forward.
What this service covers
Use the guide below to understand the route before you book. Your existing page content remains the source of truth; this surface gives it the same visual hierarchy as the reference homepage.
Talk through your fileOpen this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.
Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.
Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.
Open this section for the practical detail, evidence and requirements that shape the pathway.
Your service guide
Review the complete guide below, then use the consultation path when your situation needs a tailored strategy.
A criminal record — even one from decades ago, or for an offence considered minor in another country — can make a person inadmissible to Canada. Several routes exist to overcome inadmissibility depending on the offence, how much time has passed, and the purpose of travel.
Key figures at a glance
Source sequence preservedTechnical reference Eligibility and pathway detail | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | Best for | Key feature |
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | Time-sensitive or one-off travel needs | Case-by-case entry despite inadmissibility; can be issued for a single trip or a longer validity period |
| Criminal Rehabilitation | Permanent resolution once enough time has passed | Generally available 5+ years after completing the sentence; permanently resolves inadmissibility for the qualifying offence |
| Deemed Rehabilitation | Older, less serious offences | May apply automatically after a set number of years, depending on the offence and Canadian equivalency |
Canadian officers assess a foreign conviction by finding its closest equivalent under Canadian law — the offence doesn't need to be named the same way, only functionally comparable. This equivalency assessment determines both whether the person is inadmissible and which resolution route is available.
Not necessarily — inadmissibility depends on how the offence is classified under Canadian equivalency law, and Deemed Rehabilitation can automatically resolve some older, less serious convictions after enough time has passed.
Processing timelines vary, but the eligibility clock itself generally starts 5 years after completing all parts of the sentence — the application can take additional months to process once submitted.
A Temporary Resident Permit can allow entry for a specific, justified purpose even while inadmissible, though it's assessed case by case and isn't guaranteed.
CTA: Book a Free Consultation to assess which inadmissibility route fits your record.
Client success gallery
Explore moments from the Commonwealth Migration community, then visit our YouTube channel for the latest pathway conversations and client stories.
Bring your questions, history and documents to a focused review with a licensed Canadian immigration team.
Keep exploring your pathway
Use a free tool to pressure-test the route, or return to the pathway library when you are ready to compare options.
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