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Show Notes:
One of the most stressful issues for people traveling to Canada or the United States is criminal inadmissibility. DUIs, an assault, possession of marijuana convictions even 30 or 40 years old can cause you to be deemed inadmissible to enter at the border.
Do you want to travel for vacation?
Does your job require you to travel?
Have you ever been fingerprinted, charged or convicted?
Today, criminal records on digital. Historically, records were on microfiche. Now, Canadian and U.S. immigration agencies are sharing electronic criminal data. As a result, your file can be flagged at the border, even if you haven't been charged yet or have not been convicted.
At Ackah Law, our practice receives calls every from Americans and Canadians who have been stopped from crossing the border:
- I'm a retired Canadian who vacations every year in the U.S. and this year I can't enter due to a DUI in my 20s.
- I travel to Canada several times a year and this time I was not allowed to cross the border.
- I have a conviction for marijuana use in my history, but now it is legal. Will I have a problem at the border?
Immigration laws and policies can be confusing, and they change frequently. Criminal inadmissibility laws are different in Canada and the United States, and the border agent has discretion to review your file and decide whether to admit you. An immigration lawyer can research your case and help you file for a waiver, be deemed rehabilitated or identify a compelling reason why you need to travel, such as work or a family emergency. A waiver may last for only one year, or for several years - each case is unique.
How to Hire an Immigration Lawyer
New data shows that applications by immigration lawyers are nearly 50% more successful. The chances of a successful immigration application to Canada are much higher - nearly double - if you hire an immigration lawyer to help get your study, work or visitor visas, according to immigration data obtained under an access to information request by The Toronto Star.
Read more: 9 Reasons to Hire an Immigration Lawyer (Not a Consultant)
Learn More:
- How Canada’s New Marijuana Laws May Impact Your U.S. Travel
- Can I enter Canada if I have one DUI from 12 Years ago in the U.S.?
- I was convicted of an offence in Canada 17 years ago - however there was just one and I have since received a pardon - will I have problems travelling to the U.S.?
Helping You Smooth The Way to New Opportunity
As the founder and managing lawyer at Ackah Business Immigration Law, I have practiced immigration law for 20 years. In my podcast, I answer your questions about moving to Canada for work, for family, for life.
Each month I discuss an important topic in immigration and answer your questions. I will also invite immigration and cross-border business guest experts on the podcast.
I started this podcast to share what I know about immigration law and help you make the best possible decisions about immigration. In this episode I explain my background, and why I'm passionate about immigration law.
The podcast is available wherever you like to listen, including Apple, Stitcher, Google, TuneIn and Spotify.
Do you have questions about Canada and U.S. Immigration?
If you have questions about immigration to Canada or the United States, contact Evelyn and I will try and answer your questions on a future podcast.
I'd be honoured if you subscribe to my podcast, on Apple Podcasts, If you are interested in immigration law and cross-border business, you don’t want you to miss an episode. I will be sharing the latest news and updates on Canada and U.S. immigration law, plus important information about the opportunities and challenges for employees and companies who need to navigate between companies for business reasons.
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