Entry into Canada, whether to visit or immigrate, is a privilege that is not extended to everyone, especially those with certain criminal records. Canada has information sharing agreements with several countries, including the United States of America. This allows Canadian border agents to access criminal records and deny entry for offenses that are often considered low-level in other countries. Many travelers are horrified and embarrassed to be denied entry for such offenses as petty-theft, simple assault, driving under the influence, and many other charges. Working with a Canadian immigration specialist can help avoid this embarrassment and frustration. Higbee and Associates has helped people from all over the world gain entry to Canada.
If you have been denied entry into Canada or are deemed inadmissible there are ways to have the inadmissibility removed so you can travel or move to Canada and apply for a visa as long as you meet the other requirements. You can be deemed rehabilitated or granted an application for rehabilitation, which removes the inadmissibility due to the criminal cases, if you have met the designated waiting period for the particular offense on your record.
When applying for an application for rehabilitation, an immigration officer will review the application and the factors that are taken into consideration are:
- The number of offenses and the circumstances of the offense
- Your behavior since the offense
- Your explanation of the offense and likely of not re-offending
- Any support from your community
- Why you believe you are rehabilitated
- Your current situation
Applications for rehabilitation can take a year or more to process. Since not everyone is able to apply for admissible status and it is a lengthy and intricate process, it is important that you consult someone that is knowledgeable in the subject. Determining eligibility requirements and which program to utilize is a complex process that involves researching laws from at least two countries. We can research your case and represent you 100 percent of the way. It is also important to note, that if you are looking to have someone represent you, only an attorney licensed in Canada or a licensed Canadian Immigration Specialist can represent you before the Canadian Department of Immigration; anyone else will just be selling you forms (and often the wrong ones).
Our service starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your record, how it translates to Canadian law, and the effects it would have on travel or immigration to Canada. For $150 we can evaluate your criminal history and inform you of the best way to move forward with becoming eligible to travel or move to Canada. You will receive a written evaluation that explains the law, how the law applies to you, and what to do now. Also, if you have any questions about the evaluation we can go through it with you.
Our immigration consultant, Ms. Janine Drulay, will evaluate your criminal history and draft a written analysis of your situation. Ms. Drulay is a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (ICCRC # R410047), and is a full member of both the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), and the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC). Regulated consultants are professionals who are equipped with the latest information on immigration law, procedures, and practices. She is authorized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to represent and guide persons seeking immigration to Canada throughout all stages of the immigration process.
