The 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) will take place in Vancouver from July 3-6, celebrating the 90th anniversary of A.A. This highly anticipated event, which happens once every five years, was delayed due to the pandemic, making it an even more exciting occasion for attendees worldwide.
However, if you have a past conviction related to Driving Under the Influence (DUI), it’s important to understand the potential challenges in entering Canada. Canada takes DUI offences seriously, and a past DUI could render you inadmissible, potentially preventing you from obtaining a visa, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or gaining entry at the border.
Other alcohol-related criminal offences, such as public intoxication or causing a disturbance, may also cause issues with Canadian entry. Even an arrest without a conviction could lead to inadmissibility.
Canadian immigration law compares foreign criminal laws to their Canadian equivalents. A DUI offence committed after December 18, 2018, when Canada increased penalties for impaired driving, may result in being considered inadmissible due to the seriousness of the offence.
However, there are ways to overcome criminal inadmissibility:
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): If you have a compelling reason to travel to Canada, such as attending the A.A. Convention, you can apply for a TRP. The decision will depend on the immigration officer, and the TRP is typically granted for short-term visits.
- Criminal Rehabilitation: If at least five years have passed since completing your DUI sentence, you may apply for criminal rehabilitation, which permanently waives inadmissibility. This process may take several months to over a year.
- Deemed Rehabilitation: If over 10 years have passed since your conviction and you have only one minor offence, you may be automatically deemed rehabilitated without needing to apply.
If you are considering attending the A.A. International Convention and are concerned about past criminal offences, it is crucial to plan ahead. Applying for a TRP or criminal rehabilitation in advance is essential, as processing times can be lengthy.
For more detailed guidance, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer to navigate the process smoothly.