Temporary Resident Permit for Criminal Record

What is a Temporary Resident Permit?

Were you on your way to Canada and stopped at the border because of an offence in your record? Were you sent back to the U.S? This means that you are inadmissible to Canada and must apply for a Temporary Resident Permit to enter Canada. If you have an emergency that requires your travel to Canada read this article on how to get a Temporary Resident Permit to enter Canada if you are inadmissible.

Inadmissibility Grounds:

Inadmissibility to Canada basically translates into the safety of Canada and Canadians. A person can be turned around at the border if their existence in Canada is deemed to project a risk to Canadians. A person can be inadmissible to Canada for many reasons:

• Criminal history such as DWI or assault and even more serious crimes
• Medical condition/s
• Security risk to Canada
• Human or international rights violation
• Membership in an organization that takes part in organized crime
• Financial reasons

If you committed a crime before the age of 18, depending on the severity of the crime, you might be able to enter Canada.

Will I ever be able to enter Canada if I have a criminal history?

Having a committed a crime does put constraints on entering Canada for you but it does not mean you are barred forever. You can/might be able to enter Canada depending on many factors such as:

• The severity of the crime
• Your age while the crime was committed
• How long has passed since your offence
• Have you changed after the offence was committed
• How many offences were committed

How do I enter Canada after committing an offence?

One way to enter Canada if you are inadmissible is to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) – this is not the same as a Temporary Visitor Visa. A TRP is specially designed for past offenders. Remember, a TRP is specifically drafted for individuals whose offense is not too old and who have a valid reason or an emergency to be in Canada. This could include:

• Business meeting/conference
• Family emergency

Applying for a temporary resident permit does not automatically qualify individuals for a TRP. The decision lies in the hands of an immigration officer, however, you can always do certain things to show that you have changed or in other words you are rehabilitated. Ultimately the border officer has to decide if letting you enter Canada would put Canada and Canadians at risk or not. Remember, your reasons to enter Canada must be justified and you must have the evidence and the right paper work to back your reasoning.

How should I apply for a Temporary Resident Permit?

If you wish to apply for a TRP, you must be able to show records of offence/s committed and proof of sentencing completed such as a completion of probation letter or court disposition. There are many other documents that could speed up and even increase your chances of entering Canada by getting approved for a TRP. For example, one of the things you have to complete is a set of immigration forms designed by Canadian immigration in order to better assess your application and situation. There are two ways of applying for a TRP: at any port of entry to Canada or at a Canadian embassy or consulate in your country. If you are inadmissible or from a visa exempt country, you apply at the border or at the Canadian embassy or consulate if you wish. However, the application submitted to the embassies or consulates can take up to months whereas applications submitted at the port of entry/border can be processed right away.

What are the risks or setbacks of a TRP?

As mentioned before, if you apply to a consulate it will most likely take longer than applying at the border for a TRP. Another risk, however, is that TRP’s are never guaranteed. The approval of a TRP application depends on the risk you may or may not pose to Canada and Canadians while entering. If you are disqualified for a TRP, you will not be refunded the processing fee you are expected to pay and not to mention you will have to go leave Canada. You have to make sure that you have a concrete port of entry package when it comes to applying for a TRP. There are many documents, dispositions, forms and letters that need to be drafted before you can attempt to take such a big risk. Being fully prepared and knowing how to answer Canada Border questions can increase your chances of qualifying for a TRP tremendously.

How long is a TRP valid for?

The validity or duration of a temporary resident permit depends on your case. Each individual is different and therefore each situation and case would be processed in a different light. A TRP could be valid for one trip, one year or 3 years, all of this could be better determined by a professional who is well versed in the realms of Canadian immigration law. Please note in some cases a TRP can be revoked and in some cases a TRP is not valid after you leave Canada unless informed otherwise by a figure of authority.

How can Akrami and Associates help you with a TRP application?

Applying for a TRP is a complicated process as it requires the knowledge of Canadian immigration and a very strong application. With Akrami and Associates you will be in good hands as we will prepare a strong application for you which will also provide you with a port of entry package to take to the border with you. We understand the complexity of Canadian immigration and how crucial some situations can be for people who must enter Canada on emergencies. For more details call us at 416-477-2545. Our immigration experts have submitted many successful immigration applications and we can help you achieve your immigration goals as well. Contact us today! With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!