Denied Entry into Canada
Did you travel to Canada and were turned back around at the Canadian Port of Entry due to inadmissibility issue you had in the past? If so you may be eligible to apply for Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to overcome your inadmissibility on temporary basis. Based on your situation you may be eligible to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation to overcome your inadmissibility permanently. This blog will only discuss how you can overcome your inadmissibility issue on temporary basis. Akrami & Associates assists clients with inadmissibility issues on daily basis that ranges from medical, criminal or financial reasons. These individuals usually like to travel for business, social, work or humanitarian purposes. If you have a travel date coming up contact Akrami & Associates for best possible outcome.
Purpose of a TRP?
Temporary Resident Permit allows foreign nationals to enter Canada on temporary basis despite their inadmissibility on record. The immigration officer at the border may allow you entry into Canada based on your unique situation. If the immigration officer believes the need of you entering Canada outweighs the risks then you are given a TRP but if the risk outweighs the need then you are Denied Entry to Canada. If you are denied entry at the port of entry you can still attempt to submit TRP application at the consulate. Submitting a TRP application at the consulate can take approximately 8 to 12 months for getting a decision on the application, while submitting at the Port of Entry you get a same day decision. If you have urgent travel date then have your application ready for the port of entry, if you don’t have an urgent travel date then submit at consulate. TRP applications are granted from one day to a maximum of three years based on your situation and can be renewed if you meet the eligibility criteria. TRP applications are not easily approved, it is highly recommended to consult with an immigration expert such as Akrami & Associates prior to attempting to cross the border or submitting your application on your own. Akrami & Associates has submitted many successful TRP application and we can certainly help you too.
Who Eligible for TRP?
- You are eligible to apply for the TRP if the immigration officer at the port of entry believes your reasons are justified based on your circumstances. Meaning your need to travel has outweighed the risks to Canadian citizens
- Any individual who is in Canada and has violated their status of their application or does not meet the requirements of the application. For example, you came on a study permit and you had a little too much to drink and got a DUI as result of it.
- Any person who is not eligible for restoration of status
What does Immigration Officers Assess when granting a Temporary Resident Permit?
For the immigration officer to grant a TRP they consider the following:
· Need versus Risk
· Why does the applicant want to travel to Canada (family, business, leisure)
· How long does the person intend to stay in Canada
· Your offense on record and what did you complete for it
· How many offenses you got on record
· What type of application are you applying under
· Will you be a financial burden to Canada
Which Border Should I apply for TRP?
When applying for a TRP application you are able to make an application for a Temporary Resident Permit at any border crossing. Usually, borders that are bigger have higher chance of success. This is because more officers are available at the port of entry and officers that have experience with such applications.Smaller port of entries have usually immigration officers that have no experience in the area and end up refusing the application because lack of knowledge in the area.
Should I Drive or Fly to obtain TRP?
Not sure if you should drive or take flight to obtain your TRP? Well, it all depends on your offense on record, how many you offenses you have committed, your reason for travel to Canada (business or leisure) etc. If you are driving to the Canadian Port of Entry it would be easier for the immigration officer to turn you around and deny your entry into Canada. If you are flying, it is more difficult for the officer to tell you to leave because they are responsible for making sure you are put on the next flight back. Therefore, it is probably more advisable to fly in. But again, technically speaking, the officer should make the same decision should you be flying or driving.
What TRP Documents do I need to bring at the Port of Entry?
When submitting a TRP application at the Port of Entry you need to bring the following documents for your application.
· Documents that show your offense on record
· Documents that show what you completed for the offense or offenses on record
· Documents that show your reason for travel (business, leisure, family)
· Reference letters from friends, family or work
· Personal Statement
· Photo ID ( passport, driver’s license)
The most important part is demonstrating regret, remorse and growth, this can be done by explaining your situation and what you have learned from your past experience. The immigration officer will assess your situation and determine the risk versus the need. The risk is to possible Canadians and the need of your travel. In order for the officer to issue a Temporary Resident Permit your need to travel needs to outweigh the possible risks. So when you’re answering these questions make sure you demonstrate remorse, regret, and growth.
An example would be to say I have learnt a lot from the experience, I have a daughter that looks up to me, I regret the choices I have made in the past etc. Mention your accomplishments since that offence, like you got a promotion at your new job, etc.
Need TRP? Contact Akrami & Associates
If you like to travel to Canada for leisure or business but have a past criminal record than contact us today at 416-477-2545. Our immigration experts will assess your situation and determine best options available to you. With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!