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Heading to Canada for the Holidays? Minor Offences That Can Get You Turned Away at the Border

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > Heading to Canada for the Holidays? Minor Offences That Can Get You Turned Away at the Border

Planning a holiday trip to Canada to visit family or friends? Before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to understand that even minor criminal offences can result in being denied entry to Canada. Many travellers are surprised to learn that Canada’s criminal inadmissibility rules are strict, and offences considered “minor” abroad may carry serious consequences under Canadian law.

Why Canada Takes Criminal Inadmissibility Seriously

Under Canadian immigration law, non-citizens can be refused entry due to past criminal history, regardless of how small the offence may seem. Canadian border officers assess how a foreign offence compares to Canadian law, not how it was treated in your home country.

You may be found criminally inadmissible to Canada if you were:

  • Convicted of an offence

  • Charged but not yet convicted

  • Involved in criminal conduct (even without conviction)

Pending charges alone can lead to refusal at the border.

How Canada Classifies Criminal Offences

Canada evaluates offences based on Canadian legal standards, not foreign classifications. There are two main categories:

Criminality

You may be inadmissible if you:

  • Were convicted of an offence that would be indictable in Canada, or

  • Were convicted of two summary offences, or

  • Committed an act abroad that would be indictable under Canadian law

Serious Criminality

This applies if:

  • The offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years or more in Canada, or

  • You served more than six months in prison, or

  • A foreign conviction would be punishable by 10+ years under Canadian law

⚠️ Hybrid offences (common in Canada) are always treated as indictable for immigration purposes, even if prosecuted as minor offences elsewhere.

“Minor” Offences That Can Still Block Entry to Canada

While a single minor offence may not always lead to refusal, two minor offences or one hybrid offence can result in criminal inadmissibility.

Common examples include:

  • Theft or fraud under $5,000 (shoplifting, credit card misuse, forgery)

  • Mischief or vandalism under $5,000 (graffiti, property damage)

  • Failure to appear in court

  • Trespassing at night

  • Causing a public disturbance (fighting, intoxication, shouting)

  • Uttering threats (to people, property, or animals)

  • Animal cruelty offences

  • Taking a vehicle without consent

🚨 DUI offences are treated especially seriously in Canada and can result in immediate inadmissibility.

How to Overcome Criminal Inadmissibility

If you’re concerned about being denied entry, don’t wait until you reach the border. There are three main options:

1. Deemed Rehabilitation

You may qualify automatically if:

  • Enough time has passed since sentence completion

  • You have only non-serious offences

  • Five years (summary) or ten years (indictable) have passed

No application is required, but eligibility must be carefully assessed.

2. Criminal Rehabilitation

A permanent solution, but processing can take over one year, making it unsuitable for last-minute travel.

3. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

A TRP allows temporary entry if:

  • You have a compelling reason to enter Canada

  • Your need outweighs public safety concerns

Only US citizens and permanent residents may apply for a TRP at the border. The government fee is $246.25.

Why Professional Guidance Matters

Many travellers are turned away simply because they misunderstood how Canadian law views their offence. A professional assessment can help you avoid costly mistakes, travel disruptions, and emotional stress during the holidays.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

At ICC Immigration, we are committed to helping individuals and families make informed, lawful, and strategic immigration decisions. Whether you are visiting Canada or planning to settle permanently, our experienced team provides personalized guidance tailored to your situation.

Our Services Include:

  • Permanent Residency Applications through Express Entry, PNPs, and other pathways

  • Work Permits and Study Permits to build a long-term future in Canada

  • Family Sponsorships to reunite loved ones

  • Expert Legal Advice to ensure compliance with current IRCC regulations

Instead of risking refusal or relying on uncertainty, choose a stable and secure pathway to Canada. ICC Immigration helps you avoid unnecessary risks and maximizes your chances of success.

Whether you’re already in Canada or planning your journey, ICC Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.