The countdown has begun for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Canada is preparing to welcome thousands of football fans to Toronto and Vancouver. But before you book your tickets and finalize your travel plans, there’s one crucial factor you cannot ignore: criminal inadmissibility to Canada.

Whether your record is minor or decades old, Canadian immigration law may still prevent you from crossing the border. Many travellers are shocked to learn that offences considered misdemeanors in their home country—like a first-time DUI—can make them inadmissible to Canada under Canadian law.

This guide explains why travellers get refused entry, how immigration officers assess your record, and what steps you can take to ensure smooth entry for the FIFA World Cup.

Why Criminal Records Can Stop You From Entering Canada

Canada treats public safety very seriously. If you are not a Canadian citizen, any criminal history—whether you were charged, convicted, or even if the offence was dismissed—can affect your ability to enter.

Common offences that cause problems at the border include:

DUI or impaired driving
Assault
Theft
Drug possession or trafficking
Dangerous driving

Even if the incident happened years ago and you completed all parts of your sentence, officers compare your past offence to its Canadian equivalent, which may be considered more serious.

Example: A Simple DUI Can Block You

A DUI in the U.S. may be treated as a misdemeanor. But in Canada, impaired driving has been classified as serious criminality since 2018. This means one old DUI can cause a traveller to be turned away—even if they’ve been planning their World Cup trip for years.

How Immigration Officers Assess Inadmissibility

Immigration officials look at how your past offence aligns with the Criminal Code of Canada.

1. Criminality (less severe)

You may be inadmissible if:

You were convicted of an offence that would be considered an indictable offence in Canada, or
You committed multiple summary offences.

2. Serious Criminality

You may be inadmissible if:

Your offence abroad carries a potential sentence of 10+ years under Canadian law, or
You were convicted inside Canada and your offence carries a maximum penalty of 10+ years, or
You served over six months in jail.

3. Hybrid Offences

These can be treated as either summary or indictable. For immigration purposes, Canada always treats them as indictable, increasing the chances of inadmissibility.

How to Enter Canada If You Have a Criminal Record

If you plan to attend any of the 13 matches across Canada in 2026, and you suspect your record may be an issue, you must act early. Immigration applications can take months or years to process.

Here are the three main pathways to overcome inadmissibility:

1. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

A TRP allows you to enter Canada temporarily even if you are inadmissible.
However, you must show:

A compelling reason for your visit,
That your need to enter is greater than any public safety risk.

A football match may not meet this threshold, so TRPs carry a higher risk of refusal.

Processing time: Approximately 30+ days
Government fee: $239.75

2. Deemed Rehabilitation

If enough time has passed since completing your sentence, you may be considered automatically rehabilitated.

Eligibility typically requires:

10 years after a single indictable offence
5 years after a summary offence

There is no formal application, but travellers often seek a legal opinion letter to strengthen their case.

3. Criminal Rehabilitation (Permanent Solution)

If at least 5 years have passed since completing all parts of your sentence, you may apply for Criminal Rehabilitation, which permanently clears your inadmissibility for the offence(s).

Government fees:

$239.75 — regular criminality
$1,199 — serious criminality

Processing can take 1–2 years, so apply early if you want to travel for the World Cup.

Helpful Resources

Government of Canada – Inadmissibility: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigration-citizenship-representative/understand-immigration-law.html
Temporary Resident Permit information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/temporary-resident-permit.html
Criminal Rehabilitation overview: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility.html

⭐ How ICC Immigration Helps You Secure a Safe & Legal Path to Canada

When you have a criminal record—or even if you’re unsure—navigating Canada’s immigration laws can be overwhelming. Instead of risking being refused at the border, trust the experts.

ICC Immigration offers tailored, reliable, and professional support to help you build a future in Canada the right way.

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Looking to start your Canadian journey? ICC helps you obtain:

Work permits
Study permits
Pathways that eventually lead to Permanent Residency

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If you have family members in Canada, ICC can reunite you with them through legally compliant sponsorship streams.

🔹 Expert Legal Guidance

Immigration law is complex. Our experts help you:

Understand your options
Avoid costly mistakes
Choose stable options rather than relying on uncertain asylum pathways

Choosing the right path gives you stability, security, and a clear route to PR—without risking refusal or removal.

Your Future in Canada Starts With the Right Guidance

Whether you’re planning to visit Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or preparing for long-term immigration, ICC Immigration is here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

📞 Book your consultation today and secure your future the right way.