How to Overcome Refused Entry to Canada

If you are traveling to Canada and you’ve been refused entry, it can be a frustrating and expensive experience. Thankfully, there are ways you can overcome your inadmissibility and gain admission to Canada again.

One of the most common reasons why you are denied at the border is because you have a criminal record. Even a misdemeanor conviction such as a DUI or theft offense can put you at risk for a denial of entry to Canada.

You have a criminal record

A criminal record is a list of all your previous convictions from police or other law enforcement. It’s often asked about on employment, insurance or visa applications.

Having a criminal record may be one of the reasons you have been refused entry to Canada. As the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) enforces strict criminality rules at border crossings, even a single misdemeanor offense can make you inadmissible to Canada regardless of how long ago it happened.

If you’ve been inadmissible to Canada due to a criminal conviction, you have two options: a Temporary Resident Permit or a process called Canadian Criminal Rehabilitation. The former is the fastest to get, but it expires, while the latter takes significantly longer and is permanent.

You have a health condition

Health is a nebulous concept that can be defined in many different ways. In its most basic sense, it's the absence of disease or injury. Aside from the obvious (and oh-so-simple) measures like diet, exercise and sleeping, it's a matter of lifestyle and behavior choices. It's also a tad tricky to measure because of the complex interaction between genes and environment. In a nutshell, health is a state of being free from physical, mental and social ailments that affect quality of life. This isn't to say that people who suffer from maladies can't lead happy and fulfilling lives. The trick is to understand the difference between the good and bad. The best way to do this is to get a good night's sleep, eat healthy and exercise regularly. You may have to do this alone, but it's well worth the effort in the long run.

If you're a first-time visitor to Canada, it's not a bad idea to brush up on your immigration knowledge. You can find this information online, or ask an experienced guide.

You are a member of a gang

The main reason young people join gangs is to feel part of something that gives them a sense of belonging. It can also be a way to escape from their poor neighbourhood, make more money or get a better education.

If you think that you are in danger of joining a gang, talk to your parents or a trusted adult like a teacher, youth leader, clergyman or school counselor. They may be able to help you find alternative activities or ways to cope with your problem.

Gangs have a warlike existence where members are always beating each other, shooting each other and killing each other. You should seriously consider whether you want that kind of life.

You are travelling for a non-essential purpose

When you are travelling to Canada, it is important to understand that it is the border agent’s discretion as to whether you can enter the country. If you are refused entry, it is important to follow their instructions and do not try to enter the country until you have obtained approval from the Canada Border Services Agency.

Essential Travel – You may be able to enter Canada if you are travelling for essential purposes such as work, family, or health. However, you should ensure that your purpose is clear to the CBSA liaison officer or border services officers at boarding or at the port of entry.

You may also be denied entry to Canada if you are travelling for a non-essential reason. This includes travel that does not involve medical emergencies, such as vacations and visits to friends and family.

In addition, you can still be denied entry to Canada if you are entering the country without a valid passport or Trusted Traveler program card (like NEXUS). The Canadian Border Services Agency may also ask you to prove that you have enough money to support yourself while in Canada.