Home » Visiting Canada

Criminal Inadmissibility

Whether you are planning to visit, work, study or immigrate, if you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offence, you may be prohibited from entering Canada.

Criminal offences include both minor and serious offences such as theft, assault, dangerous driving, driving while intoxicated and manslaughter, among others. For a complete list of criminal offences in Canada, please consult the Canadian Criminal Code.

If you have juvenile convictions (convictions for crimes committed while under the age of 18), you are most likely not prohibited from entering Canada.

Find out how you may be able to overcome a past conviction.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions for more information on criminal inadmissibility.

This information is intended for general guidance and reference only. A legal decision on your admissibility can only be made at the time you seek entry into Canada, either through an application or at a port of entry.