Canada does not classify crimes as misdemeanors and felonies. However, even seemingly minor convictions can make a person inadmissible to Canada. Criminal inadmissibility can pose a significant obstacle to immigration or travel to Canada. Fortunately, the Canadian immigration system offers options to help individuals overcome inadmissibility.
Various types of crimes can render a person criminally inadmissible. Convictions in both Canada and foreign countries can lead to inadmissibility. One of the most common reasons for being deemed inadmissible is a conviction for impaired driving. Convictions related to drug crimes are also likely to result in criminal inadmissibility. Additionally, convictions for theft and assault can make a person inadmissible to Canada, provided they are equivalent to crimes in Canada that can lead to an indictment.
Certain crimes can render a person inadmissible to Canada based on the grounds of serious criminality. These crimes include offenses committed inside or outside of Canada that would result in a minimum prison sentence of 10 years or more if convicted in Canada