legal letter to enter Canada

[Scottf270]

Just got back from a great last minute cougar hunt in Alberta. I got in, but it took explaining everything over again concerning the 30 year old dwi and a 15 year arrest that was bogus with all charges dropped. The guy called his supervisor who quickly approved my entry.
I love hunting Canada but I have taken the animals I desire and may not return. My outfitter was adamant that hunters with issues should use a border crossing service to erase or smooth over any issues.

 

[MallardSX2]

I would seek expungement with an attorney. Then you’ll never have to worry about it again.

 

[Habitat#1]

I have a 35 year old DUI with diversion,I talked to lawyer about expungement and they said that it can cost alot and you never know how long it will take to get removed from all the records.I am getting a rehabilitation letter and was advised to go through the electronic kiosk at airport as there you swipe your passport. Also to go during the day so that a supervisor is there.

 

[Scottf270]

I'll add this. Always use your official name so every document matches perfectly. My birth name is Scotty but I have used Scott my whole life.

When I scanned my passport in Canada and then entered Scott, it said there was a malfunction and to see an immigration representative. I'm sure this led to more scrutiny which caused delays.

I also couldn't use the kiosk self check in at the airport in Edmonton because the ticket and passport didn't match perfectly.

 

[WCB]

I was crossing to go into BC some years ago. The border crossing guy asked me, "when was the last time you were arrested?"

He didn't ask if I had ever been arrested. Tricky.

How is this tricky....easy answer..."never have been".

 

[Habitat#1]

I happened to get my rehabilitation letter from Clear Access law today,Looks very through and explains the charges and how they relate to the same law in Canada and how in Canada this would be the same as a non prosecuted offense due to diversion and charges dropped after 12 months etc.

 

[TSAMP]

I happened to get my rehabilitation letter from Clear Access law today,Looks very through and explains the charges and how they relate to the same law in Canada and how in Canada this would be the same as a non prosecuted offense due to diversion and charges dropped after 12 months etc.

That was a quick turnaround. It sounds like you technically didn't need to apply for anything, simply were deemed rehabilitate due to passage of time.

What you got is a legal opinion of your case from a Canadian law office?

Lots of assumptions in the above but trying to highlight the details for others. Please correct me if I'm wrong OP

 

[Habitat#1]

Yes it is stated as an opinion letter,I did have to submit finger prints to the FBI to get their report and get all the documents from 30 years ago on the case. It probably took 90 days to get all that done. I did have to take cell pics of paper work that I couldn't email due to it also took 60 days to have paperwork go to Canada through the mail even after the strike was over

 

[BuckRut]

I am rolling the dice on mine. Different scenario but I will be finishing an Alaskan cruise in Vancouver. My DUI was 9 years ago and will be leaving on a flight the same day we arrive. If the punishment is deportation I would imagine they would just let me leave on my flight.

 

[TSAMP]

Yes it is stated as an opinion letter,I did have to submit finger prints to the FBI to get their report and get all the documents from 30 years ago on the case. It probably took 90 days to get all that done. I did have to take cell pics of paper work that I couldn't email due to it also took 60 days to have paperwork go to Canada through the mail even after the strike was over

How much for the service?

 

[2muchhp]

I would love to go with my buddies to Canada and hunt bear. I have two dui over 35 years ago. I doubt they'd ever let me in...sucks

 

[medvedyt]

some might read here.

Rehabilitation for Persons Who Are Inadmissible to Canada Because of Past Criminal Activity - Canada.ca

Rehabilitation for Persons Who Are Inadmissible to Canada Because of Past Criminal Activity

www.canada.ca

 

[medvedyt]

it is both way we have a friend that got charges in seattle WA when he was a juvenile and when we wanted to go to skagway or haines AK: he had to apply for a specific permit / paper and fingerprints from rcmp to fbi ... and despite all the paperworks us customs/immigrations can deny his entry.

it is the same as DUI for smoking a joint but you see the idea.

 

[TheGrayRider]

Do the Canadian authorities run a criminal background check at the border for each person attempting to cross or is answering their questions “on the honor system?”

I have no DUI convictions but am just curious about the procedure. Thanks, TheGrayRider.

 

[Pulleye16]

Yeah…I crossed the first time 10 years and one month afterwards and never got questioned.

I’ve been going into Canada yearly ever since and not once have had an issue.

Relative made it through with under 10 years and had gone multiple times, no questions asked.

My good buddy has three and also, no issues crossing and he goes multiple times a year.


And yes, from WI…that’s why everyone has one. lol.

 

[Pulleye16]

I’ll add..if close enough, just go swing up there and give it a try prior to your trip. Cheaper than a $1000 and you’ll get a clear answer.