Overview: What is a Criminal Offence? The term criminal offence is mistakenly used to mean many things. In Canada, there are two main categories of criminal offences: summary conviction offenses and indictable criminal offences. 1) What Are Summary Convictions? Summary offenses are the less serious ones. In Canada, summary conviction cases are heard in provincial
Overview The rules of international travel to most European countries are about to change. The need to exert stronger border controls, enforce counterterrorism measures, improve illegal immigration policies, and boost public health protection has seen Europe introduce a new travel authorization system - ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) that will become operational in
Overview Travel restrictions are tightening globally. As the number of undocumented immigrants and/or those with criminal records soars, host countries have been forced to re-examine their immigration policies. At the top of issues with immigration is the number of travelers with a criminal record. The United States has already enacted strong border controls to prevent
Overview To travel back to Canada as a non-citizen, you need the right documentation or risk being denied entry. In fact, you may not be able to board a flight, train, bus, or boat to Canada without certain a permanent resident (PR) card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD). If you have the right documents,
Overview: Renewal of Permanent Residency Canada In Canada, permanent residents are usually citizens (of other countries like foreign students, and foreign workers) who are permanently residing in Canada, meaning they have legally obtained permanent resident status. Permanent residents could also be stateless persons, including refugees. Every permanent resident is issued with a permanent resident card
Overview: Stricter US Immigration Policies in 2025 Gaining entry into the US is getting tougher, especially for individuals with a criminal past. 2025 has seen stricter immigration policies by the Trump administration. A valid passport and visa isn’t enough if you have a record. If you have been denied entry to the US from Canada
Overview If you have a criminal record that is yet to be pardoned or expunged but you need to travel to the US for whatever reason (work, leisure, etc.), you need a US Entry Waiver. If you don't have one, you risk being detained or denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the
Overview: Background Check for Permanent Residence in Canada A permanent resident in Canada is a person who is permanently living and working in the country. Permanent residents enjoy a variety of benefits from the right to live, work, and study in Canada, to access to social benefits, protection under the law, the right to sponsor
So, Can I Get a Permanent US Entry Waiver? No! US Entry Waivers aren’t valid forever. Generally, your waiver will be valid for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed after expiry. A US Entry waiver offers you legal entry into the US without risk of detention or arrest at the border port of
If you have been charged with a crime in the past but you weren't convicted, you can apply for a record destruction (or expungement) which ensures all criminal records of your charge are erased. You can also seek record destruction if you have already secured a pardon (record suspension). Pardons simply mean that the record
