Travelling or immigrating to Canada used to fall along the lines of “impossible” or “unattainable.” Now, it has become a possibility for those who have criminal records due to the Criminal Rehabilitation Program in Canada. The basic function of the program is to have a criminal record cleared to meet certain standards that will permit entry into Canadian territory.
Criminal Rehabilitation Definition
Criminal Rehabilitation is a process that allows an individual with a past conviction to permanently overcome their criminal inadmissibility for the purpose of travel to Canada. The program involves an elaborate rehabilitation process to give someone a clean slate when subject to the judgment of the Canadian federal government. The approval of the Criminal Rehabilitation process can permit an individual to enter and exit Canada without the need for any form of authorization due to the updated citizenship status. Through the clearing of a criminal record, anyone with a conviction can enjoy greater chances of being able to secure an immigration status (refugee, immigrant, landed, etc.) much easier.
If you have a criminal record or any conviction and feel like you deserve a second shot at having a clean slate, then here are the eligibility requirement:
- You must have committed any type of activity outside of Canadian territory that constituted or constitutes an offence falling under a federal statute
- You must have been convicted of the previously-mentioned act
- Five full years of no criminal activity or violations after the completion of the full sentence (primarily the prescribed jail time, fines to be paid, and probation in the sentencing)
However, if you have gone through 10 years after your completed sentence without any violation of the law, then the Canadian federal government you are considered as fully rehabilitated.
Canadian Criminal Rehabilitation Vs. Canadian Pardon Difference
The main difference between a pardon and the Criminal Rehabilitation process in Canada is the area where the crimes were committed. Pardons apply to crimes that have been committed within Canadian territory, and the latter being outside of the country. However, most of the mandates that both forms of criminal treatment and release are unmistakably similar, especially when it comes to the period after serving a sentence needed for eligibility.
Modern Changes to the Criminal Rehabilitation program
Through continuous reformation and improvement of the law, it should come as no surprise that the Criminal Rehabilitation program has also gone under some major changes. Aside from being re-badged as the Criminal Record Suspension process, the program has also gone under a few additions and revisions in its inner workings:
- Those with summary offences must have a crime-free period of between three and five years, while former criminals who have been convicted of a serious offence will have to fulfil ten crime-free years
- If an applicant has three convictions for any type of indictable offence, they will be permanently disqualified from applying
- Criminals with convictions of child sex offences are automatically qualified
- It now costs 630 CAD to apply (nearly four times as much as before)
Canada’s Criminal Rehabilitation program gives opportunities to previously convicted individuals to enter the country. The above information can guide you on your application for travel to Canada.
If you’re looking for a Canadian pardon, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
