Canadian ski vacation options are popular during the winter months. In fact, Canada boasts some of the world’s best resorts. For example, the Whistler-Blackcomb Resort, in British Columbia offers 8, 171 acres of trail. Looking for bountiful snow? In that case, the Powder King Mountain Resort (British Columbia) offers twice the average snowfall of the area. In Alberta, there is a longer ski season. The season begins November and runs until May, at the Sunshine Village Resort.
In short, Canada’s ski resorts are a great attraction for Canadians and foreign nationals alike. However, border officials will turn you away for most criminal records. Don’t pass up a Canadian ski vacation because of a DUI or other minor violation.
Can you enter Canada?
As a matter of fact, you could be denied entry to Canada if you have a record. For example, the border guards could deny your entry for:
- Fraud
- assault
- dangerous driving
- possession of or trafficking in illegal or controlled substances
- driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Get cleared for a Canadian ski vacation
You may overcome your inadmissibility by:
- being deemed rehabilitated
- applying for Criminal Rehabilitation
- having a temporary resident permit
- obtaining a record suspension
Deemed Rehabilitation
Summary Offences
Summary offences are minor. They are similar to “misdemeanors.” If you have two or more minor offences, you may be deemed rehabilitated. The waiting period is five years after you have served your sentence.
Indictable Offences
Generally, border officials will deem you rehabilitated in 10 years for serious offences. Canada calls these “indictable” offences.
Applying for Individual Rehabilitation
You may also apply for Criminal Rehabilitation five years after the end of your sentence. Unlike deemed rehabilitation, there is a processing fee for the application. In addition, you must show:
- general stability
- a permanent home
- employment
- character references
Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs)
If it has been less than five years since the end of your sentence, you may apply for a temporary resident permit. A TPR is issued when a border services officer deems your request for entry valid and posing no safety risk to Canadian society.
Applying for a TPR also involves a processing fee and documentation. In some cases, you may be asked for an interview.
Record Suspension
If you have been convicted of a crime in Canada, you may be eligible for a Record Suspension. This will allow you to enter Canada. A Record Suspension is the same as a pardon.
If you have a pardon from another country, ask the local visa office whether it is valid in Canada. A US pardon is not valid in Canada.
Note: The above applications may take up to a year to process. Start the process now for the 2017/2018 ski season.
If you would like to enter Canada for a Canadian ski vacation, contact us today. We offer free consultations on TRPs, Criminal Rehabilitation and Record Suspensions at 1-866-972-7366 .