A DUI will appear on a background check because it is considered a criminal offence in Canada. To remove it, you will need to apply for a Record Suspension. However, you likely do not need a waiver to enter the United States.
A DUI is considered a hybrid offence. This means that it can be tried as a Summary offence or an Indictable offence. If you have a DUI on your record, you will need to determine whether it was summary or indictable. This will affect whether you need to wait five years for a Record Suspension or 10 years.
Once you have cleared your DUI record you can apply for jobs without worrying about the background check. However, a Record Suspension will not help you with higher insurance rates, or with a driver’s licence suspension. If you have a DUI, there could be penalties based on your driver’s abstract. The insurance companies will still be able to see that you have a DUI on your driver’s abstract. Depending on the province in which you live, a DUI penalty on insurance could go back six years.
Also, if you want to work in a driving position, such as truck driving, taxi driving or courier, you might be asked to provide a driver’s abstract. Depending on how long ago the DUI occurred, the circumstances might appear.
If you have a DUI and are looking to take control of your future, check your eligibility for a Record Suspension.