Are You Inadmissible to Canada?
If you have criminal records, you will likely be denied entry into Canada at the Canadian border. To avoid facing these issues you could apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP) or, even apply for Criminal Rehabilitation (CR)
. Both of these applications take time, though, you may be able to overcome inadmissibility in person at the border if you are an American citizen. The application processing is slightly stricter at the border, because individuals must demonstrate their need to enter Canada outweighs their risks they possess to Canada and Canadians. Though, if you can put forth compelling reasons why you should be allowed to enter Canada for a temporary period of time, then you may be granted a temporary resident permit at the port of entry. In an ideal situation, a Temporary Resident Permit application would be submitted well in advance of attempting to enter Canada, to allow a consulate to render a decision. However, processing times at the consulate are often longer, and often a decision will not be made in time for your travel. When you have an urgent travel date, you should apply for a temporary resident permit at a port of entry.
How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit at a Port of Entry
It is the case for many individuals that they realize they are criminally inadmissible to Canada, only a short time before they had intended to try to travel to Canada. This is an incredibly nerve wracking thing to become aware of, because it almost certainly means you will have an issue fulfilling your travel plans, as you will not be allowed to enter Canada. What makes this worse than simply being inadmissible to Canada, is that there is not enough time to apply for criminal rehabilitation, or apply for a temporary resident permit at the consulate level, both of which help communicate to immigration officers that you are serious about overcoming your status as inadmissible to Canada. Though, there is still a solution for individuals in this circumstance. You can apply for a temporary resident permit at a port of entry, as you try to enter Canada, rather than at the consulate. If you apply for a TRP at the border instead of the consulate, you will receive a decision the same day, rather than wait the typical 8-12 month processing times. If you have an urgent travel date coming up, and need to overcome your status as criminally inadmissible, keep reading this blog to learn how to apply for a TRP at a port of entry.