Introduction

In 2026, Canada will host part of the FIFA World Cup, bringing visitors from around the world to Toronto and Vancouver for 13 matches. However, many people may be denied entry if they have a criminal record, whether minor or major, whether it has been resolved or not.

This article helps explain the concept of criminal inadmissibility and provides steps to overcome this situation before you plan to come to Canada.

1. What is Criminal Inadmissibility?

Under Canadian law, a non-Canadian citizen may be considered a criminally inadmissible if you have ever broken the law in any country.

This applies to the following cases:

• Committed a crime without being prosecuted or convicted.
• Was charged, though not later convicted.
• There are pending charges.
• Convicted and served the full sentence.

Common examples leading to refusal of entry:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI).
• Theft.
• Assault
• Dangerous driving
• Possession or trafficking of drugs.

Important Note: Severity assessment is not based on your country's law, but on the equivalent offence in Canadian law.

2. Example: Why are small mistakes in your country still a big problem in Canada?

Mark, a US citizen, was convicted of a DUI four years ago, which is considered a misdemeanor in the US. However, in Canada, impaired driving was upgraded to a serious criminality in 2018.

If Mark arrives at the Canadian border without pre-processing, he could be subject to:

• Immediate denial of entry.
• Issued exclusion order (banned from entering for a certain period of time) if attempting to enter multiple times.

3. Step 1: Determine the level of crime under Canadian law

To find out if you are inadmissible, compare your country's crime with the Criminal Code of Canada.

3.1 Criminality (lower level criminal offenses)

You may belong to this group if:

• Convicted of an indictable offense in Canada.
• Or have two or more summary offenses.

Or have two or more summary offenses.

• Indictable offense: serious crime, equivalent to a felony in the US.
• Summary offense: minor offense, similar to misdemeanor.

A single misdemeanor does not usually make you inadmissible, but the Canadian equivalent should still be considered.

3.2 Serious Criminality

You belong to this group if:

• The maximum sentence for the equivalent offence in Canada is 10 years or more in prison.
• Or you were convicted in Canada and received a sentence of more than 6 months in prison.

3.3 Hybrid Offences

This is an offense that Canada can prosecute as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
Trong nhập cư, hybrid offences luôn được xem là indictable, làm tăng nguy cơ bị inadmissible.

4. Step 2: Choose the right solution to enter Canada

There are three main paths to overcoming criminal inadmissibility:

4.1 Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

TRP is a temporary resident permit that allows people who are ineligible to enter Canada for a certain period of time.

Eligibility:

• Have a legitimate and urgent reason to enter Canada.
• The benefits of allowing you to enter must outweigh the risks to Canada.

Note:
Going to watch football is not usually considered a strong enough reason. So people with criminal records should consider carefully.

Time & Cost:

• Can be issued from 1 day to 3 years.
• Fee: 239.75 CAD.
• Depending on your nationality, you can submit at the consulate, visa office or border gate (for US citizens only).

4.2 Deemed Rehabilitation

This is how you are considered “rehabilitated,” no longer inadmissible if enough time has passed since completing your sentence.

Eligibility:

• Applies to non-serious crimes.
• 10 years after completion of sentence for indictable offense.
• 5 years for summary offenses.

No application is required. However, many people choose to consult a lawyer or get a pre-consular assessment to avoid being turned away at the port of entry.

Legal Opinion Letter

Legal analysis letters help:

• Explain the equivalent crime in Canada.
• Prove you qualify for Deemed Rehabilitation.
• Increase the chances of entry.

4.3 Criminal Rehabilitation (Individual Rehabilitation)

This is a permanent solution: if the application is approved, you will no longer be inadmissible for the crimes listed in the application.

Eligibility:

• Complete the entire sentence of at least 5 years.
• Applicable to both criminality and serious criminality.

Expense:

• Criminality: 239.75 CAD.
• Serious criminality: 1,199 CAD.

Note: Processing times can take 1–2 years, so it is recommended to apply early if you plan to come to Canada in 2026.

Conclusion

If you have a criminal record and want to travel to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, check your immigration status as soon as possible. Being prepared can help you avoid being turned away at the border or missing out on the biggest sporting event on the planet.