Visa Requirements for US Residents Visiting Canada

 A single criminal conviction, regardless of how long ago, can lead to exclusion from Canada.With the exception of civil traffic violations, such as speeding, and some municipal ordinance infractions (which are typically not handled through the legal system), such as parking violations or littering, persons with a conviction must either have received a pardon, applied for and been accepted for rehabilitation, met the requirement to be considered deemed rehabilitated, or, if ineligible for rehabilitation or deemed rehabilitated status, apply for and receive a Individuals with expunged criminal convictions are generally allowed to enter Canada.Rehabilitation To be eligible for rehabilitation, at least five years (or more depending on the gravity of the offense) must have passed after the completion of any punishment imposed (imprisonment, probation, fine paid, suspension of driver's license, etc.). Due to disparities in judicial systems, an overturned conviction or dismissed charges does not immediately overturn inadmissibility unless the offense happened in Canada. 

The nature of the offense

An immigration officer at the point of entry can also "deemed rehabilitated" a person with a prior conviction. Other criteria must be met, including a ten-year period from the end of any sentence imposed. Persons attempting to enter under the deemed rehabilitated system should also bring law enforcement clearances, documents demonstrating a stable and reformed life, and character references, as the decision to admit someone as deemed rehabilitated is entirely up to the discretion of the border official, and there is no recourse or right of appeal if deemed rehabilitated status is denied.[10] Anyone with a felony conviction (unless a pardon has been issued) cannot be considered rehabilitated and must instead apply for rehabilitation or a temporary residence visa.Temporary residence permits Temporary resident permits are one-time authorizations that allow someone who is otherwise criminally inadmissible to enter Canada. Permits are rarely granted without cause, and are usually only granted in extenuating circumstances (such as a documented family emergency), on significant humanitarian grounds (such as sponsoring an inadmissible spouse or child), for reasons of Canadian national interest, or in cases where the reasons for criminal inadmissibility are insignificant.[12] TRPs are often issued with varied restrictions and may be revoked if judged appropriate. Individuals with a criminal past can receive temporary residence permits provided they can demonstrate that they have been rehabilitated and that the need for them to enter Canada exceeds any risk that they may pose to Canada.[13]

Inadmissible family members

Members of an individual's family may be declared inadmissible purely because of this fact. Offenses committed by minors In theory, a person is admissible if they were convicted of a crime before the age of 18 and prosecuted as a young offender or through the juvenile court system. If the individual in question could have been tried as an adult (as is usually the case in the United States, where juveniles as young as eight can be tried as adults), they are inadmissible, whether or not they were. Policies Import of firearmsFirearms are far more rigorously regulated in Canada than in the United States. Visitors carrying firearms into Canada or intending to borrow and use firearms while in Canada must declare them in writing on a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form.[1] Multiple firearms may be declared at the same time.[1] Once accepted, this declaration serves as a temporary license and registration certificate for up to 60 days.[1] The Non-Resident Firearm Declaration costs $25.[14] Visitors planning to borrow a firearm in Canada must get a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance, which costs $30 (Canadian) and is payable at the border.[1] These forms must be signed before a CBSA officer at the border.[1] The forms are not available at the border. The Canadian Firearms Program provides details and printable forms.[1]

Processing time in each situation can range from several months to a year or more,

so it is best to start the process of applying for rehabilitation well ahead of any intended trip to Canada However, applicants in either of these cases may use an expedited process, and the five-year waiting period is often waived. In uncomplicated circumstances, such as a single misdemeanor conviction, the application is usually assessed and accepted by a Canadian Embassy, High Counsel, or CIC office. For more intricate backgrounds, or in the case of a felony conviction, the application must be submitted to Ottawa for approval. Processing time in each situation can range from several months to a year or more, so it is best to start the process of applying for rehabilitation well ahead of any intended trip to Canada. The nature of the offense, the time elapsed, and one's behavior since the offense or sentencing are all factors examined when deciding whether or not to grant an application for rehabilitation. Applicants must receive clearances from law enforcement in the communities where they have lived, and they are highly encouraged to submit proof demonstrating stability and reform, such as job records, any schooling or treatment programs completed, and character references.