Pubdate: Thu, 11 Aug 2005
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Andrea Woo

BLOCKED AT THE BORDER BY PAST CRIMES

Paperwork Plus Fees May Allow Entry To Canada

Despite a law that's been in place for more than 30 years, many
visitors to Canada aren't aware they can be turned away at the border
if they have criminal convictions.

"These rules have always been in effect," said Paula Shore,
spokeswoman for the Canada Border Services Agency. "They are certainly
nothing new at all."

Still, more than 18,000 visitors with past convictions were turned
away from B.C. and the Yukon last year.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, a visitor with
virtually any conviction in his or her past -- for assault, drugs or
driving under the influence, for example -- can be turned back at the
border.

This can undoubtedly put a damper on vacation plans.

There are still, however, ways for those with past convictions to
enter Canada. It just requires a bit of time, and in some cases, money.

If at least five years have passed since a person's conviction, he or
she can apply for individual rehabilitation, a process not nearly as
intimidating as it sounds.

In most cases, it would simply require the person to fill out the
necessary paperwork -- all available online -- and pay a fee that
depends on the nature of the criminal conviction.

If more than 10 years have passed since a sentence was served, and the
sentence was not more than 10 years, a person may be deemed
rehabilitated and not have to fill out anything at all.

Those who have received Canadian pardons for their convictions or who
were issued temporary residents' permits may also be allowed into the
country.

"Anybody [with a past conviction] who is coming to Canada, we suggest
they talk to their travel agent or go on to our website," said Shore.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin