Criminal Record from 10+ years ago

[royw2503]

New to the site, and I have been reading up on all the rules required to migrate to canada.  I have a criminal record in the US from the year 2000 for animal cruelty (yes, I was arrested for spanking my dog and yes, I was young and stupid).  I pleaded guilty and served my community service hours. No jail time.

I was reading up on the pardon/ rehab process and I am confused.  It states that I am rehabilitated if the offence/ sentencing was over 10 years ago. There, I am thinking that I am admissible?  Also, if I am already "rehabilitated", do I still need to:

1. apply for pardon?
2. disclose the conviction when I apply for PR?

Thanks.

[omm]

you are okay to apply and no worry about this offence.

OMM

[royw2503]

you are okay to apply and no worry about this offence.

OMM

thanks for the prompt reply

just to clarify, I do not need to get a pardon correct?  But do I still need to disclose it when they ask me the question "do you have a criminal record"?

[omm]

who will ask you? once FBI certificate not indicate this offence.
get FBI clearance certificate first, if this offence is crime and big offence FBI certificate will show you the record.
CIO and local visa office follow FBI certificate, even you also have to FBI certificate.
If FBI certificate clearly say's no record found then shut your mouth with answer "NO" (incase if VO will ask you this question).
but if FBI record indicate any offence then answer based on that FBI record text.

OMM

[omm]

you are safe to enter in Canada on immigration:
Follow this:
•does not have a criminal record;
•does not pose a risk to Canada's security;
•is in good health and does not pose a public health risk
(a medical examination may be required);
•has not violated human or international rights;
•has a valid passport or travel document; and
•has not violated the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/facts/security.asp

OMM

[NBaker]

Please be very cautious about advising not to declare any criminal conviction charge etc. the wording on the declaration included for most if not all applications is very clear and it is best to be truthful on the application from the outset and let the case officer make a determination with respect to whether there is a concern about the time when there was a conviction etc. In the event the time is not an issue at least the information has been presented. Even if the time has past and no inadmissibility exists there could be one through having failed to be truthful. This, where discovered, can result in criminal charges being laid that upon conviction would provide an inadmissibility and could result in a fine or jail time and a refused application. Best to always provide all the facts up front than to be discovered later.