Criminal Record How big of an issue?

[Big Jump]

My spouse and I are making the leap and hoping to come to Canada wihtin the next 10 months. (Family wedding and starting my second degree)

The Hitch: He has two prior possesion charges for drugs. It was minor infractions. Once he paid the fine and the other one he went into the army as opposed to a fine (the fine was more than he could afford. Tricky of the country, but that is another can of worms!) Both of these occured when he was a teenager over 10 years ago.

I have been trying to research how this will affect our application but am not getting any clear indication. Perhaps someone has some expereince. It is a horrible thing to witness your husband being affected by his young mistakes just on the brink of a wonderful life together.

Any info or direction will be appreciated thank you.

[wilson]

Hi big jump

I hope you will get some advice from here:

Criminal Inadmissibility

"Persons who are otherwise qualified to enter Canada as Permanent Residents, temporary workers, international students or visitors may be denied entry if they (or their dependents) are determined to be criminally inadmissible by a Canadian Immigration Officer".


http://www.canadavisa.com/immigration-problem-criminal-inadmissibility.html

[awor]

If 10 years have passed since any "sentence" (fine paid, community service completed, etc), then you should be ok. Was joining the army a court sentence, or did the judge just say "join up or you'll see me again" kind of thing (totally "voluntary")? In any case, you'll have to send the background report with an explanation and any proof you can, and see if they request more information.

[Big Jump]

Thank you for your replies. I appeciate the link.

Sounds like this will be something that may hinder (elongate) the process but will hopefully not stop it from happening. Just hate to have any difficulties.

The army was more of a suggestion after he completed some mandatory counselling. All worked out in the end for him and we are just hoping that youthful mistakes (he was still a teenager!) don't prevent us from being together as a couple in Canada.

Thanks again.