Hello,
I know there have been a number of DUI + immigration discussions here but I can’t seem to find one similar to my question, and this does seem to be a very confusing subject. I also understand the law in Canada changed last year for DUI offence classifications (bill C-46 I think it is) and I’m not sure if/how that might affect me as a visitor.
My situation is that in 1998 at a typical police stop I was breath tested and marginally over the local alcohol limit. This resulted in a court appearance in 1999, and I was issued a fine and my driver license suspended for 6 months. That’s it – no crash/injury/damage to property etc. And this is the only offence I have ever committed.
In about 4 months I would like to visit Canada for the first time. I’m not a US citizen and I would be flying there with an ETA. So my question is - what are my realistic chances of getting denied entry or having big problems at the airport on arrival (or being allowed in without too many problems)? I know its effectively a decision for the particular immigration officer, but would I probably fall into the “deemed rehabilitated” category given the amount of time passed? With the recent change to Canadian law, I don’t know if that affects me. I do expect on arrival I’ll have to complete some form and then consequently get questioned about it – I have an official summary report of the offence/date/penalty so I suppose it would be helpful to show that to the immigration officer?
Many thanks!
I know there have been a number of DUI + immigration discussions here but I can’t seem to find one similar to my question, and this does seem to be a very confusing subject. I also understand the law in Canada changed last year for DUI offence classifications (bill C-46 I think it is) and I’m not sure if/how that might affect me as a visitor.
My situation is that in 1998 at a typical police stop I was breath tested and marginally over the local alcohol limit. This resulted in a court appearance in 1999, and I was issued a fine and my driver license suspended for 6 months. That’s it – no crash/injury/damage to property etc. And this is the only offence I have ever committed.
In about 4 months I would like to visit Canada for the first time. I’m not a US citizen and I would be flying there with an ETA. So my question is - what are my realistic chances of getting denied entry or having big problems at the airport on arrival (or being allowed in without too many problems)? I know its effectively a decision for the particular immigration officer, but would I probably fall into the “deemed rehabilitated” category given the amount of time passed? With the recent change to Canadian law, I don’t know if that affects me. I do expect on arrival I’ll have to complete some form and then consequently get questioned about it – I have an official summary report of the offence/date/penalty so I suppose it would be helpful to show that to the immigration officer?
Many thanks!
