Being denied entry to Canada can be a distressing experience that disrupts travel plans, separates families, and impacts business arrangements. Whether you’ve been turned away at a Canadian airport or land border crossing, or you’re concerned about potential inadmissibility issues, understanding your options is vital.
If you’ve been denied entry to Canada, your primary options include:
Our inadmissibility to Canada lawyer can help you navigate border restrictions and find legal pathways to enter Canada despite previous denials.
When denied entry to Canada, you’ll be issued a removal order and typically sent back with immediacy. Your existing documentation becomes invalid, and your information is recorded in official systems.
📌If you’re issued an exclusion order, you’ll need special authorization to return before it expires.
Arriving at a Canadian port of entry only to be turned away can be both shocking and disruptive. Even with a valid visa, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or other documentation, admission to Canada is never guaranteed.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers have the authority to deny entry to anyone they believe doesn’t meet entry requirements.
✔️ Our team has extensive experience assisting clients who have been denied at airports and land borders across Canada, including Pearson International, Vancouver International, and the Peace Bridge crossing.
⚠️ What many travelers don’t realize is how significantly an entry denial can disrupt their lives. Beyond the immediate disappointment, being denied can mean missing important events like weddings, funerals, or important business meetings, potentially costing thousands in non-refundable accommodations and arrangements.
Denied entry at the border? Don’t let one decision derail your future plans. Contact us now to speak with our experienced immigration law firm who understand the stakes and can help you find a path forward.
Unfortunately, you generally cannot directly appeal a refusal at the border. CBSA officers have broad discretionary powers, and their decisions are typically final at the point of entry.
However, you may be able to challenge the decision through proper legal channels after the fact. Depending on your situation, this might include applying for a Temporary Resident Permit, pursuing criminal rehabilitation, or seeking judicial review in certain circumstances.
💡 The doctrine of officer discretion gives CBSA officials significant authority at Canadian borders. Overturning these decisions typically requires presenting new information or pursuing formal legal remedies rather than simple appeals.
Case scenario: An American traveler was turned away due to a DUI from 10 years ago. With legal support, they obtained a TRP in under 60 days, allowing them to attend their daughter’s wedding.
Additional reading: failed refugee claimant work permit
If you’re planning to travel to Canada, knowing the risks ahead of time can help you prepare and reduce the chance of being turned away at the border.
The Canada Border Services Agency outlines specific reasons for denial of entry:
| Reason for Refusal | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Criminal inadmissibility | DUI, theft, assault—even older or minor convictions may be a barrier |
| Immigration violations | Previous overstays, unauthorized work, or breaches of immigration terms |
| Health grounds | Serious medical conditions that may pose a public health or financial risk |
| Misrepresentation | Providing false information or omitting key details on applications |
| Insufficient funds | Inability to demonstrate financial support during your visit |
| National security | Alleged ties to organized crime or terrorism-related concerns |
⚠️ Even minor offenses in your home country can have serious consequences under Canadian law. Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act defines inadmissibility broadly. Offenses that may seem insignificant—like a single DUI—can still lead to criminal inadmissibility.
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a special authorization that allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to enter or remain in Canada temporarily. This permit acknowledges your inadmissibility but grants permission to enter Canada for a specific, justifiable purpose.
TRPs can be issued through two primary channels:
Your application must demonstrate:
✔️ TRPs are highly discretionary—proper documentation and legal presentation matter.
💡While TRPs can be approved for periods ranging from a single day to three years, they are temporary solutions.
Our refugee lawyer in Canada can provide personalized guidance on your denied entry case and help you explore all available options for legal entry.
For those with past criminal convictions causing inadmissibility, Canada offers two potential paths to permanently resolve this status:
A formal application process available to individuals with convictions where at least 5 years have passed since the completion of all sentences (including probation, fines, etc.). This is a permanent solution that, once approved, removes inadmissibility concerns.
⚠️If the offense is classified as serious criminality (such as crimes punishable by more than 10 years in prison in Canada), rehabilitation may not be granted. In such cases, an individual may face longer waiting periods or alternative legal remedies.
Automatic relief that may apply without application after 10+ years if the offense was relatively minor (punishable by less than 10 years imprisonment in Canada) and you have no other criminal history.
💡 While a TRP provides temporary permission to enter Canada despite inadmissibility, criminal rehabilitation permanently resolves criminal inadmissibility. TRPs are appropriate for urgent, time-sensitive travel needs, while rehabilitation is the long-term solution for those who need to travel to Canada regularly.
Case Scenario: A person with an old criminal record for assault filed for criminal rehabilitation. It was approved after showing they had maintained a clean record for over 10 years.
The rehabilitation application process requires detailed documentation of your conviction, evidence of rehabilitation, and character references. Processing times typically range from 6-12 months, making this option best for those without immediate travel needs.
Canadian immigration law is complex and constantly evolving. CBSA officers make rapid decisions based on the documentation presented and their assessment of admissibility requirements. Having our experienced legal representation can significantly impact your chances of success.
Our qualified immigration lawyer can:
At Kingwell Immigration Law, we understand the nuances of Canadian border admissibility and have helped countless clients successfully enter Canada despite previous denials or inadmissibility concerns.
Remain calm, polite, and cooperative with border officials throughout the process. Request details about the specific reason for denial and ask for documentation if available. Take notes about your interaction, and upon return to your home country, consult with a Canadian immigration lawyer to discuss options like TRPs or rehabilitation.
Yes, you can reapply after being refused entry to Canada, but you must address the reason for your initial denial before attempting to return. This may involve obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit, completing Criminal Rehabilitation, or gathering additional documentation to satisfy CBSA concerns about your admissibility.
Bring proof of the purpose of your visit (hotel reservations, invitation letters), evidence of ties to your home country (employment letter, property ownership), financial documents showing sufficient funds, and a return ticket. If you have any criminal history, bring court documents showing case resolution and consider consulting a lawyer before travel.
A DUI conviction generally makes you inadmissible to Canada, but you may still enter with a Temporary Resident Permit (for temporary visits) or by applying for Criminal Rehabilitation (for permanent resolution). If your DUI occurred more than 10 years ago and was your only offense, you might qualify for Deemed Rehabilitation without formal application.
A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) provides temporary permission to enter Canada despite inadmissibility and is suitable for urgent or specific travel needs. Criminal Rehabilitation offers permanent resolution to criminal inadmissibility but takes longer to process (6-12 months) and requires at least five years to have passed since completing all sentences.
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