Inadmissibility: understand the ground, then look for the solution.

An immigration officer decides whether you can enter Canada when you apply for a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or when you arrive at a port of entry. If you're found inadmissible, the visa or eTA is refused, entry is refused, or you can be removed from Canada.

Visa Canada Rouge, an immigration consulting firm in Montréal, analyzes the ground relied on, the documents involved and the possible solutions: rehabilitation, a temporary resident permit, a response to an IRCC letter, or representation before the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Grounds of inadmissibility

IRCC lists, among others:

• security: espionage, subversion, violence or terrorism, membership in an organization involved in them;
• human or international rights violations: war crimes, crimes against humanity, senior officials of certain governments;
• criminality, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• organized crime: people smuggling, money laundering, membership in a criminal organization;
• medical grounds: a danger to public health or safety, or excessive demand on health or social services;
• financial reasons: being unable or unwilling to support yourself and your family;
• misrepresentation: see our page on misrepresentation;
• non-compliance with the Act: overstaying, working or studying without a permit, a permanent resident who didn't meet the residency obligation, someone previously deported who returns without authorization;
• an inadmissible family member.

Criminal records

Any offence can count, minor or serious, in Canada or abroad: theft, assault, dangerous driving, impaired driving, drug possession or trafficking. An offence committed under 18 doesn't necessarily bar entry. Depending on the crime, how long ago it was and your conduct since, three solutions exist.

Deemed rehabilitation

If enough time has passed since the end of the sentence, the crime may no longer be a bar, without any application. It depends on the offence, the time elapsed and the number of offences; in every case, an offence committed abroad must carry a maximum prison term of less than 10 years if committed in Canada.

Individual rehabilitation

An application available once at least five years have passed since the end of the sentence (including probation) and since the act in question. You must show you're rehabilitated and highly unlikely to reoffend. Fees: $246.25 for criminality, $1,231 for serious criminality. IRCC warns these applications can take over a year: plan well ahead.

Temporary resident permit

If fewer than five years have passed since the end of the sentence, or if you have a valid reason to come, a temporary resident permit may let you enter or stay in Canada. The officer weighs whether your need outweighs the risks to Canadian society. Fee: $246.25.

A Canadian record suspension (formerly a "pardon") ends the inadmissibility for that conviction; a foreign pardon must be checked with the visa office. See our guide to criminal inadmissibility to Canada.

Medical grounds

IRCC can find someone inadmissible if a health condition endangers public health or safety, or would cause excessive demand on health or social services. For 2026, the excessive demand cost threshold is $144,390 over five years, or $28,878 per year.

The excessive demand rule doesn't apply to refugees and their dependants, protected persons, and certain sponsored family members, such as spouses, common-law partners and dependent children. Before a decision, IRCC sends a procedural fairness letter: you have 90 days from the date of the letter to respond, for example with a mitigation plan or updated medical information. See our guide to medical inadmissibility.

When inadmissibility leads to a hearing

For someone in Canada, particularly a permanent resident, an inadmissibility allegation can be referred to the Immigration Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board, and some decisions can be appealed. See our IRB representation page.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not declaring an old conviction because you think it no longer counts: the omission can become misrepresentation.
• Applying for an eTA before rehabilitation: according to IRCC, rehabilitation should come first; otherwise the eTA is assessed on the information available and may be refused.
• Assuming impaired driving is minor.
• Waiting until the last minute for a rehabilitation that can take over a year.
• Missing the 90-day deadline of a medical letter.

What we do for you

• Identify the ground of inadmissibility and the right solution: deemed rehabilitation, individual rehabilitation, temporary resident permit
• Gather court records, proof of sentence completion and rehabilitation documents
• Respond to a procedural fairness letter on a medical or criminal ground
• Represent you before the Immigration Division or the Immigration Appeal Division

To take stock, book a consultation or describe your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Can impaired driving keep me out of Canada?

Yes. IRCC specifically lists it among the crimes that can make someone inadmissible. Depending on the time elapsed, rehabilitation or a temporary resident permit may be possible.

When can I apply for rehabilitation?

Once at least five years have passed since the end of your sentence, including probation, and since the act in question.

How much does a rehabilitation application cost?

$246.25 for inadmissibility on grounds of criminality, $1,231 for serious criminality, according to IRCC's fee list.

My conviction is two years old. Do I have an option?

A temporary resident permit may be possible if you have a valid reason to come and your need outweighs the risks. It costs $246.25.

My sponsored spouse has a health condition. Can they be refused?

The excessive demand rule doesn't apply to sponsored spouses, common-law partners and dependent children. A danger to public health or safety is still assessed.

Is inadmissibility permanent?

Not always. Depending on the ground, the time elapsed and your situation, rehabilitation, a temporary resident permit or a documented response can change the outcome.

Official sources: IRCC, "Reasons you may be inadmissible to Canada" and "Overcome criminal convictions" (July 23, 2026), "Medical inadmissibility" and "Citizenship and immigration application fees" (September 21, 2026). Accessed October 11, 2026.