Hey, I have a criminal record from the mid-90's and also 2000, for a few counts of bad checks and theft, and also some driving under suspension (suspended for failure to appear). All misdemeanors-minor charges. I am planning on driving to Canada (Montreal) in a few years to get necessary medical treatment (surgery) which I can't get here in the US. There is a $600 deposit which is non-refundable if I don't show up at the hospital on the scheduled evening. I will leave the morning before the evening I am due to show up.
I have researched this issue of the web, and you are not allowed to enter Canada with a criminal record from the US unless you apply for a Visa, or get permission from the Canadian government, or get a pardon from the US. This costs money though ($200 or so), and I refuse to pay, and be treated like a second-clbutt citizen. It's not like I liquidateed someone or do drugs. I also hear it is at the boder officer's discretion, and sometimes they can still let you through, even with a criminal record, but some peopel are denied.
I traveled to Canada over the Peace Bridge in Buffalo in the 1980's as a kid, and our family was just waved through by the Customs officer. No license needed. But travel restriction have tightened up since 9-11. From what I have read, most people just show their license and birth certificate or pbuttport, and they are waved through. But they do do some random or for cause checking with online databases. And apparently, US and Canadian criminal records are now tied to your pbuttport or driver license number now, at least according to some website. So they can determine this pretty quickly, unlike pre-9-11. Of course, they don't check most people, since the lines would be too long then. Chances are better if you are white, drive a nice car, have your family with you, and have a pbuttport.
I forgot to mention I also have an out-of-sate valid US driver's license (I can't get a DL in the state where I currently reside since my right to drive is suspended in two states due to failure to appear). Don't know if that matters.
Travel to Canada wCriminal RecordH.B. Elkins He can't. Some states do not participate in reciprocity, but it does not matter anyway. What has probably happend is that this scofflaw has gotten in several scrapes...
So can anyone give me advice on what are the chances of me being denied entry or given trouble if I just try to drive through without getting the criminal record thing cleared up? I just don't want to have to go through the hbuttle an be humiliated by having to get special permission to enter, which takes at least a few weeks, and is good for one time only, I think. I do not want to be treated like a second-clbutt citizen. I am not. And this whole thing is overblown. This seems overly burdensome given the circumstances.
And, also, are there any border crossing which are unmanned, perhaps in Vermont? Are certain places to cross easier, like in Buffalo?
Thanks in advance.
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