A DUI is just one of the reasons why people can be denied entry to the United States. Even if your DUI offense occurred a long time ago, if you have a criminal record for DUI in Canada you could be inadmissible to the United States.
Inadmissibility to the United States Due To DUI
If you attempt to enter the United States at the border with a DUI conviction on your criminal record, you could be turned away. This can also create significant problems for an international traveler who needs to pass through a United States airport.
Someone who is inadmissible to the United States because of a DUI will need to bring a copy of their conviction with them to the border or airport, where the Customs and Border Protection officers will have the final say as to whether you may enter or pass through the United States. However, this can be extremely risky.
Getting into the United States after a DUI Conviction
If you need to enter the United States or you need to pass through for travel, you need to explore your options if you have a criminal record for DUI. This means that you should speak with a licensed immigration lawyer, as you may be eligible to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility.
To obtain the waiver you will need to fill out several different application forms and provide the United States Customs and Border Protection with several different documents, including official records surrounding the case, information about your life in Canada (evidence of your strong ties to Canada) and character references. A personal statement and drug test may also be necessary.
Worried About Being Denied Entry to the US for DUI?
Waivers can take a long time to process, so make sure you speak with a licensed imigraiton lawyer to ensure your application is ready for processing. Contact us to book your consultation, the last thing you want to do is make an error!
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
