Many people are unaware that they can be denied entry to Canada, even if they have already been approved for the appropriate visa or they are entering from a country like the United States, citizens of which do not require a visa. 
It can be extremely inconvenient, expensive and frustrating to have problems entering Canada, as many people do not know they are ineligible to enter Canada until they actually try. In other words, they have already spent the time and money traveling to Canada, and may have a pressing reason to enter the country such as a family emergency or a business trip.
Why would someone have problems entering Canada?
There are a lot of different reasons that someone can have issues entering Canada if they want to visit for any reason.
For example, if you have a criminal record or a history of criminal ties, you could be inadmissible to Canada. If you have health issues, you may also be inadmissible to Canada. The Canadian border officials must also be satisfied that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and that you have enough money to support yourself while you are in Canada.
Visitors from specific countries must also have a valid travel document, and some types of travel documents or passports are considered unreliable by the Canadian government and could cause you problems when you try to enter Canada.
Many different issues that cause someone problems when entering Canada can be fixed. For example, those who have a criminal record may be able to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit, which will allow them to overcome their criminal inadmissibility for a short period of time.
Problems entering Canada are a concern for many, however some travelers do not realize there will be a problem until they have arrived at the border or airport. Avoid experiencing problems entering Canada before you travel, and contact a licensed immigration lawyer to determine your eligibility and any additional steps you need to take for problem-free travel to Canada.
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.
