Criminal Inadmissibility

Criminal Inadmissibility — Salgado Law (Ontario)

Criminal inadmissibility is a critical and complex issue in Canadian immigration law that can block individuals from entering or remaining in Canada. At Salgado Law, we help clients in Ontario and beyond navigate these challenging matters — providing legally sound, evidence-based strategies grounded in current Canadian law.

What Is Criminal Inadmissibility Under Canadian Immigration Law

Under IRPA, a foreign national or permanent resident may be found inadmissible on criminal grounds in two main categories:

Serious Criminality — per IRPA s. 36(1), someone is inadmissible if they have been convicted in Canada of a federal offence punishable by a maximum of 10+ years imprisonment, or received a sentence of more than 6 months. Justice Laws Website+2Prudent Law+2
General Criminality — under IRPA s. 36(2), a foreign national is inadmissible for having been convicted in Canada of a federal indictable offence, or two separate offences not arising out of the same incident; or outside Canada for an offence that, if committed in Canada, would be indictable. Criminal Law Notebook+1

These provisions apply whether the criminal activity happened in Canada or abroad — but the key in foreign cases is equivalency: IRCC and immigration authorities compare the foreign offence to Canadian law as if the act had occurred under Canadian statute. Canada Immigration Services+1

Risks and Consequences for Permanent Residents

For permanent residents, a criminal conviction (especially “serious criminality”) can lead not only to inadmissibility but to loss of status and deportation. Canadian Council for Refugees+1 Once inadmissible on criminal grounds, defending one’s status becomes legally urgent — not just for future applications, but to stay in Canada. Overcoming Criminal Inadmissibility: Rehabilitation & Other Options Fortunately, IRPA provides pathways to overcome criminal inadmissibility:

Rehabilitation: If the criminal offence happened outside Canada, an individual may apply for formal “rehabilitation.” IRCC has detailed rules: generally, five years must pass from the end of the sentence before applying; in some cases, a person is deemed rehabilitated after ten years. Canada
Record Suspension (Pardon): For convictions in Canada, obtaining a record suspension from the Parole Board of Canada (formerly “pardons”) may restore admissibility. Canada
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): In some cases, IRCC may issue a TRP to a criminally inadmissible foreign national if there is a strong justification and compelling circumstances. Canada

Practical steps Salgado Law takes for clients in Ontario

At Salgado Law, we combine legal expertise with practical, medically informed advocacy to help clients navigate medical inadmissibility issues:

Early risk assessment: we review medical reports and records to identify issues that could trigger excessive-demand findings or public-health concerns. Canada
Evidence gathering: we obtain supporting medical documentation, expert letters, and treatment plans that clarify prognosis, current and future care needs, and the likely cost impact on public services.
Policy and legal argumentation: we prepare legal submissions that rely on IRPA, IRCC policy guidance, and recent operational bulletins to argue why a finding of inadmissibility is unwarranted or disproportionate. Justice Laws+1
Alternatives and exemptions: where possible, we assess whether the client qualifies for exemptions or other immigration streams less likely to be affected by medical inadmissibility.

Appeal and judicial options: if IRCC maintains an inadmissibility finding, we advise on next steps — from representations and ministerial relief requests to judicial review — depending on case specifics

How Salgado Law Supports Clients in Ontario

At Salgado Law, we provide strategic, client-centered support in criminal inadmissibility cases:

Assessment & Risk Analysis
- We review criminal records, charges, sentencing, and foreign legal materials.
- We evaluate whether an offence qualifies as “serious criminality” or “general criminality,” based on IRPA and case law.
- We estimate the risks of inadmissibility in light of your immigration goals (visitor visa, PR, etc.).
Rehabilitation Applications
- We prepare and file rehabilitation applications with IRCC, articulating why the client deserves relief.
- We help collect relevant evidence: character references, proof of stable life post-conviction, medical or psychological reports (if relevant).
- We argue for “deemed rehabilitation” when possible, based on the timing and nature of offences, supported by IRCC’s policy guidelines.
Record Suspension Assistance
- For Canadian convictions, we guide clients to apply for record suspensions via the Parole Board of Canada.
- We help assemble the required documentation — court records, personal statements, proof of rehabilitation — to maximize the chance of success.
Temporary Resident Permits
- If inadmissibility is likely but there is a compelling reason to enter or remain in Canada (e.g., family, business, humanitarian), we can apply for a TRP.
- We build a strong case narrative, presenting the hardship, rehabilitation, and moral character evidence to IRCC decision-makers.
Litigation & Appeals
- If IRCC denies rehabilitation or imposes inadmissibility, we explore judicial review or other legal remedies.
- We represent clients in complicated hearings, making arguments grounded in IRPA, precedent, and fairness.

ocal expertise: As an Ontario-based firm, we understand both federal immigration law and relevant provincial considerations.
Holistic approach: We don’t just look at the legal technicalities — we assess your whole situation (immigration goals, family ties, risk factors) to recommend a path forward.
Evidence-based advocacy: We rely on medical, social, and character evidence alongside legal arguments.
Transparent communication: We explain the process, timelines, and risks clearly — so you can make informed decisions every step of the way.