TEMPORARY RESIDENT PERMIT (TRP)

Entry Waiver into Canada
Fast Processing

Pardons & Waivers made simple — regain your freedom, restore your reputation, and travel stress-free.

If an individual is inadmissible to Canada for

Criminal
Security
Medical

criminal, medical or security reasons, but requires entry to Canada, they may be eligible for a Temporary Resident Permit Canada (TRP).

Temporary Resident Permit Canada (TRP)

A TRP helps individuals overcome inadmissibility. Applicants must demonstrate a significant need to enter Canada. Those criminally inadmissible cannot work, study, or apply for permanent residence. A TRP permits temporary entry as a worker, student, or visitor, but not for residency. It is needed until criminal inadmissibility is resolved.

There are several different circumstances that could result in criminal inadmissibility and cause a person to need a TRP. For example, if a person has been convicted of an offence and:

  • Less than 5 years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence
  • More than 5 years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence and the inadmissible person has not applied for, or received, a positive decision on an application for criminal rehabilitation

Temporary Resident Permit Canada (TRP)

A TRP helps individuals overcome inadmissibility. Applicants must demonstrate a significant need to enter Canada. Those criminally inadmissible cannot work, study, or apply for permanent residence. A TRP permits temporary entry as a worker, student, or visitor, but not for residency. It is needed until criminal inadmissibility is resolved.

There are several different circumstances that could result in criminal inadmissibility and cause a person to need a TRP. For example, if a person has been convicted of an offence and:

  • Less than 5 years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence
  • More than 5 years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence and the inadmissible person has not applied for, or received, a positive decision on an application for criminal rehabilitation

Your Freedom to Work &
Travel Starts Here

The process for pardons and waivers is complex. Mistakes can cause long delays or even rejection. We make it easy by:

  • - Handling all paperwork and deadlines
  • - Gathering and preparing all required documents
  • - Following up with government agencies on your behalf
  • - Ensuring your application is complete & accurate the first time

Your Freedom to Work & Travel Starts Here

The process for pardons and waivers is complex. Mistakes can cause long delays or even rejection. We make it easy by:

  • Handling all paperwork and deadlines
  • Gathering and preparing all required documents
  • Following up with government agencies on your behalf
  • Ensuring your application is complete & accurate the first time

How to Get a Canada Entry Waiver

Americans that have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) may find themselves denied admittance if they go to Canada. If a person has ever been convicted of a crime in the United States that is possibly a serious offense in Canada, such as DUI or DWI, border agents may not allow the individual to enter unless they have successfully obtained a Canadian entry waiver.

Applying for an entry waiver involves petitioning the Canadian Government that you are safe to let in and have an important reason for crossing the border. If the Government believes the benefit of granting an individual entrance outweighs the potential risk, they can approve the person for an entry waiver allowing him or her to cross the Canadian border with a DUI or other criminal record.

TRP

Temporary Resident Permit

If it possible to request an entry waiver for a single visit to Canada, or for multiple entries for as long as three years. The duration requested should always be justified with evidence of a good reason for visiting, however, such as a business trip.

An entry waiver for Canada is called a Temporary Resident Permit or TRP, and applying for one is a complex legal procedure that involves a substantial volume of paperwork. Consequently, most people who apply for a Canadian waiver have an important reason for traveling.

Otherwise, a person will usually just avoid the country if they are criminally inadmissible and at risk of a border denial. The Canadian consulate takes about 3 to 4 months to process a DUI entry waiver application, so many Americans apply well in advance of their expected travel date. In an emergency, it is possible to bring an expedited Canada waiver application to the border for immediate review on the spot, but this can be rather risky as there is absolutely no guarantee a person will be approved.

Processing time: 3 to 4 months. Emergency applications available at border (high risk).

How Do I Know If I Need a Waiver For Canada?

If a US citizen is considered inadmissible to Canada on grounds of criminality, he or she may get turned away by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers without a valid entry waiver or permanent pardon called Criminal Rehabilitation.

People who are unsure whether or not they are considered inadmissible according to Canadian law should consult with a qualified attorney. While a misdemeanor DUI conviction from the United States can be an excludable crime, people with a single misdemeanor for possession of marijuana or disorderly conduct may not need an entry waiver in order to travel to Canada.

Most felony convictions can result in a lifetime ban from the country, but those with a single DUI from long ago might be eligible for grandfathered Deemed Rehabilitation and assumed safe if enough time has passed. Admissibility is determined by the seriousness of the equivalent offense north of the border, which is why entry waivers may be required of Americans who plan on entering Canada with a misdemeanor but no felony record.

Canada Entry Waiver vs. Pardon

If all sentencing including any probation was completed more than five years ago, a person should be eligible to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation which is a pardon capable of fixing inadmissibility to Canada forever.

This is typically the recommended approach when available to a foreign national, in fact a Canadian entry waiver application can even be rejected if a person is eligible for Rehabilitation but applies for a waiver instead!

Consequently, it is common for people to apply for an entrance waiver and a pardon at the same time if they wish to get into Canada asap. In some cases, an entry waiver is the only option for an American with a criminal record.

For example, an individual not yet eligible for a Canadian pardon and needing to travel to Canada quickly might have no choice but to request an admissibility waiver. Due to the complexity of the process, many people hire a Canadian TRP attorney to help them apply for an entry waiver.

DUI Entry Waiver vs. Criminal Entry Waiver

Requesting a Canadian entry waiver for a DUI conviction, often referred to as a DUI waiver, is a very similar process to applying for a Canadian waiver for a different kind of conviction.

The likelihood of success may vary substantially based on an applicant's criminal history, however, and people with several convictions, or a felony charge, will normally find it harder to get approved for a Canada waiver compared to an applicant with a single misdemeanor.

Persons with an extensive criminal record are typically not advised to apply for a travel waiver at the Canadian border, as the rejection of an emergency waiver application usually leads to the visitor getting denied admittance by CBSA.

If someone is approved for a DUI waiver, but is then arrested and charged for a new crime, they may once again be inadmissible according to Canadian law.

Pardon vs. Waiver
Why You May Need Both

Our Role: We help you navigate both processes efficiently, ensuring you can live and travel without obstacles.

A Canadian pardon seals your record domestically, but U.S. systems may still flag it.

Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions

Typically 6–12 months, depending on offence type and application completeness.

No — it seals your record so it’s hidden from most background checks but not erased.

Between 1–5 years, depending on your specific case.

Yes, but the process is complex and mistakes can cause delays or denials. We ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Helpful Guides
& Resources

Guide 1

Step-by-Step Pardon
Application Process

1. Verify Your Eligibility

Ensure all your sentences are complete and you meet the waiting period: 5 years for summary offences, 10 years for indictable offences.

2. Obtain Your Criminal Record

Request your record from the RCMP, which will be needed for your application.

3. Gather Local Police Records

Collect police clearance certificates from all places you’ve lived in the last five years.

4. Collect Court Documents and Proof of Sentence Completion

You’ll need paperwork showing fines paid, probation completed, and other conditions met.

5. Complete Application Forms

Fill out the required forms carefully to avoid delays or rejection.

6. Pay the Application Fee

Currently $50, non-refundable.

7. Submit Your Application

Send your completed application to the Parole Board of Canada.

8. Await Processing

Processing times vary but usually take 6-12 months.

9. Respond to Any Requests

You may be asked for additional information or documents during the process.

10. Receive Your Record Suspension

If approved, your record will be sealed and you’ll receive official confirmation.

What Is a U.S. Entry Waiver?

A waiver grants legal permission to enter the U.S. despite having a criminal record or prior refusal.

When Do You Need One?

"- If your Canadian record shows up on U.S. databases.
- After being denied entry to the U.S. previously."

Application Process

"- Submit detailed applications to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Provide documentation about your conviction and rehabilitation.
- Processing can take 8-18 months."

Validity

Waivers typically last between 1 and 5 years.

Why Work With Experts?

The process is complex; an experienced service can improve your chances and avoid costly mistakes.

Guide 2

Understanding U.S.
Entry Waivers

Guide 3

Eligibility Criteria
Explained

Pardons (Record Suspensions)

"- Sentence fully completed.
- Waiting period respected (5 or 10 years).
- No pending charges.
- No ineligible offences (e.g., certain sexual offences)."

U.S. Entry Waivers

"- Usually required regardless of pardon if flagged by U.S. authorities.
- Must show rehabilitation and low risk.
- Sometimes tied to specific offences or past refusals."

What Could Disqualify You?

"- Serious or multiple convictions.
- Incomplete sentences or outstanding charges."

How to Keep Your Pardon on Track — Avoid These Missteps

- Submitting incomplete applications: Missing documents cause delays.

- Applying too early: Don’t apply before waiting periods are over.

- Not disclosing all required information: Be thorough and honest.

- Ignoring legal nuances: Some offences need extra paperwork or are ineligible.

- Failing to follow up: Monitor your application and respond promptly to requests.

- Trying to do it alone without expertise: Professional help can prevent costly errors.

Guide 4

Common Mistakes
to Avoid