My friend would like to come to Canada for a visit with us in June. Problem is they got fined for DD 2 years ago.

I am aware of the implications but I just wondered if there was any way around this? Applying to the embassy for a visitor visa or do the have to wait the 5 years until they can enter?

I would be grateful if people could share their knowledge and/or experiences.

Many thanks

Why would your friend need a visa to visit Canada? I'm assuming the friend is a Brit.

As far as I'm aware, they'll have to wait until the 5 years is up and then apply for criminal rehab.

The only thing they can try is ticking the 'for information only' box on the criminal rehab form, which is for people that are not yet eligible to apply for rehab to see if there is any chance they can go before the 5 years is up.

Here's the info from the CIC website on the above:

If you need to come to Canada, but cannot apply for rehabilitation because five years have not passed since the end of the sentence imposed or you are not eligible to apply for a pardon for convictions in Canada, you may ask an officer for special permission to enter or remain in Canada. Complete the Application for Criminal Rehabilitation, but check the box that states, “For Information Only.” Attach the documents outlined in the Document Checklist. After reviewing the form and looking at the nature of the offences, number of offences, when they happened and your current situation, the officer may:

•advise that they do not recommend that you travel to Canada; or,
•advise that you could apply for special permission (temporary resident’s permit) to enter Canada.

Yes they are. But like I said, they have a DD conviction.

Thats great! Thanks for the info. How do I obtain the form?

Just download it from the CIC website. They should be prepared for having to wait the 5 years though, it's unlikely that they'll be allowed in to Canada earlier with a conviction only 2 years old. And by the time they've got the 'info only' request back, and then applied for rehab (which can take up to a year), it would be later than June so don't think they'll be joining you on your holiday somehow!

The CIC takes a very dim view of DD.

When I applied for my PR, a friend, who worked in CIC offered to help me with the forms. The first thing she asked was about DD. It would have been game over.

Yep. Don't think the OP's friends will be going to Canada before 2013 somehow!

Thanks for the help guys.

Does anyone know the situation with visiting the US or should I ask in the US section?

Thanks!

I imagine it to be the same but it wouldn't hurt to ask the question.

If they want to visit the US, I believe they'll need a visa (can't use ESTA as they'll have to tick 'yes' to the question re: convictions) so will have to apply for that. And it's worth noting that the US takes an equally dim view of DD.

But I'd ask that question in the US forum as that's only my understanding and I may have got that completely wrong!

Ok thanks! Such a pain is the ass! Just goes to show that you should always be good

Because, of course, nobody in Canada ever drives under the influence.

Except, maybe the premier of BC.

Absolutely - mental note, must tell my children of the impact convictions can have on nice holidays when they're older! Bet that would give them a much better reason to behave themselves than anything else!!

I would hope so!!

The reason I asked about the USA is because I am getting married there next year. Looks like they may not be able to make it if the USA is just as strict

Their fault for being a moron I guess