Criminal clearance cert. (application for rehabilitation)

[herky]

Has anyone gone through the Application for Rehabilitation to get into Canada after an DWI? The check list of doucments say that i need a criminal clearance certificate a state certificate and an FBI certificate. I'm not sure what all of these are or how to go about getting them. I f anyone has been through this process i would really like some help,

thanks

Ryan

[Hemlock]

Herky,

You should get some good feedback here, as this comes up fairly often.

I can tell you right now I'm processing my wife to be a permanent resident here in Canada. They ask for police certificates and background checks from the states she lived in as well as the FBI. We had to get her fingerprinted at the county jail ($15, I think). Start with a phone call to your county's sheriff's office and they should help get you started.

The FBI and MN BCA both have good webpages that walk you through the hoops and hurdles of the paperwork. Both the FBI and state crimininal history check/certificates are available through their websites.

Basically you have to prove to the canucks that you've been a good boy since that DUI. It was more than 5 years ago, correct?

Good luck.

[knoppers]

I heard if its over 10 years ago, you have been pardoned by the onterio gov.

[Sabaskong]

herky,

I got my "letter of rehabilitation" about a year ago. I went and got mine in person so I don't know about those certificates. I filled out two forms, 1) explaining the dwi and what happened, and 2) why you feel you've been rehabilitated. Immigration then called the county courthouse where the offense was, had them look up the record to make sure my story was the same. The immigration officer I delt with with was helpful and polite. If I remember correctly, I think they might have asked me for some official paperwork from the courthouse or state but the woman was nice enough to call instead. It took me about 3 hours. I think it would be better to have everything they ask for even if you did it in person.

I think this is their timeline for dwi's

1) 10 years or older you are deemed "rehabilitated"

2) 5-10 years, must get "letter of rehabilitation"

3) less than 5 years, almost no chance of getting into canada.

Also if the dwi resulted in an accident or injuries to anyone, they might deny.

Don't leave out any details or lie about anything or any other offenses. I believe they also will check your record through "interpol"

Price was $200.00 cdn., nonrefundable if denied.

Good luck.

[herky]

I didn't know that you can do it in person. Where did you go to get it taken care of?

[Sabaskong]

North Portal, Sask.

I would think you could apply at any customs that also has an immigration office. I wouldn't plan on doing it the same day your going up if your planning a trip, because I kind of got the impression that it could take one hour, 8 hours, the next day or even longer. Who knows?

I would call one of their immigration offices and talk to someone. Not all their border crossing spots have an immigration office. I think Emerson and Rainy River have one, maybe Fort Frances?

[snowgoose]

Stiffrod has the correct information. I took care of mine at the Emersom crossing. I had filled out the parerwork ahead of time and faxed it all to them. Then I set up a time that immagration officer would be on duty. It took me about half a hour at the border since they already had my paperwork approved.

I did not pay rhe $200 until I had my approval.

Call the border and they will tell you a web site to download the paperwork from.

It is a hassle but well worth it.

Good Luck