Going to Canada Through Fort Frances with a DWI

I am going to Canada for a fishing trip.Back in my drinking days I was stupid enough to drive drunk.I now a dwi from 2001 on my record.I have heard horror stories about people not being allowed into Canada.Has anyone in my boat crossed at International Falls lately? Whats the story. I ahve tried searching the web but got no first hand accounts.I am here hoping my fellow IDA’ers can lend me some advice.

I cross multiple times a year with a guy who has 2… his last one 15 years ago. We each drive and tow our own. While anyone can get the occasional teardown, he’s never been stopped or questioned about his DWI’s.

If YOU try to cross with your vehicle or if you are driving………You are not getting across.

However, if you are a passenger……..You will make it. They can’t ask you if you have a DWI/DUI, for per Canadian law it isn’t an “ethical” question.

However, if you drive your vehicle they automatically pull up your license plate and review who you are.

There is a slight chance of having all passengers submit their ID (driver’s license) for review to border inspection. But it is rare.

Jiggy Jack;

Last I heard was that if you haven’t had one for 10 years, you are “cured, or redemed”.

I have two buddies who do cross consistently who have had DWIs 20 years ago.

However, I have another buddy who got one a couple of years ago and he got caught at the border. He can’t cross anymore…….

Here is some info.

http://ftp.canadatourism.com/ctxuploads/en_publications/CTC_Fact_Sheets_2002-03.pdf

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5312E.PDF

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/rehabil.html

http://www.bordercrossing.ca/

In any case, I’d have an extra $200 cash to pay for a waiver at the border.

-J.

Those who have been convicted of an offense outside Candada and have had 5 years elapse since the custodial portion (if any)of the sentence imposed (not the sentence served), may apply for a Minister’s Approval of Rehabilitation. The Minister’s approval will permanently remove the inadmissibility caused by the conviction. Persons who committed criminal activity or were convicted of criminal offenses outside of Canada can apply for approval of rehabilitation by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration if five years have passed since the end of criminal activity or completion of sentence.

Persons who wish to enter Canada but are ineligible for approval because not enough time has passed can complete the form and check “for information only” An immigration officer will decide if a temporary resident Ministers permit for temporary admission is warranted

Documentation that may be required is as follows:

a Statement from you indicating how often and for what purpose you are likely to visit Canada in the future

A copy of the court judgement including the verdict and sentence

A Copy of the text of the law violated

Evidence of your rehabilitation. This may be in the form of 3 letters from parole boards, public officials, etc. Friends are not allowed for this purpose.

A state and a federal background check (Fed can take 4-6 weeks) PM me for details.

A full written explanation in your words concerning the circumstances of the conviction(s).

3 recent identical passport photos

A copy of your probation officers report on the status of your progress. If the terms of probation restrict your travel an authorization from the court allowing the travel must be included.

A completed visitor visa form

If you have been ordered deported from Canada, full details including the date and place the deportation was ordered.

More info at

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/menu-en.asp

I highly suggest not taking your chances and just seeing what happens.

We haven’t had any problems, and there are multiple guys in our group with D-Dubs. We cross as both drivers and passengers.

Whiskerev is right on the money with his explanation. Trust me I can not go through anymore even as a passenger. They do ask that question. The main thing is that it is up to the border guard whether or not you cross.

Good Luck

I talked with the Canadian equivalent to our DNR at the Sportshow this winter. They gave me a form to fill out. Anything over 10 years, no problem. Anything under, need to pay to be rehabilitated, $200.00. I won’t spend my money in Canada for this very reason. Heck, I’ve waited this long, what’s 2 more years.

I have heard from a few people that were bounced and lost all their reservation fees and all that. Get the permit and you are good to go whenever. They make you jump through some hoops big deal. It is even worse if you want to take your gun hunting.

Ok so I talked this over a bit with the guys… (same guys I run there with multiple times a year).

DWI is a felony in Canada. Someone with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada at the descretion of the guy you see.

This does not mean that everyone is denied.. (they pointed out multiple examples where someone had DWI’s in the last 5 years were able to drive their own vehicle and boat across)…it does mean that they have the right to deny you. But they have the right to deny anyone.

Hope that helps!! Goodluck!