On this page you will find
- What deemed rehabilitation means in Canadian immigration
- Eligibility rules and time requirements
- How assessments work at visa offices and ports of entry
- Self-assessment steps and required documents
- What to do if you are not deemed rehabilitated
Overview
Deemed rehabilitation allows some people with past criminal convictions to enter Canada without making a formal rehabilitation application. Instead, a Canadian immigration officer decides whether you are rehabilitated based on the nature of the offence and the amount of time that has passed since you completed your sentence. If you qualify, you can enter Canada as long as you meet all other entry requirements.
Deemed rehabilitation is not automatic. It is always assessed by an officer when you apply for a visa, an eTA, or when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry.
Who may be deemed rehabilitated?
An officer may consider you deemed rehabilitated if:
- the crime is punishable in Canada by a maximum prison term of less than 10 years
- enough time has passed since completing your sentence (10 years for one indictable offence, five years for two or more summary convictions)
- you have not committed multiple or serious crimes
- the offence did not involve violence, weapons, or serious property damage
The severity of the offence and your behaviour since the conviction are central to the assessment.
Being assessed by a visa office
If you are unsure whether you qualify, you should ask a visa office to assess you before travelling. This reduces the risk of being refused entry at the border.
To request an assessment:
- complete the rehabilitation application form and select “for information only” in Section A
- provide all available court documents and supporting evidence
- send the application to the Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate responsible for your region
There is no fee for this assessment. An officer will review your documents and may request interviews or additional information.
The officer will consider factors such as:
- how many offences you committed
- the circumstances and seriousness of each incident
- your explanation for the offence
- your behaviour since completing your sentence
- evidence that you are unlikely to reoffend
- support from your community
- your current personal or professional situation
If the officer decides you are not deemed rehabilitated, you may still apply for individual rehabilitation.
Note for applicants living in the U.S.
Canadian visa offices in the United States do not conduct deemed rehabilitation assessments. U.S. residents must request assessment at a Canadian port of entry.
Being assessed at a Canadian port of entry
If you live in the United States, or if you are travelling without applying in advance, you may ask for an assessment at a port of entry. You must bring all documents related to your criminal history, including:
- court documents
- proof you completed all sentencing
- recent criminal record checks and police certificates
An officer will review your information and decide whether you can be deemed rehabilitated and allowed to enter Canada.
If you are not deemed rehabilitated, you must apply for individual rehabilitation at a visa office. If you also require a visa to travel, you should apply in advance rather than risk refusal at the border.
Assessment at a port of entry is a separate process from submitting a rehabilitation application to a visa office. Requirements differ, and approval at the border is never guaranteed.
Travelling without applying for rehabilitation
People living overseas may travel to Canada without applying in advance, but doing so carries a significant risk of being denied entry. The best way to reduce this risk is to request an assessment from a visa office before travelling.
Routine assessments can take six months or longer, so you must plan well ahead of your intended trip.
Self-assessment for deemed rehabilitation
You may be eligible to be deemed rehabilitated at the border if:
- you had only one conviction or committed only one offence
- at least 10 years have passed since you completed your full sentence
- the offence is not considered a serious crime in Canada
- the incident did not involve weapons, serious property damage, or physical harm
If you believe you qualify, bring:
- a passport or birth certificate with photo identification
- court documents for each conviction
- proof all sentences and fines were fully completed
- a recent criminal record check
- police certificates from the country of conviction and any country where you lived for six months or more in the past 10 years
If an officer determines you are deemed rehabilitated, you may enter Canada if you meet all other entry conditions. If not, you remain criminally inadmissible and must apply for individual rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between deemed rehabilitation and individual rehabilitation?
Deemed rehabilitation happens when enough time has passed and an officer concludes your offence is no longer a barrier to entering Canada. You do not need to apply. Individual rehabilitation requires a formal application and processing fee. It is used when you do not qualify for deemed rehabilitation or want a guaranteed decision before travelling.
How long must I wait before I can be deemed rehabilitated?
The waiting period depends on your offence. For one indictable offence, you must wait at least 10 years after completing your full sentence. For two or more summary convictions, the wait is five years. You must also show the offence is not serious criminality under Canadian law.
Can I be deemed rehabilitated for more than one offence?
Usually not. Deemed rehabilitation is designed for single, less serious offences. If you have multiple convictions or if your offence involved violence, weapons or major property damage, you are unlikely to qualify. In these situations, individual rehabilitation is generally required.
Is an assessment at a port of entry guaranteed to succeed?
No. A port-of-entry assessment is always discretionary. Officers review your documents and decide whether your circumstances meet the criteria. If there is any uncertainty, you may be refused entry. Travellers who want a predictable result should apply through a visa office in advance.
What documents do I need to show to be deemed rehabilitated?
You should bring court documents for each offence, proof you completed all sentencing, recent police certificates and criminal record checks, and government identification. Officers use these documents to confirm the age of the offence, the seriousness of the conduct and whether you are likely to reoffend.
