Rehabilitation for persons who are inadmissible to Canada because of past criminal activity (IMM 5312)

Coming to, or remaining in Canada without approval of rehabilitation

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:

At Canadian visa offices outside of Canada

• 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*.

At Ports of Entry (airport, marine or land)

(Contact your nearest Canadian visa office before travelling to Canada.)

• advise that you will not be allowed to enter Canada and ask you to return immediately to your country of departure;
• take enforcement action (arrest, detention and/or removal); or,
• advise that you could apply for special permission (temporary resident’s permit) to enter Canada*.

In Canada

• ask that you leave Canada voluntarily;
• take enforcement action (arrest, detention, and/or removal from Canada); or
• advise that you could apply for special permission (temporary resident’s permit) to remain in Canada*.

*There will be processing fees for applications for special permission to come into or remain in Canada. You will be advised of the processing fees at the time, or you can refer to our website for further details.

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