Colorado DUI/DWAI Convictions and Canadian Travel
Under current Canadian law, a DUI or DWAI conviction in Colorado (or elsewhere in the U.S.) will make you an "inadmissible person." An "inadmissible person" cannot visit or stay in Canada because they have been convicted of certain crimes in, or outside of, Canada.
DUI/DWAI offenses that make you ineligible for Canadian travel:
- Criminal or Administrative Conviction for impaired driving offense (DWAI)
- Revoked or Suspended license for excessive blood alcohol levels (DUI per se)
- Administrative or Criminal Conviction or license suspension for failing to take a breath, blood or urine alcohol test (Refusal)
- Outstanding warrants and pending criminal charges or trials for impaired driving offenses (DUI or DWAI)
The United States government shares driver license and court records with Canadian immigration authorities. If you are traveling to Canada, you should assume that the Canadian government will find out about any DUI/DWAI charges you have or will face.
You may still enter Canada legally if:
- Ten years have passed with no other indictable offenses
- Five years have passed since your last offense and you apply for rehabilitation status
- Less than five years have passed; you can apply for a temporary resident permit, which requires a fee
Note: The Orr Law Firm and their attorneys do not practice in Canada. This information is for advisory purposes only. This information is intended for general guidance and reference only. A legal decision on your inadmissibility can only be made at the time you seek entry into Canada either through an application or at a port of entry. Please contact the Canadian Consulate with questions regarding Canadian law and inadmissibility
