Foreign nationals and Canadian permanent residents can face allegations of immigration inadmissibility under Canada’s immigration laws. Inadmissibility arises when immigration authorities determine that a person does not meet the legal requirements to enter or remain in Canada. Common grounds include misrepresentation, criminality, medical issues, security concerns, or non-compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
An inadmissibility finding may result in serious consequences, including visa refusal, loss of permanent resident status, detention, or removal from Canada. However, several legal remedies and procedures may be available depending on the nature of the allegation. Professional guidance is often essential to protect your rights and present a strong response.
Admissibility Hearings
The Immigration Division (ID) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada conducts admissibility hearings to determine whether a foreign national or permanent resident may enter or remain in Canada.
At an admissibility hearing, immigration authorities present evidence to support the allegation of inadmissibility. The individual concerned has the right to respond, present evidence, testify, and make legal arguments. A Member of the Immigration Division presides over the hearing and decides whether the person is admissible or inadmissible under Canadian law.
If the Immigration Division finds a person inadmissible, it may issue a removal order, which can result in deportation unless an appeal or other remedy applies.
Rehabilitation
Foreign nationals who are criminally inadmissible may qualify for criminal rehabilitation, a process that permanently removes inadmissibility resulting from past criminal convictions.
Rehabilitation is appropriate when sufficient time has passed since the completion of the sentence, and the individual can demonstrate stable behaviour, remorse, and a low risk of reoffending. Once approved, criminal rehabilitation allows the person to enter or remain in Canada without further restriction based on that offence.
This option is significant for individuals with older convictions who wish to travel to Canada for work, family reunification, or long-term immigration.
Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs)
When a foreign national does not qualify for criminal rehabilitation, they may still apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
A TRP allows a person who is otherwise inadmissible to enter or stay in Canada for a specific period if they can show a compelling reason for their presence. Immigration officers carefully weigh the individual’s need to enter Canada against any potential risk to Canadian society.
TRPs are discretionary and temporary, making proper preparation and strong supporting evidence critical to success.
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications
Individuals who are inadmissible or do not qualify under regular immigration programs may request an exemption through a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application.
H&C applications ask immigration authorities to consider personal circumstances, such as long-term establishment in Canada, family ties, hardship if removed, and the best interests of affected children.
Approval may permit the applicant to remain in Canada or obtain permanent residence despite inadmissibility. H&C applications require detailed documentation and persuasive legal arguments to succeed.
Detention Review Hearings
In some instances, immigration authorities may detain a foreign national or permanent resident, particularly where there are concerns about identity, flight risk, public safety, or compliance with immigration procedures.
Immigration detention is considered an exceptional measure. The Immigration Division holds detention review hearings at regular intervals to assess whether detention remains justified. The Division may release the individual under specific conditions.
At these hearings, the detained individual may challenge the grounds for detention and propose alternatives, such as reporting conditions or bond arrangements.
Fairness Letters
A Fairness Letter is issued by immigration authorities when they identify concerns that could lead to refusal, inadmissibility, or enforcement action. These letters allow applicants to respond before officers make a final decision.
Fairness letters commonly address issues such as suspected misrepresentation, criminal history, medical inadmissibility, or insufficient evidence. A timely and well-prepared response is crucial, as the outcome can directly affect visa approval, permanent residence, or continued status in Canada.
Responding effectively requires clear explanations, legal arguments, and supporting documentation to address the officer’s concerns and protect the applicant’s rights.
Why Professional Representation Matters
Immigration inadmissibility cases often involve complex legal and factual issues. Errors, missed deadlines, or weak submissions can result in serious consequences, including removal from Canada.
Professional guidance helps ensure that applications, appeals, and responses meet legal standards and present the strongest possible case.
Immigration inadmissibility means that Canadian authorities believe a person does not meet the legal requirements to enter or remain in Canada under immigration law.
Yes. Permanent residents can face inadmissibility for reasons such as criminality, misrepresentation, or security concerns, which may result in removal proceedings.
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, applicants can resolve criminal inadmissibility through criminal rehabilitation or by obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit.
Yes. Humanitarian and Compassionate applications allow immigration authorities to consider personal hardship, family ties, and other compassionate factors.