So what's the deal. I want to visit B.C., but I am a felon.

[Holdin']

I've lived in my area for 10+ years, and have never been to the land of our friendly neighbor to the north. If I hopped in my car right now, I could be at the border in about 3 hours if traffic allowed. I'd always wanted to go BEFORE getting busted, but never did. Shame on me.

So I've done researching, I even asked my lawyer at the time of my conviction and he basically sent me on a wild goose chase. That was a wasted $6K anyway.

From research I've found, basically you have to file an application. And they make a decision based on the personal situation. Like all the research I've found, it can easily vary from situation to situation. So I'm not fully expecting to find the info I'm looking for here.

I'm pretty much looking for personal experiences... Such as how long it took for the app process, extent of your charges (if you wish to disclose), time passed since conviction/probation/parole etc. etc.

As far as my situation goes:

One count of delivery of MJ, one count of delivery of oxycodone. Poor decision on my part, I know. But what's done is done.

It's been a bit over two years since my release of a 366 day sentence. With no parole since I previously had a clean record, and in my state with a non-violent offense in such a situation, they cut the cord completely.

I understand that often times 5 years is the golden number, but I also understand this doesn't always apply.

So please, if you've been to Canada as a felon, it would be much appreciated for your input. If you need further details, just ask.

Thanks in advance!

 

[supermanlives]

i have crossed from the north maine woods into canada.fuck papers

 

[Holdin']

i have crossed from the north maine woods into canada.fuck papers

I was talking to my old man about it the other day and he said the same exact thing. Haha...

 

[Holdin']

Actually I took the 101 trip last April and spent some time in in Arcata and Eureka. Beautiful area.

I don't only want to go to Canada to smoke weed. I can do that right here. It's not that I have some undying urge to go to Canada. But it's very close to home, I've never been, and would like to go. Is that too much? I like to travel, adventure, see new places, smoke some weed while I'm doing it but that isn't the main reason for EVERYTHING I do. Most, but not everything.

 

[ZEROorDIE]

i went to the bahamas while i was on probation

if you got a passport just go man. wht they dont know wont hurt em

 

[Holdin']

To the mod, sorry for not posting this in Sec. & Legal in the first place, didn't think about it.

So I can obtain a passport, as a felon, and cross the border with no questions asked? Seems odd.

 

[harpocrates]

Here is the deal... with your record if you tell them, they will 99.99% not let you in to the country. The only way that paperwork will do you any good is if they see that you will do any good for them.

IMO, your best and really only hope is to just try to cross the border and don't disclose any info. I've been back and forth 20+ times and they only looked at my passport 3 times and all they did was look at it, no background check.

The Canadians at the border were always super cool with me, it's the US guys that you need to worry about.

 

[SmokinErb]

So long as you're not on parole or probation - you have the RIGHT to travel.

It's illegal for the US to prevent you from leaving - so long as you're not on parole (which you said you weren't) I'd just get a passport and hope for the best?

 

[harpocrates]

So long as you're not on parole or probation - you have the RIGHT to travel.

It's illegal for the US to prevent you from leaving - so long as you're not on parole (which you said you weren't) I'd just get a passport and hope for the best?

It isn't the US that is the problem. Canada will not let him in to the country with that record. They won't let you in to the country even if you have a DUI record.

 

[ParadigmShift]

Anyone can get a passport, felon or not. I wouldn't disclose your priors to costums.
From my understanding, it is much harder to get into the states then Canada, but still very doable.
Back in 2001, just a month after 911 my wife got a nursing job down in N.C. I've got priors (2 pen bits). My wife took all our paper work to customs she got her TN visa and got my kids and I our TD visas. Next day we were down south legally.
Not 'till my second year renewal did the americans decide to run my name through the computers. I won't disclose how I got back in the states to gather all our belongings, but if theres the will, theres a way.
If Canada finds out you have a history, they hold the right to turn you away.

 

[Vermonster]

i think they only care about certain crimes, i.e. DUI.....then again i too have come and gone from canada w/o stopping several times.

forgot i was in a car once going up for a bachelor party in Montreal, my one buddy had a DUI and the other had a felony conspiracy for a 3 lb sale, that he did 9 months behind. Kid w DUI had to go home, he coulda stayed.. untill of course the secondary search turned up 5K at which point they denied us all acess for no good reason.