COW – Serious Criminality and how it is Addressed – May 28, 2026
Non-citizens convicted of a serious crime are inadmissible—whether the crime happened inside or outside Canada. This means that they’re not allowed to enter or stay in Canada.
Serious crimes are listed in the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Driving under the influence is considered a serious crime, as well as extortion.
Being convicted of a crime outside Canada doesn’t always mean that a person is inadmissible—only if it is considered an offence in Canada.
When assessing cases, we look at all available evidence. This includes police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations, media articles and other public information.
How we address serious criminality
If we find out that a person in Canada may have committed a crime, Canada Border Services Agency will investigate. That person could become inadmissible and removed from Canada.
People who are sentenced to six months or more of prison time cannot appeal their inadmissibility decision to the Immigration Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
The IRB makes decisions on immigration and removal cases.
