We first told you about these issues back in 2007 (see Article ID 1916) with a follow-up in 2008 (Article ID 2168). Nothing has significantly changed since then, but travelers are still being taken unawares.
We were reminded of this recently by a subscriber (who chooses to remain anonymous) who had two DUI convictions way back in the early 80s but has had a spotless record since. He's been kind enough to show us the lengthy and detailed applications he's filed to prove to Canadian authorities that he's rehabilitated, and kept us updated on the progress of his application. Suffice it to say, this wasn't an easy process, nor a quick one; it took over six months start to finish to obtain permission to enter Canada. Fortunately, barring any future convictions, this is a one-time process.
This subscriber offers some tips for others who may be in this situation. He says that the Northern Ontario Tourism Outfitters Association (NOTO) implemented a pilot program between NOTO and Citizenship and Immigration Ontario (800-665-5787) to help process rehabilitation applications. NOTO is also attempting to get other Canadian outfitter associations to do the same in their respective provinces. He recommends speaking with Doug Reynolds or Laurie Marcil at NOTO for guidance.
To complete an application for rehabilitation, you will need police certificates from your local and state police as well as the FBI, plus........(continued)
