Can I Enter Canada with a Weapons or Firearms Conviction?

A felony weapons conviction will almost always map to a Canadian Criminal Code provision with a maximum penalty of at least 10 years, placing it in the serious criminality tier under IRPA s.36(1). Deemed rehabilitation is not available for serious criminality. In most cases you need either a TRP (for immediate travel) or Criminal Rehabilitation (available 5 years after you complete all sentence conditions; IRCC lists the serious-tier fee at $1,231 as of late 2025; it is a permanent solution once approved). A CBSA or IRCC officer decides each case, so this is general information rather than a guarantee of any outcome.

It depends on how the offence maps to Canadian law. Unlicensed concealed carry typically maps to CCC s.92 (possession of restricted/prohibited firearm, max 10 years) = serious criminality. A TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation is required. Use the Admissibility Explorer to confirm your tier.

"Felon in possession" convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) commonly map to a Criminal Code provision such as s.92 (unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, 10-year maximum) or, where the firearm was obtained by crime, s.96 (which carries a 14-year maximum). Either way the Canadian maximum is at least 10 years, so the offence generally falls in the serious criminality tier and a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation is typically required. The exact mapping depends on the facts, so this is a case where consulting a licensed immigration lawyer is strongly recommended. A CBSA or IRCC officer makes the final determination.

No. Serious criminality under IRPA s.36(1) creates inadmissibility but not a permanent bar. Criminal Rehabilitation, available 5 years after all sentence conditions are met, provides a permanent resolution. Once approved, you are no longer inadmissible based on the conviction.

Almost certainly not, if the offence maps to a Canadian weapons provision with a 10-year maximum (which covers the vast majority of weapons charges). Deemed rehabilitation under IRPA s.36(3)(c) and IRPR s.18 applies only to non-serious criminality, a Canadian equivalent with a maximum under 10 years. If Criminal Rehabilitation was not approved, you generally still need a TRP or to apply for CR. An officer makes the final assessment.

Inadmissibility under IRPA s.36 is generally based on a conviction or, in some cases, on having committed an act that is an offence. A charge that was withdrawn, dismissed, or that ended in an acquittal is not a conviction, so it usually does not create criminal inadmissibility on its own. That said, a border officer can still ask about your history and consider the surrounding facts, and you should be prepared to show court documents confirming the outcome. Because terminology and record-keeping differ between countries, confirming how your specific disposition is treated with a licensed professional is wise.

It is sometimes possible to request a TRP at a port of entry, but for a serious-criminality weapons matter this is a high-risk approach. The officer can refuse entry, and a refusal can complicate future travel. Applying in advance through a visa office gives you time to assemble supporting evidence and a written explanation of why you need to enter Canada. There is no minimum waiting period to apply for a TRP, but a stronger, better-documented application generally fares better. The decision always rests with the officer.

A TRP (IRPA s.24(1)) is a temporary authorization tied to a specific purpose and period, and it can be sought at any time, including soon after a conviction. Criminal Rehabilitation (IRPA s.36(3)(c)) is a permanent fix: once approved, the conviction no longer makes you inadmissible, but for serious criminality you must wait until 5 years after you complete every part of your sentence before you are eligible to apply. Many people use a TRP for urgent travel and later pursue Criminal Rehabilitation for a lasting solution.

No. The serious-criminality tier under IRPA s.36(1) depends on the maximum penalty of the equivalent Canadian offence, not on how recently the conviction occurred. An old weapons conviction can still place you in the serious tier. What time does affect is eligibility for Criminal Rehabilitation (available 5 years after all sentence conditions are met) and the strength of a TRP application, where significant time without further incidents can help. Deemed rehabilitation, which clears some offences with the passage of time alone, does not apply to serious criminality.