Being found inadmissible to Canada can put your status, your travel, and your future in the country at risk. But an inadmissibility finding is often not the end of the road — with the right strategy, many grounds of inadmissibility can be responded to, overcome, or challenged.
What does it mean to be inadmissible?
Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), certain people are “inadmissible” — not legally permitted to enter or remain in Canada. Inadmissibility can affect visa and permit applicants, permanent residents, and people already living in Canada. It may surface when you apply, at the border, or through a report that leads to an admissibility hearing or a removal order.
Common grounds of inadmissibility
- Misrepresentation — false or incomplete information (section 40)
- Criminality and serious criminality (section 36)
- Security grounds (section 34)
- Human or international rights violations (section 35)
- Organized criminality (section 37)
- Medical inadmissibility — danger to public health or safety, or excessive demand (section 38)
- Financial reasons (section 39)
- Non-compliance with the Act (section 41), or an inadmissible family member (section 42)
How inadmissibility can be addressed
Depending on the ground and your circumstances, your options may include:
- Responding to a procedural fairness letter before a finding is made
- Criminal rehabilitation, or a record of deemed rehabilitation
- A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) to enter or stay despite inadmissibility
- Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) after a removal order
- Appealing a removal order to the Immigration Appeal Division, where eligible
- Judicial review at the Federal Court of an unreasonable finding
How we help
We assess the exact ground of inadmissibility, explain your realistic options, and build the strongest possible case — whether that means a persuasive response, a rehabilitation or TRP application, representation at an admissibility hearing, or a challenge at the Federal Court.
Act early — before the finding hardens
The earlier you get advice, the more options you have. If you have been told you may be inadmissible, or you have received a fairness letter, a report, or a removal order, contact us right away — or call (613) 691-8506.