What can I do to protect my status and stay in Canada?

Get legal advice right away. If there is a removal order made against you, you may be able to appeal it to the Immigration and Refugee Board. But there are time limits, so act quickly.

If you get a criminal conviction, you may also have the right to appeal it in criminal court. But again there are time limits, so get legal advice right away.

If you get a criminal conviction, you could apply to the Parole Board of Canada for a record suspension, which used to be called a pardon.

But before doing this, you must have completed the sentence the court gave you, including paying any fines in full.

And after you complete your sentence, you have to wait some more time before you can apply. There is a also a fee.

For more information about record suspensions, visit www.canada.ca/en/parole-board/services/record-suspensions.html

If you get a record suspension, immigration authorities should treat you as if you were not convicted of the crime.

Criminal charges can affect your immigration status in many ways. This resource gives only general information. You should get legal advice about your own situation.

Previous page Next page