Reasons Canadian Immigration could turn you away at the border

Many visitors travelling from the United States to Canada arrive at the border only to be refused entry. There are several reasons for which non-Canadian citizens may be found inadmissible. Canadian Immigration Officers can reject visa applications, Electronic Travel Authorization applications or refuse entry upon the U.S. citizen’s port of entry arrival.

Reasons for being found inadmissible

Non-Canadian individuals who misrepresented visa applications or have a criminal history in another country may be deemed inadmissible. The following may also apply when Canadian Immigration Officials decide to deny entry into Canada:

• Holding a senior position in a government with international sanctions or engaging in human rights violations like crimes against humanity or war crimes
• Involvement or membership in organizations involved in terrorism, violence, espionage, subversion or other security reasons
• Suffering medical conditions threatening public health or safety and deemed to cause excessive demands on social or health services
• Being found guilty of crimes such as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Involvement like membership of organized crime syndicates or commission of money laundering or people smuggling
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) violations like failure to comply, misrepresentation, withholding information or providing false information
• Inability or unwillingness of persons to financially support themselves and their family members
• Persons who have inadmissible relatives

U.S. citizens planning trips to Canada might want to plan for potential interactions with Canadian Immigration officers. Those who have been refused entry may have questions about their legal options. The most sensible way to deal with such concerns is to reach out to experienced professionals who can analyze the details and advise how to proceed.