Alcoholics Anonymous (“A.A.“) is hosting its 2025 International Convention in Vancouver from July 3-6, 2025. A.A.’s International Convention is a global gathering of A.A. members, friends, and families that occurs every five years. The event typically takes place over a weekend and features a variety of activities, including meetings, workshops, and speaker sessions focused on sharing experiences, strength, and hope related to recovery from alcoholism.
The event’s FAQ currently states:
Information for those who may have entry issues due to past criminal history:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigratecanada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contactircc/offices/international-visa-offices.html
For general information members may also access https://www.cbsaasfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html or contact the Border Information Service (BIS) at CBSA by calling:
Within Canada
Toll-free
1-800-461-9999
TTY (for those with hearing or speech impairments)
1-866-335-3237
Outside Canada
Long distance charges apply
1-204-983-3500
1-506-636-5064
Press “0” to speak to an officer during regular business hours – Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (local time) excluding holidays.
It further states:
If travel to Canada is difficult for some U.S. members, why are we holding an International Convention in Vancouver?
The Fellowship of the United States and Canada makes up the General Service Structure of Alcoholics Anonymous in North America, and functions as one entity in spirit and in service to the Fellowship. As this event rotates through the regions of A.A., there will be times when it takes place in the U.S., and other times when it is held in Canada.
Laws and other circumstances may impede some members from traveling from one country to the other. For instance, some Canadians could not attend the 2000 International Convention in Minneapolis because of the difference in value of the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar. Rotation of International Conventions provides accessibility for all members. The Vancouver Visitors and Convention Bureau has assured A.A. that Canada will do whatever is possible to welcome and cooperate with members for the 2025 International Convention in Vancouver.
I previously represented an individual who was a member of A.A. who was facing removal from Canada. I understand how valuable this organization can be.
My hope in this post is to provide information as to how someone with a DUI conviction, or similar, can attend this International Convention.
Here are some questions that we have been receiving?
Do DUIs Make Someone Inadmissible to Canada?
Yes, a can make someone inadmissible to Canada. Canadian immigration law considers someone with a DUI to be inadmissible to Canada.
What is the Relevance of 2018 in Determining the Consequences of a DUI?
The year 2018 is significant in determining whether a DUI renders someone inadmissible to Canada because of a change in Canadian law that occurred on December 18, 2018. On that date, Canada implemented Bill C-46, which made significant amendments to the Criminal Code, particularly concerning impaired driving offenses. Before December 18, 2018, the maximum sentence for a DUI offense in Canada was 5 years of imprisonment. After the amendments, the maximum penalty was increased to 10 years of imprisonment.
Under Canadian immigration law, an offense that could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years or more is considered “serious criminality.” This means that after December 18, 2018, any DUI offense, even a first-time offense, could render a foreign national inadmissible to Canada on grounds of serious criminality.
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- Before 2018: DUIs were considered less severe, and rehabilitation was more straightforward, potentially making it easier to overcome inadmissibility.
- After 2018: The increased penalty means that even a single DUI offense could lead to a determination of serious criminality, making it more challenging for individuals to enter Canada without undergoing rehabilitation or obtaining a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
What is a Rehabilitation Application?
A rehabilitation application in Canadian immigration law is a process that allows individuals who are deemed inadmissible to Canada due to past criminal convictions, including offenses like DUI (Driving Under the Influence), to apply for a determination that they are no longer a risk to Canadian society and are therefore admissible to enter Canada.
Someone with a DUI can enter Canada if they are rehabilitated.
To be eligible for a rehabilitation application, at least five years must have passed since the completion of the criminal sentence, including any fines, probation, or community service. The five-year period is calculated from the date the sentence was completed. The applicant must demonstrate that they have lived a law-abiding life since the offense and are unlikely to commit future crimes.
The applicant must fill out the appropriate forms, provide detailed information about their criminal history, and submit documentation such as court records, police certificates, and evidence of rehabilitation efforts (e.g., employment history, character references). Processing times for rehabilitation applications can vary, often taking several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications.
If the application is approved, the individual will be considered rehabilitated and will no longer be inadmissible to Canada on the grounds of the past criminal conviction.
What is a Temporary Resident Permit?
If someone is not eligible for rehablitation, they can still apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (“TRP”). A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a special permit issued by the Canadian government that allows an individual who is otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or remain in the country temporarily. The TRP is issued at the discretion of Canadian immigration authorities and is typically granted in cases where the individual’s need to enter or stay in Canada outweighs the risks to Canadian society.