Driving to Alaska from the continental USA can be a thrilling adventure. Still, the journey can be challenging for those with a criminal record. One of the primary obstacles is the need to travel through Canada, which may deny entry to individuals with a criminal record, regardless of the nature of the offense. This inadmissibility can create significant challenges. Individuals often require a temporary resident permit or criminal rehabilitation to continue their journey. Navigating the legal complexities and requirements of these processes can be difficult. Dogen Law is here to help you understand the implications and take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth journey.
Can I Drive Through Canada to Alaska as a Felon?
If you plan to drive from the continental USA to Alaska, you must go through a Canadian port of entry. However, it’s important to note that upon reaching the Canadian border, you’ll have to go through all Canadian immigration procedures before proceeding to your destination. Crossing the border could be challenging if you have a criminal record for an offense considered serious under Canadian law. In such a case, you may be refused entry into Canada and deemed inadmissible.
What are my options?
It’s important to understand that being declared inadmissible to Canada due to a serious criminal offense on your record doesn’t necessarily mean you are permanently banned from entering the country. It simply means that you must plan ahead to ensure that you can cross the Canadian border legally. So, let’s explore some options to help you continue your trip to Alaska if you have a felony or misdemeanor conviction on your record.
Flying from the Continental USA to Alaska
To still visit Alaska and avoid being refused entry into Canada due to criminal inadmissibility, the easiest solution is to skip Canadian ports of entry altogether. The easiest way to accomplish this is by booking a direct flight from the United States to Alaska without any stops within Canada.
If you’re looking forward to a road trip to Alaska, the idea of a direct flight may not be ideal. Let’s explore a few alternative options that could work.
Driving to Alaska with a Felony: Apply for TRP
Suppose you can’t or don’t want to fly to Alaska, or your travel companions insist on driving. In that case, you’ll need to find a legal way to enter Canada with a criminal record. One option is to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, which allows you to enter Canada and stay for a specific period of time. However, you must leave Canada or renew the permit before it expires, or you’ll be breaking local laws.
Criminal Rehabilitation may be the best choice for gaining repeated access to Canada if you’re looking for a more permanent solution to overcome your criminal inadmissibility status. We’ll explore this option in the next section.
Driving to Alaska with a Felony: Apply for Criminal Rehabilitation
Criminal Rehabilitation (CR) is another option for entering Canada for individuals looking to drive to Alaska with a criminal record. To be eligible for CR, you must have completed your sentence at least five years ago and cannot have committed any other crimes since then. The best part of Criminal Rehabilitation is that it grants permanent access to Canada, so you will no longer need special permits to enter Canada.
How Dogen Law Can Help
At Dogen Law, we understand that having a criminal record can create challenges when it comes to entering Canada, especially for those hoping to embark on a road trip to Alaska from the continental USA. However, our experienced immigration lawyers can help guide you through applying for a Temporary Residence Permit or Criminal Rehabilitation, depending on your situation. We will work with you to build a strong application, ensuring that you meet all the requirements and submit all the necessary documentation.
With our help, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining the permits you need to enter Canada legally and enjoy your road trip without any worries. Contact us at Dogen Law to discuss your options and start planning your trip today.