Question about Canadian visiting US from Canada

[Inky 1,110]

So my Step-Dad wants to come with my mom to visit this year in July this time. But he only just mentioned he had a DUI 16 years ago.

Will this cause issues for him coming from Canada to US for 6 day vacation with his wife and daughter? Does he need a waiver? ( link or what all it entails would be awesome help )

Hes got co-workers telling him he can never come because of his DUI 16 years ago and another guy telling him it costs 2,000 for a waiver to be able to come visit me. Iv never had to deal with something like this so don't know what exactly is needed.

[Krikit 1,163]

A single DUI conviction is not grounds to deny entry into the U.S.:

Entering the U.S. and Canada With DUI Offenses

[Inky 1,110]

A single DUI conviction is not grounds to deny entry into the U.S.:

Entering the U.S. and Canada With DUI Offenses

So basically its just another case of people who don't know the facts making up facts?

Would the waiver even cost $2,000 if he needed one? that seems completely outrageous...

[fordchev 1]

I would think that if he is granted a Canadian passport which he will need that the US would not care about a 16 year old DUI

[Inky 1,110]

I would think that if he is granted a Canadian passport which he will need that the US would not care about a 16 year old DUI

Yea he has one - hes never been stopped from renewing it or had it taken away from him or anything like that.

[saywhat 5]

It will most likely not be a problem. He may want to check with the US consulate first to see whether he will need to apply for a visa though. If you are convicted of a crime I think you have to apply for a visa through the consulate first.

[Krikit 1,163]

Would the waiver even cost $2,000 if he needed one? that seems completely outrageous...

The waiver is $585. But he doesn't need one. Here is additional information: Link

[alizon 77]

So basically its just another case of people who don't know the facts making up facts?

Would the waiver even cost $2,000 if he needed one? that seems completely outrageous...

Looks like the waiver costs $585.

The list of crimes of moral turpitude is interesting...what is a crime of "mayhem?" It's sandwiched between manslaughter and murder!

EDIT: oh...it's intentional maiming, mutilation, or disfigurement. Yikes.

Edited February 29, 2012 by alizon

[Inky 1,110]

The list of crimes of moral turpitude is interesting...what is a crime of "mayhem?" It's sandwiched between manslaughter and murder!

EDIT: oh...it's intentional maiming, mutilation, or disfigurement. Yikes.

IDK why but that description made me laugh lol.

The waiver is $585. But he doesn't need one. Here is additional information: Link

Yea i just found the part that it said 585 - I'm going to forward this info on to my mom and step-dad thanks guys! this is good news because he was pretty upset ( hes never met my husband )

[SapphireDreams 71]

I honestly wouldn't think it would be an issue. I'm pretty sure my Dad has a DUI from a long time ago (early 90's) and we've gone on plenty of vacations to the US as a family, or him taking me across and they've never mentioned it.

I think there was also another poster worried about her Dad bringing her over to move, but she just successfully crossed with him.

I think Canada cares more about US residents with DUIs then vice versa.

[Krikit 1,163]

Definitely US are inadmissible to Canada with them. The US are more focused on drug-related offenses than alcohol.

[Boiler 43,426]

Yep The other way around would be an issue.

[dukeandduchess 141]

I was super worried about this when my Dad drove me down to California. He had a DUI around the same time (16-ish years ago) and also had another DUI in 2009 (which he claims he has no conviction for). My dad has gone to Hawaii before they needed passports and never had a problem. When we crossed the border we didn't have a problem at all. They never even asked or mentioned his DUI. All they asked was how long they planned to stay and we said about a week because they were just helping me move.

I told my Dad to call his lawyer prior to leaving to ask if he had a conviction for the 2009 incident and his lawyer informed him that they can deny you for anything at the border but the chances are very slim that he would be denied for a 10+ year DUI conviction.

[Inky 1,110]

I was super worried about this when my Dad drove me down to California. He had a DUI around the same time (16-ish years ago) and also had another DUI in 2009 (which he claims he has no conviction for). My dad has gone to Hawaii before they needed passports and never had a problem. When we crossed the border we didn't have a problem at all. They never even asked or mentioned his DUI. All they asked was how long they planned to stay and we said about a week because they were just helping me move.

I told my Dad to call his lawyer prior to leaving to ask if he had a conviction for the 2009 incident and his lawyer informed him that they can deny you for anything at the border but the chances are very slim that he would be denied for a 10+ year DUI conviction.

Ah yea i remember someone had posted! that someone was you lol glad he made it through this is good - i can show them this too as proof to help ease them on their trip plans. Thanks!

[dukeandduchess 141]

There was some good info in my original thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/349908-personal-question-re-dui-and-driving-to-the-us-from-canada/page__p__5132967#entry5132967

If your step-dad has a lawyer he could always call and ask. Also, another suggestion was that if he lives near the border try to go for a day-trip and see if he is admitted.