DWI

DWI (Driving While Impaired/Intoxicated) is a criminal offence involving the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, posing a danger to public safety.

In Canada, this offence is generally considered a serious violation and can lead to a finding of criminal inadmissibility, causing an individual to be denied entry at the border, whether driving or flying into the country. Canadian law does not clearly distinguish between terms such as DWI or DUI (Driving Under the Influence), but driving while intoxicated is treated strictly.

A person convicted of a DWI abroad, if the act is equivalent to an offence punishable by a maximum prison sentence of at least ten years in Canada, will be considered to have committed a serious crime. To enter Canada after such a conviction, they must apply for criminal rehabilitation, as the passage of time does not automatically remove inadmissibility.

An application for criminal rehabilitation requires documents such as a police certificate and information regarding the sentence. Processing times are typically 6 to 12 months, with a fee of CAD$1,148.87 for serious criminality. While waiting, a temporary resident permit may be an option if there is a compelling reason for entry.