OUI

OUI (Operating Under the Influence) is a criminal offence involving the operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or substances that impair judgment and reflexes.

In Canada, this behaviour is viewed as a serious violation and can lead to criminal inadmissibility, causing an individual to be refused entry at the Canadian border, regardless of their mode of transport. In the Canadian legal system, OUI is similar to offences such as DUI, DWI, or OWI, and its severity is determined if the behaviour is equivalent to an offence with a maximum sentence of at least ten years under Canadian law.

If a person has been convicted of OUI abroad and has completed their sentence five years or more ago, they may apply for criminal rehabilitation to resolve their inadmissibility to Canada. This application requires the submission of a criminal record, relevant legal documents, and a processing fee of CAD$1,148.87 for serious offences.

Processing times range from 6 to 12 months. While awaiting the result, a temporary resident permit may be considered if the reason for entry is sufficiently compelling, such as work or family.