Temporary Resident Permit

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TRP Canada

Canada immigration lawyer focused on helping Americans apply for a Temporary Resident Permit so they can travel to Canada with a criminal record. We offer free comprehensive consultations (unlike many businesses who demand a retainer before assessing your options).

Crossing the Canadian Border with a Gun

Firearms are very strictly controlled in Canada, and any visitor bringing a gun into the country must declare it in writing at the border via a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. A $25 fee must also be paid at the Port of Entry (credit cards are accepted). Any illegal or undeclared weapons will be seized and never returned, and Americans crossing the Canadian border with a gun must have a "valid purpose" for importing the firearm.

There are three classes of guns in Canada:

Non-restricted firearms - most normal hunting rifles and shotguns fit into this category, and are allowed to be transported into Canada by an adult on a temporary basis for sporting or hunting use (including personal protection against wildlife in remote areas). Transporting firearms through Canada is not difficult if they fit this classification, as non-restricted guns can also be brought into the country by people who are driving through Canada to or from Alaska. Travelers who declare a non-restricted firearm, such as a US citizen going on a hunting trip with a shotgun, can sign an RCMP Non-Resident Firearms Declaration upon arrival at Canadian border.

Restricted firearms - most handguns fall into this category, but other weapons such as pepper spray and mace can also be included. A restricted firearm can be transported into Canada provided the individual has obtained in advance an Authorization to Transport (ATT) permit from a Provincial Chief Firearms Officer. A Firearms Declaration form must also be signed in front of a border officer. This declaration will act as a temporary registration and license certificate valid for 60 days, and can be renewed for free for as long as 12 months. Americans interested in bringing a restricted firearm into Canada can phone the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 to request an application for an ATT. Update: Due to legislation introduced in October 2022 that prohibits the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns within Canada, bringing a handgun across the Canadian border is likely no longer possible.

Prohibited firearms - assault-type weapons, fully automatic or converted automatic guns, and handguns with a barrel length of 4.1 inches or less are part of this category. Visitors to Canada are not allowed, under any circumstances, to import a prohibited firearm. Certain knives are also included in this category, including automatic knives such as "switchblades" and "butterfly knives" (it does not matter if they will be used for hunting or fishing).

Borrowing a Gun While in Canada

Any visitor who plans to borrow a gun while in the country must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance. If you are going on a guided hunting trip with a hunting outfitter based in British Columbia, Alberta, or Newfoundland, they will likely take care of this paperwork for you.

Declaring a Gun at Canadian Border with a Past DUI

If you have any criminal history, including a DUI or DWI conviction, you will likely need special permission to enter Canada. Even if you were caught drinking and driving a long time ago, you may be considered criminally inadmissible and denied entry at the Canadian border. Any US citizen with a DUI / DWI arrest or conviction will typically need to file paperwork to convince the Government of Canada they are safe. It is possible to overcome inadmissibility with a Canada Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation.

Americans who are declaring a firearm at the Canadian border are almost guaranteed to have a background check run on them. Consequently, if you have a misdemeanor or felony in your past and plan to go on a hunting trip to Canada you should expect to get flagged at the border. In a nutshell, if you are declaring a gun at the border, you will likely be subject to extra thorough scrutiny and should make sure your ducks are in a row. Even a traffic violation for impaired driving, such as an OWI in Wisconsin, can be problematic when traveling to Canada. Click here to learn more about entering Canada with a DUI history, or phone our immigration law firm today for a free consultation. Gaining access to Canada with a DUI can take many months so it is best to plan ahead.

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If you have any arrests or convictions on your record and need to visit Canada, call us today or fill out this form! 24 Hour Response Time!