Canada has quietly forgiven over 17,500 criminal convictions for foreign nationals in the past 11 years, a move that has sparked fresh debate over transparency, public safety, immigration policy under Canada’s Immigration system. The federal government’s ability to rehabilitate foreign applicants through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) removes a significant barrier to entering Canada—but questions are rising about the nature of these offences and who is making the decisions.
While many see rehabilitation as a second chance, others are urging for more clarity, especially on what crimes have been forgiven and how such decisions are made. The issue becomes even more pressing as global migration patterns shift and criminal deportees from the U.S. may view Canada as a safer destination.
What Is “Rehabilitation” in Canada Immigration System?
Under Canadian law, a foreign national with a criminal conviction abroad is generally considered inadmissible. However, IRCC has the power to deem such individuals “rehabilitated” if at least five years have passed since the completion of their sentence.
Once granted rehabilitation, the person becomes eligible to apply for:
- A study or work visa
- Permanent residency
- Visitor entry
Between 2013 and 2024, a total of 17,600 people received this green light. In 2023 alone, 1,505 people were approved, while 70 were refused.
No Details on the Type of Crimes Forgiven
What’s fueling the concern is the lack of transparency. IRCC has not disclosed the types of criminal convictions it has forgiven. Critics, including Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner, have flagged this as a key issue. “Without knowing the nature of the convictions, it’s hard to gauge the risk to public safety,” she warned.
Immigration lawyer Richard Kurland echoed similar concerns. While some crimes—like politically motivated convictions in authoritarian countries—may justify rehabilitation, others, such as violent crimes or sex offences, should trigger deeper scrutiny.
Who Makes the Decision?
There is a tiered system in place:
- Less serious offences are reviewed by IRCC officers with the right authority.
- More serious cases are reviewed by the Minister of Immigration personally.
The IRCC claims it considers:
- Number of offences
- Time has passed since the conviction
- Behaviour since the crime
- Level of community support
- Current personal circumstances
However, the lack of published data means the public can’t assess how often serious crimes are forgiven or how consistent the decisions are.
U.S. Deportation Trends Add Fuel to the Fire
The issue gains weight amid the U.S. crackdown on immigrants with criminal records. As the U.S. accelerates deportations, especially under recent Supreme Court rulings, some of these individuals may turn to Canada next.
Kurland warns that those admitted with serious past offences may remain in Canada for extended periods, even if later deemed inadmissible again. Deportation proceedings can take years—if not longer—especially if human rights concerns or legal loopholes block removal.
Why This Matters for Canada Immigration System
Canada’s immigration policies are known globally for being progressive. However, balancing humanitarian values with public safety has never been more challenging. While rehabilitation offers a path forward for people who’ve genuinely changed, the lack of public data could erode confidence in Canada’s immigration system. Transparency is not just about accountability; it also helps the public separate fact from fear.
Criminal Convictions in Canada Immigration Need More Clarity
The power to forgive criminal records lies at the core of Canada’s immigration system but the way it’s applied must be transparent. With over 17,500 cases forgiven, the stakes are too high to rely solely on internal reviews without public insight. Moving forward, more openness about these decisions could help strike a balance between compassion and caution, ensuring that Canada remains both welcoming and secure.
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