Going to Canada after all.

[10-K]

I applied for entry into Canada and was denied due to a DWI I got in 1979 when I had just turned 18 (I'm almost 53 now).

On a whim I decided to try again and put together a packet containing personal /financial info and included a polite letter asking for reconsideration. Sent it in via USPS Express mail.

The packet included the original denial letter.

Today I received my stamped entry permit with permission to enter Canada.

How cool is that?

[DocMahns]

That's awesome! It's crazy how some of that stuff pops up so many years later. Glad to hear you got it, congratulations!

[Old Grouse]

I thought you were going to have to sit on the Group W Bench!

[FarmerChef]

Awesome news, 10-K. And bonus points for doing it in such a polite way. I'm sure that went a long way to their reconsidering the application.

[Mags]

Awesome!!!! Better than the $200 bribe, er rehabilitation fee, most have to apparently pay.

You'll have a blast on the PCT!

[CarlZ993]

I thought you were going to have to sit on the Group W Bench!

LMAO!! Haven't thought of that song in quite some time. Does anyone have 27 8 by 10 color glossy pictures of the hostel?

[rafe]

By "entry into Canada" do you mean emigration? I mean, I can "enter Canada" with my passport, so it must be... ???

If you mean emigration, congrats!

[Marta]

Very nice!

[Dogwood]

I suspected if you pinged Canada a second time they would let you in under those circumstances. It's also what I kinda expected from you. You're welcome at my campfire any day 10-K. I will not even hold the DUI against you. Obviously, Canada and myself notice something of a high moral character in you despite stubbing your toe legally in the past.

[10-K]

Ha, thanks!

I put together a little 10-k info packet.

Included a copy of my 2000 miler AT stuff, a couple of recent photos in hiking gear, a copy of my latest tax returns, and a short, polite letter explaining who I am and why I'd like to visit Canada for less than 48 hours. Bundled it up and sent it via express mail instead of regular 1st class.

It took over 5 weeks to get back - I was sure they tossed it in the trash. Honestly I'm not sure all that made a difference or if someone just noticed that they had loosened the rules a little bit over the past few years and I got a tougher border person the first time.

[rafe]

Wouldn't a US passport do the job? (Not that they're always easy -- I had to put up a fight for my most recent one.)

[10-K]

I have a US passport but to enter Canada via the PCT you have to have a special entry permit. You can read about it here: http://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/

Scroll down to "Canada permit".

[10-K]

Of all the people to enter Canada this year I bet I'm one of the least likely to commit a crime or cause any trouble so they're not making a mistake.

Found this snippet - the border officers evidently have a bit of leeway. From what I've read if you have more than 1 DWI or serious offense it gets complicated and costly.

3. If you have had only one DUI, and sentencing was completed more than 10 years ago, you can drive to the border with basically the paperwork for the Approval of Rehabilitation.
A border officer can approve you on the spot, at no charge, and that past DUI will no longer be a problem when crossing the border.
Again, it's at the officer's discretion.

[rafe]

I have a US passport but to enter Canada via the PCT you have to have a special entry permit. You can read about it here: http://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/

Scroll down to "Canada permit".

Wow, I had no idea. Congrats, then. Sometimes bureaucrats will respond to polite insistence.

Is this is something that most/all PCT hikers deal with, or do some wing it?

[Malto]

Wow, I can't believe a DUI from decades ago would be a show stopper. Glad it worked out for you.

[10-K]

More info.


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/informa...conviction.asp

What you can do

Depending on the crime, how long ago it was and how you have behaved since, you may still be allowed to come to Canada, if you:

• convince an immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated, or
• applied for rehabilitation and were approved, or
• were granted a record suspension or
• have a temporary resident permit.

[Sasquatch!]

Back before we came to live in a dysfunctional police state one could go to Canada with a photo id like a drivers license.

Was a special entry permit needed back then? Say pre 2001?

[fiddlehead]

Was a special entry permit needed back then? Say pre 2001?

No. No passport needed either.
Pre 9/11: Just walk in and explain to customs when you came back into the country (both of them)
The world changed big time on 9/11/01

[Old Grouse]

"kid, have you rehabilitated yourself?"

[imscotty]

Congrats 10-K. I think walking into Canada will be a fine finish to a PCT thru-hike. Enjoy!