Immigration Penalties Increased for Foreign Nationals Convicted of Serious Crimes
November 25, 2014
Changes have been implemented to the Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act, according to an announcement by Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister. The changes include expedited removal of foreign nationals convicted of serious offenses from Canada and entry restrictions for foreign nationals convicted of serious offenses and their family members.
Other changes include:
Other changes include:
- An increased penalty for misrepresenting immigration-related information from a two-year admissibility ban to a five-year admissibility ban plus a five-year ban on permanent residence;
- Elimination of the right of certain foreign nationals convicted of serious offenses to file an appeal to the Immigration and Refugee Board’s Immigration Appeal Division;
- Elimination of access to a humanitarian and compassionate consideration program for those who are inadmissible on the grounds of national security, human rights or international rights violations or organized crime; and
- A temporary entry bar for immediate family members of those who are inadmissible on the grounds of national security, human rights or international rights violations or organized crime.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals traveling to Canada should note the increased penalties for misrepresentation, which could affect future work opportunities in Canada. Foreign nationals convicted of serious offenses traveling to Canada should be aware of the bars effectuated.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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