Immigration Penalties Increased for Foreign Nationals Convicted of Serious Crimes

• 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].


© 2009 - 2015 © Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.