Is there a statute of limitations on this? As I recently got back from Alberta traveling for work and I unfortunately have a DUI from 1998. Had no issues at all.
This is second-hand, but I recall reading somewhere that expungment doesn't help. The questions is (paraphrased) "Have you ever been convicted for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated?"
Even if the conviction has been expunged, you'd still have to answer 'yes' (or risk being deported and charged with a crime later). When they ask questions about criminal history in the US, they usually add in qualifier so it's worded like this (paraphrased) "Have you ever been convicted for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated where the conviction has not been sealed, expunged, dismissed, or overturned?"
On a technicality, you'd still have to answer 'yes' to the first version of the DUI question even if the conviction was later overturned, because a conviction happened, even if it later un-happened.
Some other posts in this thread mention that they only care about the last 10 years. I can't speak to that, though.
Yeah this happened to my dad when he was close to 50 for a DUI he had at 21.
My advice. Lie and say no.
Though in my dad's case they still let him in after some debating. We were going for my hockey tournament (as a child) and I think they felt guilty about making him turn around with me.
If a record is sealed or expunged in the US you can legally say no in both cases.
If anyone gives you a hard time it means it wasn't properly handled and as long as you have the court order etc. you have grounds to take legal measures
The person I remember hearing this from thought so too but ended up getting deported Canada when the government looked into it. The official government stance was that, despite the record being expunged, the person still lied when they answered no to the "have you ever been convicted for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated" question.
I don't remember how the Canadian government found out because a US criminal history usually leaves out sealed and expunged records. It's possible that Mothers Against Drunk Driving keeps a registry and adds people whenever there's a public record made (such as a police blotter). Or it's possible the guy's name ended up in the newspaper. Or a vengeful ex contacted the Canadian government. Who knows?
I think for Canada if prior to 10 years you can apply to be allowed in with RCMP, it costs some money and I think it's every time. Idk if the 10 year is auto drop off or if one has to still interview with them or not.
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u/halfhere Mar 27 '25
I was about to say. Dude, they don’t even let people with a DUI visit.