In 2026, Canada remains one of the strictest countries in the world regarding entry for individuals with a criminal record. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, any foreign national who has committed or been convicted of an offense outside Canada that would be a crime in Canada can be found "criminally inadmissible." This includes most felonies, such as DUIs, drug offenses, or theft. Even if the offense is old or considered a misdemeanor in your home country, Canada may view it as "serious criminality." However, it is not an absolute lifetime ban. You may be able to enter if you apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for a specific, urgent visit, or if you apply for Criminal Rehabilitation, which permanently clears your inadmissibility for travel purposes. Rehabilitation usually requires that at least five to ten years have passed since the completion of your entire sentence, including probation. As a grounded peer, I strongly suggest consulting an immigration lawyer or checking the official IRCC website before booking travel, as border agents have full access to FBI and international databases and will likely deny entry at the gate if your record is flagged.