Canada does not admit individuals who have been involved in serious violations of human rights or international law. This reflects the country’s commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

This includes acts such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, torture, or persecution. A person may also be deemed inadmissible if they held a leadership role in a government or organization responsible for such acts, even without direct participation.

Authorities assess each case based on the person’s role, historical context, and credible evidence. This may involve official records, international reports, or documented political affiliations.

Possible consequences include refusal of entry, cancellation of immigration status, or deportation. These measures underscore Canada’s refusal to provide safe haven to perpetrators or accomplices of serious human rights violations.

In Canada, a person can be deemed inadmissible if they have committed or been involved in certain criminal offences, either in Canada or abroad. Inadmissibility can arise under three main categories: criminality, serious criminality, and organized criminal activity.

Serious criminality includes offences punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years or more under Canadian law. This covers acts such as aggravated assault, large-scale fraud, drug or weapons trafficking, and driving under the influence (DUI). Although DUI may be considered minor elsewhere, it is treated as a serious offence in Canada and can result in inadmissibility — even for permanent residents.

Criminality refers to less serious offences, such as petty theft or certain types of assault. A single conviction, even outside Canada, may be enough to make someone inadmissible.

Organized criminal activity involves participation, direct or indirect, in actions related to a criminal organization. This can include money laundering, human trafficking, or large-scale smuggling operations. A formal conviction is not always required for a person to be found inadmissible on this ground.

Authorities evaluate the nature of the offence, the potential sentence, and any connection to criminal groups. These grounds can lead to refusal of entry or removal from Canada, even for individuals already residing in the country.

Other factors can make someone inadmissible:

Health reasons
A person may be denied entry if their health condition poses a risk to public health or safety. This may include certain contagious diseases or mental health issues associated with dangerous behaviour. A person can also be considered inadmissible if their condition would create an excessive demand on Canada’s health care or social services system.

Financial reasons
To come to Canada temporarily, applicants must show they have enough financial resources to support themselves during their stay. If this cannot be demonstrated, the person may be considered inadmissible for financial reasons.

Misrepresentation
Giving false information, withholding important facts, or submitting fake documents in an application can result in being banned from entering Canada. This applies even if the misrepresentation was unintentional, and the consequences can last for years.

Non-compliance with immigration laws
Failing to follow the conditions of a visa or permit—such as overstaying, working or studying without permission—can lead to being deemed inadmissible.

Family inadmissibility
In some cases, a person can be found inadmissible simply because a close family member is inadmissible. For example, if a spouse or child is inadmissible for health, security, or criminal reasons, it can affect the entire application. Admissibility to Canada is sometimes assessed at the family level.