Student Visas and Criminal Records

[figuredso]

Getting information regarding my problem is more important than privately reserving my shameful secret in my already-anonymity, so:

I was accepted to a Canadian university and would like to attend, but I am an American and, well, I kind of have a bit of a criminal record. Nothing too serious; just a couple of minor misdemeanor blemishes. The thing is, one of these "misdemeanors" was a DUI conviction. From my understanding, Canada takes DUI offenses rather seriously (and who can blame them for doing so?), as they are felonies there. This DUI offense happened about six years ago, and I am truly embarrassed by it, as well as remorseful. But what happened, happened. My question is: Will I be given a student visa with this on my record? I know that people have been refused even basic entry to Canada for short vacations with DUI convictions on their record. In short, I am extremely anxious and concerned about this.

Any and all insights, advice, suggestions, information, etc. would really help me out. I appreciate it in advance. Thanks, and I hope everyone's application cycle is going well!

[effess]

Sounds like you should get in contact with the university and their office of international education asap and explain your situation. They should be able to help you, or at least tell you right away if they anticipate a major problem. I bet it's something that's come up before for them.

[ktel]

I think you might be better off contacting an immigration lawyer or someone like that who really understands the system. You may get some helpful advice here, but you would probably prefer the advice of an expert

[lyonessrampant]

Try to start by contacting the government agency who issues student visas and try to get information without revealing your name. I would avoid contacting the school right off the bat, and I would avoid a lawyer immediately, as they're pretty expensive. You may need to do both of those things, but start by contacting the Canadian agency who issues student visas and get information about your options and the process and go from there. Good luck!

Edited to add that it's in your favor that the conviction is over five years old.

Edited February 26, 2012 by lyonessrampant

[Julianne Pigoon]

I'm not sure which state you're from, but I know that misdemeanors can be/are usually expunged in 6 or 7 years. You probably already know the timeline for this, but if it's something you haven't considered, for whatever the reason, maybe you'd be able to have it off your record by the time you apply for your visa. Worst case scenario is that you have to defer your admission until the record is expunged. I don't know how feasible life-wise that would be for you, but most universities have some sort of deferral policy.

If you haven't already, you should also probably check the law specific to your visa-granting province.

Congratulations on your admit, and good luck no matter what happens!

Edited February 26, 2012 by Julianne Pigoon

[figuredso]

Thanks for the help, y'all! I do appreciate it. I think I'm going to start by simply submitting my student visa application (with all questions answered honestly) and taking it from there. I hope your application cycles are going well, and do not involve sudden and strange issues of international stress.

Thanks again!

Edited February 28, 2012 by figuredso