Permanent Residents Of Canada – The Repercussions Of A DUI Conviction

A change in 2018 that now allows a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment for impaired driving has impacted the eligibility of those who have been convicted of an impaired driving charge and are seeking or have permanent resident status in Canada.

In 2018, Bill C-46 became law and cracked down on drivers under the influence. This change means that an impaired driving charge may now result in 10 years imprisonment. This has had a significant impact on those seeking, and those who have obtained permanent resident status in Canada.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act ("IRPA") lays out the inadmissible conduct that falls under "serious criminality". Section 36(1) reads as follows: