Brynjolf wrote:
(This sounds a bit rough, and I apologize.)
Whether the offense is illegal in Canada isn't material. The relative severity of the offense also has very little effect. (These issues may come up when an individual claims asylum, but that's about it) The sole issue is: when your wife's passport is scanned, if something comes up on the background search then there is a problem. At that point, the decision as to whether or not to let your wife enter Canada is in the hands of the customs agent, and that decision is generally "No" but there is some leeway at the sole discretion of the agent.
The advice to contact the consulate is an excellent one, and I'm glad that you're doing so. They'll provide advice on how to best proceed. However, even their advice will not provide a 100% guarantee. On the day when you try to enter Canada, please be prepared to be turned back.
I tried the consulate numbers several times and was never actually able to get through to a human being. I called the border station at Coots as advised by another poster. I spoke to a very helpful immigration officer who said we SHOULD be okay. He said a lot is left up to the border agent and what he/she finds but we SHOULD be okay. I already have a file of our documents to show the border agent if needed.
I just have to say that as a retired police officer who was on the scene of many illegal alien boat landings in Florida, that the fact that my wife and I, having no other issues in our past whatsoever, are even having to address this as an issue is absurd in my opinion. I understand, from reading Canada's website that they are interested in the security of Canada but I hardly think my wife and I pose a threat to their country.
Sorry to complain, but it really is how I feel about it.
Thanks for the help all. Appreciate it.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
