---
title: Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
description: You may still be admissible to Canada with a criminal record, depending on the offense and when it happened. Answer the criminal history question honestly.
---
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# Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
## How past charges, convictions and expunged records affect your IEC application.
Possibly. Whether you're approved is up to the Government of Canada, but people can be admissible with a criminal record depending on how serious the offense was and how long ago it happened. We've had applicants approved with DUIs and old drug charges after they provided the right documents or went through the rehabilitation process.
**Answer the criminal history question honestly.** The application asks: "Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged for or convicted of any criminal offence in any country/territory?" If you were charged, answer "Yes" and explain. This applies even if the record was expunged.
**If your record was expunged.** You should be fine, but get a police check showing your record is clear now and upload a letter of explanation. Some people use an FBI rap sheet, others a local record from where the charge happened.
**Ways to overcome criminal inadmissibility**
Normally you can't enter or stay in Canada if you're inadmissible. You may become admissible again if you:
- satisfy an immigration or border services officer that you meet the legal requirements to be [deemed rehabilitated](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/conviction.asp#deemed)
- [apply for individual rehabilitation](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5312ETOC.asp) and get approved, which you can submit with your application
- receive a [pardon or record suspension](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/conviction.asp#pardon)
The Government of Canada explains each option on its page about [overcoming criminal convictions](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/overcome-criminal-convictions.html), and lists [which crimes make you inadmissible](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/inadmissibility/who.asp). Rehabilitation sounds intense, but it usually isn't. It can take a while, though.
**Not sure where you stand?** You know the terms of your charge best. Call the nearest Canadian embassy to confirm the steps, or talk to a legal professional. If you're unsure whether you can be deemed rehabilitated, apply as described. IRCC may also ask for an FBI rap sheet or rehabilitation documents.
**Expect a longer wait.** Processing usually takes 6�8 weeks, and people with past offenses can expect it to take longer.
See our [2026 IEC Working Holiday application instructions](https://iex-website.s3.amazonaws.com/pdfs/2026-IEC-Working-Holiday-Application-Instructions.pdf) for more on supporting documents.
*We can't speak to the chances of an applicant with a criminal record being approved or denied. That decision is up to the Government of Canada.*
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