If you wish to come to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there are chances of refusal if you have a criminal record.
This applies if you:
- Committed an offence (even if you weren’t formally charged or convicted)
- Were charged with an offence (even if you weren’t prosecuted or convicted)
- Have pending charges for an offence (regardless of whether you committed the offence or not)
- Have been convicted of an offence
Some common examples of crimes that can lead to inadmissibility include:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Theft
- Assault
- Dangerous driving
- Possession of or trafficking in drugs or controlled substances
Even if you have already finished your sentence fully, Canada’s rules assess how your offence equates to those committed under Canadian law and how your visit may affect national public health and safety.
What to Do if You May Be Criminally Inadmissible
If you intend to attend any of the 13 matches scheduled in Toronto and Vancouver in 2026 and you have a criminal record, it is important to take certain steps before purchasing tickets.
Step 1: Understand How Your Record Is Assessed Under Canadian Law
Begin by determining the Canadian legal equivalent of your offence at the time it was committed. This involves comparing the law of the country where the offence occurred with the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada to identify how the offence would be categorized in Canada.
Immigration officers will evaluate whether your offence falls under “criminality” or “serious criminality,” as this classification determines the level of severity and the options available to you.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Pathway to Enter Canada
Once you understand how your offence is classified under Canadian law, you can consider which of the three available pathways is most appropriate for your situation:
- Criminal Rehabilitation
- Deemed Rehabilitation
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
