In 2026, thousands of travelers are getting ready to enjoy the FIFA World Cup, but some are at risk of being blocked and don't even know it.

If you have ever been fined for shoplifting (theft of merchandise from a store) or petty theft, were arrested, convicted of a DUI, or referred to the prosecutor’s office, the Canadian government could deny you entry into the country.

Canada doesn't just penalize "theft," but also a lack of integrity in the process. In these cases, rather than ignoring the issue, it's better to be honest and submit a letter explaining what happened. We know this creates uncertainty, of course, but it's much more effective than risking a five-year ban.

In this blog, I’ll explain how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) handles cases involving a criminal history and how you can navigate this process successfully. Read to the end to learn more and avoid having your visa application denied.

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Legal incidents you must report

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If your record includes any of the following incidents, please be aware that the immigration officer will take them into account:

• A citation for shoplifting or petty theft, even if the case has been closed.
• Having been arrested or detained, even if no charges were ever filed.
• A criminal case that resulted in a settlement or compensation for damages.
• A fine or penalty related to driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
• A case involving a minor that the person believes "doesn't count."
• A complaint filed against him with the district attorney’s office, even if it was unfounded or is still pending resolution.
• Having been denied a visa by any country, regardless of how much time has passed.

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Misrepresentation: Risks of Rejection

The greatest risk when applying for a visa or arriving at the border is not the offense itself, but what is known as misrepresentation (false statement). 

It’s common for people to want to hide compromising information to avoid having their visa application denied, but unfortunately, this backfires. In fact, omitting information is the quickest way to be barred from entering Canada for five years. 

The proper course of action is to submit a detailed Letter of Explanation (LoE) explaining what happened, where, how, when, who was involved, and how the incident was resolved, while also demonstrating a genuine commitment to changing one’s behavior in light of the incident.

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How does Canada assess its track record?

On Canadian forms, the question isn’t just “Do you have a criminal record?”, but “Have you ever been arrested, detained, or charged with a crime?”. Many people believe that if the case was closed or a fine was paid, the record disappears. In Canada, that’s not the case.

The Canadian legal system equates foreign offenses with those under its own Criminal Code:

1. DUI (Driving Under the Influence): It has been considered a serious crime in Canada since 2018.
2. Petty theft: Even if it is considered a minor offense in your country, it may constitute grounds for inadmissibility.
3. Invisible records: Even if the incident does not appear on your criminal record, if there was an arrest or court filing, you MUST DISCLOSE IT.

Reporting and explaining the incident usually results in a criminal record being expunged; concealing it and having the system discover it (through data-sharing agreements) leads to a five-year ban.

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Warning Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Soccer fans who are already looking forward to their trip to Canada: a border official won’t just check your entry into the stadium; they’ll also assess whether you meet the integrity requirements to set foot on Canadian soil. 

In addition, due to the large number of visitors, security and data verification systems will be on high alert. Any omission in your declaration will be easily detected, and the consequences will be very serious.

Not only will you lose the money you spent on tickets and travel expenses, but you’ll also be barred from entering the country for many years.

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Legal options for clearing your record

There are legal tools, such as criminal rehabilitation, that allow you to permanently clear your record in the eyes of Canadian authorities. This option is available to those who meet certain requirements, and you must apply for it before purchasing tickets.

As a lawyer and as a human being, I believe that a single incident from the past does not define who a person is today; but I also understand that under Canadian law, failure to disclose is an unforgivable offense. 

Our legal team specializes in background checks and criminal rehabilitation proceedings, and we ensure that your case is presented with the transparency and technical rigor required by immigration officials.

Do you have questions about your eligibility to enter Canada? At Immiland Law Professional Corporation, we can help you.

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Legal and immigration services

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We are CICC-regulated consultants and Canadian lawyers, and we can provide you with expert guidance throughout your legal process.

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If you need assistance with your visa application, please feel free to request a free assessment of your profile. This will allow us to help you determine your legal options for entry.

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To schedule a service appointment, click here. 

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Visit our exclusive page for tourists attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup: https://www.immilandcanada.com/canada-world-cup-2026/inicio

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I hope this information helps you understand that being transparent and honest about your legal history is crucial to the approval of your visa. 

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Thank you for joining us on this journey. See you in our next blog post, where we will continue to build your Canadian dream with professionalism and empathy!

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With love,

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Immiland Law Professional Corporation