What is the name of your state? California (where the incident took place & where I lived at the time.)
Condensed version:
These are my questions...
What if anything, can be done to be done to clear this DUI off my record so I can immigrate?
What are the benefits of a US lawyer vs a Canadian lawyer at this point (and should I retain both)?
Any advice?
Extended version:
In April of 2002 I was convicted of DUI in California. I completed alcohol rehabilitation, paid all related fees and fines, got my licence re-instated fully without restriction. I did not retain a lawyer, I knew I was guilty as charged.
In 2004 I married a Canadian citizen. We've gone through the application process for me to immigrate to Canada as a permament resident. I've been forthcoming about above mentioned DUI and included all related case paperwork. Although I've been living in Canada while awaiting response to our PR request, I've traveled extensively (world wide, and back and forth to the states.) I've crossed the border into literally 20+ times in the past 5 years, and 3 of them stating I was living here in Canada when doing so... I've never had any problem (only slight delays while speaking to immigration officers, to be expected.)
Two weeks ago (ironically, the day I came home from my most recent trip, and came through immigration) I recieved notice that I'm inadmissable to Canada, due to the above mentioned DUI. In the letter (mailed to my house in Canada) it expressly states Do NOT attempt to enter Canada.
I've retained a canadian immigration lawyer. We've only met briefly, signed an appeal and the retainer. He's gathering information and sending the appeal out...but in the mean time, I am (needless to say) EXTREMELY concerned about this situation, and I'm hoping to get some more imput.
These are my questions...
What if anything, can be done to be done to clear this DUI off my record so I can immigrate?
What are the benefits of a US lawyer vs a Canadian lawyer at this point (and should I retain both)?
Any advice?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Condensed version:
These are my questions...
What if anything, can be done to be done to clear this DUI off my record so I can immigrate?
What are the benefits of a US lawyer vs a Canadian lawyer at this point (and should I retain both)?
Any advice?
Extended version:
In April of 2002 I was convicted of DUI in California. I completed alcohol rehabilitation, paid all related fees and fines, got my licence re-instated fully without restriction. I did not retain a lawyer, I knew I was guilty as charged.
In 2004 I married a Canadian citizen. We've gone through the application process for me to immigrate to Canada as a permament resident. I've been forthcoming about above mentioned DUI and included all related case paperwork. Although I've been living in Canada while awaiting response to our PR request, I've traveled extensively (world wide, and back and forth to the states.) I've crossed the border into literally 20+ times in the past 5 years, and 3 of them stating I was living here in Canada when doing so... I've never had any problem (only slight delays while speaking to immigration officers, to be expected.)
Two weeks ago (ironically, the day I came home from my most recent trip, and came through immigration) I recieved notice that I'm inadmissable to Canada, due to the above mentioned DUI. In the letter (mailed to my house in Canada) it expressly states Do NOT attempt to enter Canada.
I've retained a canadian immigration lawyer. We've only met briefly, signed an appeal and the retainer. He's gathering information and sending the appeal out...but in the mean time, I am (needless to say) EXTREMELY concerned about this situation, and I'm hoping to get some more imput.
These are my questions...
What if anything, can be done to be done to clear this DUI off my record so I can immigrate?
What are the benefits of a US lawyer vs a Canadian lawyer at this point (and should I retain both)?
Any advice?
Thank you for your time and consideration.