Legal Opinion Letter for Inadmissibility to Canada
Facing possible inadmissibility to Canada? Ayodele Law prepares detailed Legal Opinion Letters analyzing your record under Canadian immigration law to clarify admissibility, support TRP or rehabilitation applications, and prevent border refusals.
What Is a Legal Opinion Letter?
A Legal Opinion Letter is a formal letter prepared by a Canadian immigration lawyer explaining how a person’s criminal record or past immigration history may affect their ability to enter or remain in Canada.
This letter helps visa officers, border agents, and immigration decision-makers understand your unique situation and how it aligns with Canadian immigration law — specifically the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
A Legal Opinion Letter does not guarantee entry to Canada, but it can play a crucial role in demonstrating that your record does not make you inadmissible, or that mitigating factors should be considered in your case.
When Do You Need a Legal Opinion Letter?
You may need a Legal Opinion Letter if you have:
A criminal record in another country (e.g., DUI, assault, theft, fraud)
An expunged, pardoned, or dismissed offence that could still raise questions at the border
Past visa refusals, removal orders, or immigration violations
Concerns that a prior charge, arrest, or conviction might appear in background checks
Plans to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation
A Legal Opinion Letter is particularly valuable before travelling to Canada, attending business meetings, visiting family, or applying for any immigration document.
How a Legal Opinion Letter Helps
1. Clarifies Your Criminal Record
The letter analyzes your criminal history and compares it to Canadian criminal law equivalencies under the Criminal Code.
It helps establish whether your offence qualifies as:
Non-serious criminality,
Serious criminality, or
Not an offence at all under Canadian law.
This analysis can make the difference between being allowed entry and being refused at the border.
2. Provides Legal Context for Border and Visa Officers
Border and immigration officers are not lawyers. They rely on summaries and equivalencies to determine admissibility.
A Legal Opinion Letter explains your situation in plain, authoritative language — giving officers confidence that your case has been legally assessed by a licensed professional.
3. Strengthens TRP or Rehabilitation Applications
When you apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation, a Legal Opinion Letter adds weight to your application by clearly setting out the law, your eligibility, and the reasons your past offence should not bar you from entry.
4. Reduces Risk of Misunderstanding
Even minor offences — or charges withdrawn years ago — can appear on background checks.
Without legal clarification, officers may wrongly assume you are inadmissible.
A Legal Opinion Letter can prevent such misunderstandings and smooth your travel experience.
| What a Legal Opinion Letter Includes |
|---|
| Identification of relevant sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and Regulations (IRPR) |
| Explanation of the nature of your offence and how it translates under Canadian law |
| Assessment of your inadmissibility risk level (none, low, or significant) |
| Opinion on whether you may require a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation |
| Highlighting of evidence of rehabilitation and good character |
| Recommendations for the next legal steps, if applicable |
Common Scenarios
You might benefit from a Legal Opinion Letter if you:
Were convicted of a DUI or reckless driving offence more than five years ago
Had a youth record or expungement in another country
Have an arrest without conviction that still appears in records
Are applying for a Canadian visitor visa and want to avoid a refusal
Are a U.S. citizen or resident crossing the border for business or tourism
Have received a Procedural Fairness Letter about possible misrepresentation or inadmissibility
Benefits of Getting a Legal Opinion Letter
Clarifies your admissibility before travelling or applying
Reduces the chance of border delays or refusals
Supports your visa or TRP application
Provides peace of mind knowing your case has been professionally assessed
Demonstrates to IRCC that you are acting transparently and in good faith
How Ayodele Law Can Help
At Ayodele Law, we regularly prepare Legal Opinion Letters for clients with past convictions or immigration concerns who want to visit, work, or immigrate to Canada.
We will:
- Review your criminal and immigration history
- Research and analyze equivalencies under Canadian law
- Draft a detailed legal opinion explaining admissibility and next steps
- Provide guidance on whether to apply for a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation
Whether you’re a business traveler, family visitor, or permanent residence applicant, Ayodele Law can ensure your entry to Canada is properly documented and legally supported.
Contact Ayodele Law today to request a Legal Opinion Letter and get clear advice on your admissibility before travelling or applying.