Q & A: Criminal Inadmissibility; Equivalent Charge

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CIC News
Published: March 1, 1997

Q. I may be facing charges in Switzerland on the grounds that I have not completed the required military service. How will this affect a pending Canadian PR application?

Answer: A criminal record can be grounds for inadmissibility. Given that there may be no equivalent offense (depending on the specific charge against you, of course) in Canada, that may not be the case in your situation. You would be advised to consult with a reputable immigration attorney in your area, and to provide same with the applicable Swiss statutes which apply in your case.

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