Canadian Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs) and U.S. Admissibility
Posted on May 20, 2025
If you are a Canadian with a criminal record and planning to enter the United States, understanding whether your conviction is classified as a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) is essential. A CIMT can make you inadmissible to the U.S. and may require you to obtain a waiver to cross the border.
A CIMT typically involves conduct that is considered inherently immoral or deceitful. These offenses may include crimes involving theft, fraud, or acts of violence. The U.S. Department of State has a list of crimes it considers to be CIMTs and those it does not (you can view the list here).
Our recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) litigation against U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uncovered a culture of opacity: initially, CBP refused to disclose whether specific Canadian offenses were classified as CIMTs. After persistent legal efforts, CBP finally released to us an internal CBP table showing which Canadian crimes it views as CIMTs and which it does not. This information can significantly impact Canadians seeking entry to the U.S.
Based on the disclosed records, here are some of the most common Canadian crimes considered CIMTs by CBP:
Assault causing bodily harm
Fraud over $5,000
Theft over $5,000
Uttering threats
Sexual assault
Forgery
Domestic violence
Possession of stolen property
Robbery
Criminal harassment
Not all crimes make a person inadmissible. Here are some common Canadian crimes that are not considered CIMTs by CBP:
Public intoxication
Minor traffic offenses
Trespassing
Disorderly conduct
Vandalism (minor damage)
Disturbing the peace
Loitering
Driving without a license
Public nuisance
For Canadians, the distinction between CIMTs and non-CIMTs is crucial when planning travel, going to work, or immigrating to the U.S. A CIMT conviction may require you to apply for a nonimmigrant or immigrant waiver to enter the U.S., while non-CIMTs typically do not have the same consequence.
If you have a criminal record and are unsure whether your conviction is considered a CIMT, please contact us. We can help determine your admissibility and guide you through the waiver process if necessary.