entering australia with a criminal record

[alex6566]

Hello everyone, i hope not to be judged on this forum, as i am looking to the internet to find some help or relief.

I would like to enter australia, for work or travel.

The problem beeing i have a substantial criminal record, i was foolish in my early 20's .

This was drug related charges on possession and traffiking.
small amount but still convicted.

served a 5 year term, on and off over three convictions. one 2years minus 1 day (provincial) the other 3 years concurrent(federal)

I have been totally clear for years, ending my term in 2003. And have become a well established business owner, and tax contributor here in Canada.

I can appy for a pardon in 2011 and will be granted @ near 100% sure, its a question of time, but i dont want to wait that long to travel.



Does anyone here know if i will be automatically refused, if so will they keep records of my passport for life?

If so should i just wait for a pardon? and gulp it up for another 3 years.
(last resort to my preference)

[Journey]

I think having a past criminal record may slow the process of your australian visa application. I would recommend you to get advice from an Australian Immigration so that you'll be given with accurate information.

[SANDRA]

I did something similar and I just had a public defender. Since jails are so full, the courts will likely put you in some type of program. You'll have to do everything the courts say...like go to work,