Expert: D. Norkus - 3/9/2009

Question
Dottie,
A unique situation has come up for me.  I am returning from a medical leave and have had to sign a new form stating whether or not I have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony.  This is new wording  on the return to work form.  Since "criminal traffic dui" falls under that category I signed in the positive.  The event was in '99.  I passed all my requalifications and returned home from training only to receive a call stating that I needed to return to base to stand in front of management to sign something and be put on ploa- suspension for 60 days and that I would have to get a temporary visa from Canada as dui is considered a felony. I do not bid trips into Canada but was told that and should any aircraft I be working on be diverted into Canada there would be dire consequences.  I have been researching for the visa and it usually takes 3-9 months to receive with many time consuming forms, new passport,finger printing sent to the FBI and awaiting their response, etc. Have you heard of anything like this and would you have any advice for me.  I am a flight attendant of 22 years and would hate to lose my career etc. that I love.  This has never affected my job or performance in any way.  Thank you.

Answer
Dee

Unfortunately I have heard of crew members running afoul of this situation. I only fly domestic, so I have no personal experience with this. Since you have been doing some research about getting your Approval of Rehabilitation from Canada, you know more about the process than I do. However, if you have not done so I suggest contacting a lawyer and see if it is possible to speed the process of getting the paperwork done. There are several on the internet that advertise. Examples-
www.duismith.com/canada.php
www.mich-lawyer.com/canada-entry.html
http://www.canadausvisas.com/

Also, contact your union ASAP. Perhaps they can do something to assist you in getting relief from the company on the termination threat. Perhaps they have also assisted F/As with situations such as yours in the past and can assist or know of a way to expedite the process as well.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/rehabil.asp
http://www.criminal-lawyer.on.ca/impaired-immigration.html

This message board for FAs may also provide some insight-
http://www.flightattendants.org

Good Luck
Dottie