In my very early teens, I was arrested on a minor charge. In Canada, young offender records are closed once we reach 18 yrs old. Would I have to state that arrest on a visitation application? All this is fairly new to me and the process can feel a bit overwhelming.

all juvenile records are sealed unless the case gets waived to adult court. you do not have to list this on visitation records.

Thanks hopefiend, that makes applying a bit less stressful.

this i can answer, i am from nova scotia, and was arrested when i was 17, i was also found guilty as a young offender,
it is better to say yes to being arrested, because florida runs back ground checks and young offender records in canada are open to other goverments,
When i was applying for my work visa for the UK this came up,
Also when now traveling into the united states you have to be very careful about what crime you have been found guilty of, U.S. border& customs patrol will turn some people back who have been convicted of a crime in the past, this is just now starting to be inforced, over 53'000 candians were denined entry last year in to the U.S.A. bases on crime's they have been convicted of in the past.
that worries me.

I contacted my local police dept and asked about what other govorments have axcess to and what they dont, the reply was they have axcess to every thing, i justed mailed my app to visit lowell yesterday, my way of thinking was, they cant hold a charge against me that happend 11 years ago.

Thanks Ard. Could you please keep me posted on how your application goes? Did you include that past arrest in it? I haven't filled any applications out yet, so would like some info on how things went for other Canadians in the same type of situation.

sure i will keep you up to date....no problem.
please feel free to contact you local police dept
yes i did tell them about my arrest,
didnt want to risk it