Depending on the nature of the crime committed, you can apply for an eTA and explain it in the application, BUT, the application may or may not get approved. Multiple factors are considered before a legal advisor will advise you if eTA is the best course of action for you in such a situation, like, how long ago the crime was committed, if it is a summary or indictable offense in Canada, are you deemed rehabilitated or not, or if you have applied to be deemed rehabilitated, the seriousness of the crime, etc.

Even if an eTA is issued, you are not guaranteed entry into Canada depending on your criminal history. It is best to seek legal advice from a professional immigration lawyer if there are issues like criminality involved.

You either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. You only need one or the other, not both.

If your eTA application was refused, you should not travel to Canada. If you try to travel to Canada with a refused eTA, you will be prevented from boarding your flight.

If you have a criminal record, the best alternative to applying for an eTA would be to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) instead if you have strong reasons to travel to Canada.

An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents. You must convince the officer that you’re eligible for entry to Canada.

Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime. You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons.

Sources: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility.html

Disclaimer: Canadian immigration policies are ever-evolving. The information in this article is for general guidance only. We strongly recommend consulting official government sources or seeking advice from a qualified immigration professional before making any decisions. For a detailed review of your eligibility, you can contact at info@optiwaysimmigration.com.