If you're able...why not order both of your credit reports from TransUnion and Equifax and see what's on them.

Do you still have your social insurance number?

trillium makes a good point about the student loans

Not at all accurate. Normal debts, such as unsecured revolving lines of credit (credit cards), or personal loans, such as auto, mortgage etc. are all things that "fall off" your credit report after 7 years of non-activity. This also includes bankruptcies, foreclosures, and reposessions. BUT!!! The government can choose to continue to file the proper paperwork with the 3 major credit reporting agencies across Canada and things such as defaulted student loans, unpaid fines, court records (Civil judgements, tax liens etc) can remain on your credit report indefinately... Best bet is to pay it because all of those things CANNOT be claimed in Bankruptcy either... It's better to bite the bullet on it, than face a life of bad credit and the limitations that come with it.

The debts will never go away, they won't show up on your credit file any longer.

thank you for your reply average_joe
does that mean i don't owe them money anymore?

Was the last time you made a payment on these accounts in 2002, if so then these items should not be in your credit file any longer? When you come back to Canada, do yourself a credit check with Trans union and Equifax.

i have some credit card debts/student loans dated back to 2002 in ontario and i haven't lived in canada since 2003. i also owe an university some money.

i am just wondering if i will be able to go back to canada without any problem? will they show on my credit report?

any advice will be appreciated.