get Widget!Thanks to those who participated in my recent poll "Do you have an I-194 waiver?". It turns out that of those who participated over half have applied or intend to for the I-194 waiver (Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-Immigrant).
It is also interesting to note that the amount that have 1 year or 5 year waivers are very close (3 to 4). I had read somewhere that the waivers were granted as 1 year or 5 based on the degree or seriousness of the past offenses. If this is true, then wouldn't a person expect that if he/she were granted a 5 year waiver, he/she should always expect the 5 year waiver?
I'd be happy to hear your comments and personal experiences on this.
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91 comments:
Hi there, after a long wait (20 months since I was refused entry), I finally received my I-194. I am valid for one year. Do you know what the renewal or extension process is? Since it almost took two years, do I need to start the process now? Your comments are appreciated.
Me too! My one-year one runs out at the end of March.
Thanks for any insight.
We got a 1yr waiver, and it runs out in 4 months. We are worried about how to renew it.
Am still waiting for my waiver (if I get it) but have been told that, once it expires, I will have to go through the same process all over agin to reapply. If I only get a 1 year waiver, it will probably expire before I can take the lengthy winter long vacation I want and technically, with a succession one year waivers, I could just stay home and continually start the process all over again. Not to mention the cost!!!
I just received my I-194 Dec14/07 after a one and a half year wait. It is only valid for one year and I plan on re-applying no later than May08 hoping it will approved in time for my vacation to the U.S.A in December of o8
So, can you apply BEFORE your current one expires?
I was told I had to wait for current one to expire........and, do you have to go through the same process (ie. getting certified copies of all court records, etc.) all over again?
When I crossed the border via the Rainbow bridge the first time since receiving my I-194 I was told by the U.S. custom officer to start the process six months before it expires.
YES you have to go through the whole process again exactly as the original application.
You cannot enter if your I-194 expires it is not an automatic re-newal.
I don't know if the second application takes as long as the first.
At under $600 (various fees), not to mention one's time, re-applying is costly. This leads me to wonder if you re-apply upon receiving a 1-year waiver... if approved, will they issue the waiver for a period after the existing waiver expires?
It's definitely inconvenient when there is a gap between waiver approval. But it would also be a little disappointing if a new waiver overlaps and existing waiver by several months.
Btw, thank you for this blog.
The whole process is unfair, unreasonable, irrational, has elements of gross paranoia and, at a cost of $545, is, to be blunt, a racket.
After 90 days, I inquired to the ARO in December, 2007 about progress on my I-192 processing. This is the terse reply I got:
"Dear applicant,
Based on the information you provided, there is not an application, Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Non-Immigrant, pending for you at the Admissibility review Office (ARO) at this time.
As there is preliminary processing required prior to ARO receiving your application as well as once it is received at ARO. The ARO is unable to reply to inquiries on applications submitted until at least 90 days since entering into our local database. Please do not inquire about your waiver application within the next 90 days. The record checks take some time as does requesting a file. By inquiring earlier than 90 days you just slow up the process for other applicants as well as your own. We have a very limited staff and inquiries take a lot of time away from actual adjudications.
Thank you.
Admissibility Review Office"
So, I waited 90 days and inquired again in early March, 2008, as directed. Below is the informative automatic reply I got:
"Your application has been received by this office. We are waiting for the results of security checks. Once all security checks have been completed, we will take action on your application as soon as possible."
I know the application started security checks in October, 2007.
You probably wouldn't print what I was tempted to reply to the above.
My husband's application has been in the security check process since April 2005!! He appears to have fallen into the very small percentage that require manual name checks. Even given his bad fortune to fall into this small percentage, the process is beyond what anyone can deem reasonable. The file is not lost - just taking an unreasonable and unconscionable amount of processing time.
Do they at least have the courtesy to tell you ( I know, expecting alot - not a hot commodity at ARO) that you are on the long road re: manual security checks or do you just finally draw that conclusion?
Our lawyer gets the same answer every time she checks ... it's in for a name check. We're assure the file has not fallen into a black hole -- it's active, just taking an excruciatingly long time for the security check.
There is a new web site that lawyers can log into to check on the status of a waiver and you get a response within a couple of days. Not for the public, just for lawyers. Hopefully ou4 lawyer will receive a different response from the site than the one we've been getting where the waiver app was filed.
Saw the lawyer's inquiry link. Please keep us posted on this blog as to whether your lawyer's inquiry via dedicated link has any more luck than we lowly applicants have and, if she gets any explanations that could apply to all of us, your sharing would really be appreciated.
Article on the URL below states the following:
"FBI Name Check Memo Q&A
Submitted by snowflake on 02 Mar 2008 ( 0 comments)
Finally great news for those stuck in FBI Name Check."
In the memo, I-601 Waiver of Ground for Inadmissibilty is included as one of the forms included in the new regulations.
http://www.trackitt.com/immigration-news/
Does anyone know what this means for all of us in I-192 limbo?
Submitted my application at Pearson in August of 2005. Received my waiver in October of 2007(!). Working on getting my application for a renewal together now. Near as I can tell, I will probably have to supply the following at least:
*I-192
*G-325A (biometric information)
*RCMP-certified fingerprint chart
*Letter explaining my continuing need for a waiver
In addition I intend to provide some form of proof of my continuing employment with the same employer as before, and a letter from my doctor stating that I continue to not be a drug user (my conviction was for a minor amount of marijuana in 1989.
Based on the fact my conviction will be over 20 years ago by the time another 1 year waiver would expire, I intend to ask for a 5 year waiver, also citing the monetary and time costs in applying yearly (I know, like they care about that, right?).
Hopefully that will be all they need this time and my application won't be delayed by any further requests for documentation. Really hope I can get a 5 year and forget about this for a while.
BTW, I got a 6-month I-94 on my first trip to the US, last week.
March 21, 08
Practically choked when I read the quote below. You'd never know it by all of us trapped in Waiverland (which looks more like Neverland all the time).
"McCain, who was in Paris on Friday, said any breach of passport privacy deserves an apology and a full investigation.
"The United States of America values everyone's privacy and corrective action should be taken," he said."
Got word today, 6 months to the day it went for security checks, my I-192 has passed FBI checks and is now being processed by the DHS -ARO. Not the best case scenerio I know but better than some waits I've read about - up to 2/3 years!!
Can anyone requiring a WAIVER to enter the US tell me what their experiences are like when crossing the border from Canada into the US? Is the experience much different than that of other travellers who are able to enter without a WAIVER?
I travel through YYZ and it always involves secondary screening. At the first station they hand you a yellow clipboard and redirect you to the secondary.
In secondary I've waited anywhere from 10 minutes to 90 minutes. Once your name is called, occasionally they ask where I'm going and then send me on my way. It is overly bureaucratic but still pretty painless.
What about entering the US by auto through a port of entry, can anyone give a summary of procedure when passenger or driver has an I-194?
My experience was as follows:
I crossed into Maine from Quebec at a fairly minor border crossing point. After I pulled up I presented my passport and informed them that I was travelling on a waiver, at which point they asked me to pull up to a parking spot and come back to the office. There they questioned me as to the nature of my conviction (minor marijuana possession in 1989), my destination, and a few other details. One of the officers went out to give my car a fairly thorough search, including my luggage and so on. Meanwhile the officer inside got to work punching in my information and writing me up a 6-month I-94 entry pass. When the officer came back in they also seached my coat and the contents of my wallet. By this point my entry pass was ready, I paid for it ($6.50 or something like that - a relative bargain when dealing with CBP), and I was sent on my way. This all took half an hour to 45 minutes, I'd estimate.
Overall it was fairly painless.
Sent application for I - 192 waiver on Sept. 20, 07. It went for FBI record checks Oct. 16, 07. Cleared FBI record checks May 16, 08. Received one year waiver May 14, 2008. Went to Port of Entry yesterday to get I - 94. Was given a 6 month I - 94 to be renewed for another 6 months this Nov. Was told by CPB at Port of Entry that ALL first time waivers are for one year only AND was told that, to renew the waiver next May, same process - WITH ALL COURT DOCUMENTS - must be followed. That disappoints but do feel that, by virtue of some of the horror stories I have read, I did get my waiver in record time.
What kind of documentation do you get when a waiver is approved? Do you need to present this documentation EVERY time you need to enter the US?
Also, IF approved, is it the I-192 which allows you to enter the US despite a criminal conviction? So what is the I-94 that was approved for 6 months entry? Are you allowed to enter and exit multiple times on this I-94 during the 6 month period, or do you have to renew it once you leave the US?
Finally, in the decision making process by the US, are waivers issued based on length of time passed from conviction date, or offence date? How many years after a conviction/offence date would they like to have passed before a waiver is approved.
My apologies for all the questions, but getting and using a waiver to enter the US seems like a daunting task.
Yes, it is an I-192 waiver for past criminal convictions.
You get a two page letter of approval that states how long waiver is good for, etc. (CBP officer said when I went to get my I-94A card that ALL first time waivers are only for one year. After that, call is still up to the Admissibility Review Office but older the record, more likely you are to get a 5 year. Request it and give reason in renewal letter with application.)
You take approval letter to a port of entry and they enter data in computer and then they staple the I-94A card into your passport and stamp it. Max card is good for is 6 months and then you simply go a week or so before it expires and get CBP at port of entry to renew it. My card is for multiple entires so now, I just stop at customs, hand them my passport with letter folded in it (DON'T lose the letter and you MUST have it to present with I-94A card stapled into passport every time you cross; if you lose that letter or arrive at the border without it, your waiver is automatically cancelled!!!). They ask where I'm going - shopping, to visit friends, whatever - and off I go.
CBP officer said that renewal process is identical to original application process (reason why I requested and got 3 certified sets of court record to have spares).Second time round is easier as I saved all original documents on computer so just have to update them and take package to port of entry to submit. Second time round is apparently a bit quicker but remember that RCMP record check still takes 4 to 5 months. I need renewal for May 2, 2009 so will send for RCMP criminal record check this June to submit with package Nov., 2008.
Hope this has answered you questions.
Thanks very much for the info.
What about doing the RCMP criminal record search with a firm like POLICE CHECK? Apparently they can expedite the check much quicker.
Regarding the card stapled to your passport, what if you want to travel to a country OTHER than the US. Is the I94A card going to be stapled into your passport?
Also, I'm assuming you always have to go for secondary screening, even though you have the I94A card?
I used IFS (International Fingerprint Services) to get my latest RCMP criminal record check. It actually cost less than getting the fingerprint chart done at my local police dept ($40) and sending it to the RCMP with their fee ($25) - they charged $60. It was submitted to the RCMP elctronically (the fingerprints were taken that way, too) and I had the certified criminal record check/fingeprint chart back in less than a week - much faster than sending it to the RCMP by mail.
I have also wondered about international travel to other countries with the CBP stamps and I-94 pass in my passport - people without the need for visas or waivers, such as most Canadians, would normally have no such thing in their passport and I wonder if it might raise questions in other countries' customs agents.
I don't know about the I-94A card and other countries where I would have to show my passport. Will ask next time I cross the line - like, can I remove it if going somewhere else foreign other than the US? (Of course they, like Canada, are sharing these records with half the world - what ever happened to our Charter right to privacy!!! - so taking card out of passport may just make things worse!!
You know, folks, it would be helpful when replying if you used some handle consistently, just so we can tell who's saying what. Just choose the Name/URL button below and enter whatever name you want to use - no URL needed. Anyway...
I went down to the Lewiston/Queenston border crossing tonight to submit my waiver. Took about 2 hours before one of the agents really got around to start processsing my application, and then various questions, fingerprinting, and what-not. I was there about 2 3/4 hours altogether.
I took the following documents with me, which the CBP agent's checklist seemed to confirm was sufficient:
-Cover letter, In which I explained that I had previously provided my pardoned criminal record, and was providing copies of personal reference letters I sent in January, as requested in a letter that came in October just before I received my approved waiver. I also specifically requested a waiver for a longer period this time - can't hurt right?
-I-192 application
-G-325A biometric data (4 copies)
-Current criminal record check
-letter explaining reasons for requesting a waiver
-letter explaining the circumstances of my conviction
-letter from my employer confirming my employment status
-reference letter from my boss explaining my need to travel to the US
-copies of personal reference letters, as mentioned above
-a copy of the letter approving my pardon
I can't say for certain whether I absolutely needed to provide all of the above. I'm also thinking I will apply for my pardoned criminal record again just to have it in case they do request it again, just to avoid delays. The CBP agent who processed my application also said there was a good chance that they would grant a 3 to 5 year waiver on a second application - we'll see. I hope it's true, not least so I don't have to fork over $545 again a year from now.
My story...
I dropped off my I-192 application last November 5, 2007. Received my I-194 notice of approval on May 15, with the actual approval dated May 9.
It's valid for one year, despite the fact that my conviction was 28 years ago, and was for a $65 fruad charge for which I made restitution.
Because the border guards have a certain amount of discretion, I was able to enter the U.S. several times over the past 6 months by having copies of all my paperwork with me, as well as my receipt for the $545 that I had paid.
Regarding 'my story', just above...
After 28 years, how did you find out that you would require a waiver to travel to the US?
Also, you were able to enter the US WITHOUT a waiver? What reason for entry did you give at the border?
With so much apparent confusion about I - 192 waiver renewals, I finally called CBP in VA. I was told that,to renew a waiver, the identical package as the first application with certified copies of court records, I - 192 and 325A forms, letter, new RCMP Criminal Record check, etc, etc, etc, + $545has to be submitted at a Port of Entry or Pre-Clearance office where US fingerprints will be taken to send with application. I happen to live only yards from a Port of Entry so it's easy for me. Don't know about if applicant does not have easy access to Port or Pre-Clearance office at an airport. CBP seems to want these documents sent through their mail.
I can definitely sympathize with many of your comments. I've been applying for waivers (on & off) since 1997!!! The waivers I've received have always been for one year but this is the first time I've submitted an application since getting a pardon on the Canadian side. I'm hoping the Cdn pardon, a description of my rehabilitation, and a specific request for a five year waiver may help get me a longer waiver. Honestly, if I don't get a 5 year this time I'll never think about entering the states again. Good luck to all!
The American Consular Services information Web Site (http://www.amcits.com/) has posted a page titled "Criminal Ineligibility for a Visa or Entry into the United States" that has some very useful information for anyone applying for, waiting for, or traveling with a Waiver.
(http://www.amcits.com/criminal_ineligibility_visa.asp)
Note that at the bottom of this page, they have information regarding the "DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program" (DHS TRIP) which provides a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at airports or train stations or crossing U.S. borders, including:
* Denied or delayed airline boarding;
* Denied or delayed entry into and exit from the United States at a port of entry; or
* Continuously referred to secondary screening.
http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/dhs_inquiry_program.xml
The American Consular Services information Web Site (http://www.amcits.com/) has posted a page titled "Criminal Ineligibility for a Visa or Entry into the United States" that has some very useful information for anyone applying for, waiting for, or traveling with a Waiver.
(http://www.amcits.com/criminal_ineligibility_visa.asp)
Note that at the bottom of this page, they have information regarding the "DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program" (DHS TRIP) which provides a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at airports or train stations or crossing U.S. borders, including:
* Denied or delayed airline boarding;
* Denied or delayed entry into and exit from the United States at a port of entry; or
* Continuously referred to secondary screening.
http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/dhs_inquiry_program.xml
I'm very stressed and don't know what to do. I realized from reading all of your comments that I have made a mistake that will now cause my waiver to be held up or not processed at all. I got all my documents together to apply for my waiver. I didn't know that I am to go to my nearest port of entry first. I thought I was supposed to send the packet in, and then I'll be instructed to go to my port once they've received it. So now I don't know what they're going to do with my packet when the receive it without my fingerprint cards. This is my first waiver application and have been so stressed about this entire ordeal. I've e-mailed the office once I realized what I have done. Hopefully they'll send it back to me, or have me go and do the fingerprints???? I don't know what to do. Has anyone done anything as stupid as me??
RPS: Excellent information - thanks for the link! I'm going to use it to follow up on my post about why I'm always being referred to secondary.
anonymous (stressed): Call your closest border office and tell them your situation. They might be able to provide you with the new number for DHS where you can ask them to return your documentation. Chances are they will do that anyway since it in not complete.
RCMP - Certified Fingerprint & Records Check
Use the Commissionaires (www.commissionaires.ca) to take digital fingerprints and send forms directly to the Ottawa.
Fearing another 4-5 month wait for the certified report, I stumbled upon the Commissionaires and their advanced fingerprint imaging services. The total turnaround was just under 5 weeks.
FPS Imaging - Jul 30
Certificate Issued - Aug 15
Received in the mail - Sep 5
Going for my third waiver...
As a follow-up to my earlier post, about submitting my waiver application in the first half of May this year (see details above), I just received my second waiver today. My previous waiver expired on Oct 19th this year, and my new one was issued on Oct 23rd this year, mailed on Oct 27th.
It almost looks as if they made an effort to ensure that I had continuity in my waiver, and came close. The waiver is good for two years. I did request a waiver for a longer period this time, but wasn't specific about the period. Maybe next time I'll ask specifically for a 5-year, but I'm pretty happy to get a 2-year waiver. I also stressed in my letters my need to be sure of my ability to travel for work-related reasons, which may have helped expedite things. I really wasn't expecting it this soon and on opening the letter half expected it to be a request for further documentation.
Good luck to all of you in your applications. I'll be keeping an eye on this site for further news. If I keep getting the secondary screening BS when I go to cross, I'll be hitting the CBP/DHS website mentioned here to file a complaint.
I should add one more thing that I didn't mention in my post when I filed my application:
My documents also included a letter (actually a prescription form with signature) from my family doctor stating that she had no concerns regarding any criminal activity or drug use on my part, as my conviction was for possession of a minor amount of marijuana. This is not strictly required any more according to their secret document checklist, but they may request it if it isn't provided with the application, which could delay its approval.
I have never had any issues with the law in my life. I made a simple mistake of saying I wasn't married and then correcting it on the spot while I was renewing my TN visa. (My husband is foreign citizen also.) As a result, the officer in Vancouver denied my entry. Instead of me returning to LA where I worked, I ended up going to Toronto with the shock of my life. I was in Vancouver over night just to renew my visa and was expected back in the office for meeting next morning. I filed for I-192 in November, 2008. I no longer work for that company and I am still waiting. But, I also wanted to share that after getting local police clearance in Toronto, I got RCMP response within 2 weeks. So, the document collection could happen pretty quickly.
Congrats YYZ on your waiver.
My first waiver runs out Dec14/08.
I sent went to toronto Airport June 30/08 and re-Applied for my second waiver....in my letter I asked for a five year.
I received my Canadian pardon the end of Oct/08 and was able to scan and e-mail it to Homeland security to add to my file.
Hopefully I will get a five year but a two year will do.
Had a company in Canada do all the paperwork. Pardon took 1 year and the waiver took 6 months to arrive after submission. Timeline for the waiver was great, but it's only good for 1 year. Guess I'll do the whole thing over again in 6 months, so there's litte orr no overlap time. Not happy with this, but maybe I'll get lucky and get a waiver of longer duration.
Good luck to all!
Hey there,i will tell you about my waiver experience.I was traveling to and from the Usa problem free untill that july day 2005.I was stopped at the border and asked the question "have you been fingerprinted by police ? " i said yes.Then he just directed me inside.After an hour of waiting an officer called me to the desk.He pulled my record and to my amasment all my info was compromized(id theft)someone had made all my documents and was using them. I had to prove that i was the real person.All my documents wernt accepted i had to tell them about my criminal record.Only then they believe me.The guard pulled the record and told me that the theft under 5000$ was the one that they were concerned about.He told me that they couldnt see if that charge was summery or indictable and told me to return with court documents. Simple turn around not a refuseal.The next day i returned to the border and got a diffrent officer.Mean guy.3hrs of questioning he looked @ the court papers refused them and told me 2 get a waiver.He told me i was inadmissible due to the nature of my charges.I had 3 charges they were,carry concealed weapon(young offender)possession of break in instruments,and theft under 5000$.I applied for the waiver and a pardon through a pardon company.I dont recommend them(its actually faster and cheeper if you do the paperwork yourself)for such a minor record i recived a 1 year waiver at a cost of 795 cdn + 265usd and other fees.The cbp gard at pearson told me i didnt need a waiver for these charges and i could get a september letter.I told him that i rather had that letter,but he forgot to file the documents so i handed in my waiver. I started to do some research on the petty offence
exemption.Thanks to websites like this one i gained a wealth of info.After i recived a pardon so all court documents and record were destroyed.In 2007 i had to reapply for the waiver,i asked the pardon company if they could do the waiver.Their costs was now 1100$ cdn plus the rcmp fee 75$ + the 565$ usd filing fee. Ill do that myself thanks.I saved the court documents and submitted my pardoned record hoping for a 5 year waiver.The time it took me to gather all the documents was 3 weeks.I went to pearson to file my waiver @ a cost of 565$ usd,and asked about the petty offence exemption. He laughed and said "no way the theft under 5000$ charge disposition was too long", 14 months probation.So they took my waiver application. 9 months later i got a 1 year waiver....i was pissed.This is going to be a expensive venture.I did more research on the petty offence exemption and noticed that their was a slim possibility tht i did qualify.After sifting through immigration lawyers i chose one and told him my situation.He did deep research and said i did qualify for the exemption.But i had waivers before and that was a concern,because waivers come from a higher governing body. He drafted up a letter to the dhs and stated my case.I went to the land crossing with my lawyer letter my court documents and pardond criminal record.The border guard was a seasoned tough guy was not accepting the lawyer letter, just court documents.He didnt want to read the documents but i explained to him what each document detailed. Then he said he had to talk to the boss.1 hour later he came back saying everything looks good and he lifted the inadmissibility hanging over my head and put notes in the computer so that this wount happen again.Also he stamped the passport putting a notation stating No control.I no longer needed a waiver and can travel like a regular person again. No more jumping through hoops and lots of money being wasted.Good luck all of you on getting waivers if you need info,this site was good to me very informitive.Ill try to answer any questions you have.
Does anyone know it they send your decision by regular or registered mail.
I had a email sent to me stating that a decision had been made Jan 8/09 and still have not received it in the mail.
the waivers are sent by regular mail.
Thanks I received my second waiver by regular mail. This was my second waiver and I had submitted all the paperwork June 08.
received second waiver for one year ....gezz though i might get at least a two year.
My waiver ran out Dec 14th new one arrived Jan27/09 almost 7 months to get the second one!!!
I just received my 1st waiver - 1 year, multiple entry, business and pleasure, after a 5 month processing time from when I submitted in Ottawa, Canada, which is faster than I thought it would be. Submitted in Sept 08, approved Feb 09. Good luck to all in the process, and let me know if you have any questions.
Hi lbg
Congratulations.Will you please share your experience at the CBP office.Why do you have to apply for a waiver.
Appreciate your comments.
Are you referring to the CBP office where I submitted my waiver application? If so, it was pretty unremarkable. No wait time, the entire process took about an hour. One small glitch - the checklist that I had received from the Detroit border of items required for the application was slightly different from Ottawa's. I had to run out to get passport pics and came right back.
I had to apply for a waiver because I had attempted to enter the US at Detroit and the secondary checkpoint uncovered my Canadian criminal record - 2 x B&E & Theft from 19 years ago. They indicated that this record would require a waiver, although I had entered successfully and uneventfully for the entire 19 years, 100s of times.
What a pain.
We travelled over the Rainbow bridge on March21/09 going to Seneca Casino.
I have a I-194 waiver ( my second one) and have not been in any trouble in twenty years.
We have crossed this bridge many times with no problem.
After being asked the usual questions they asked that my wife and I get out of the car and go with two guards upstairs.
They had us do this right there and then,,,,no parking car ourselves they took the car.
We went upstairs for all of 15 min and were told all was ok and were back on our way.
Has this happened to anyone else??
Does anyone have a phone # or address for the Admissibility Review Office (ARO)?
I applied for my 3rd waiver in early August 08 & was advised by email on January 6/09 that all record checks were complete & that my waiver was awaiting a decision.
Unfortunately, it's almost 2 months later & from the reply to my recent inquiry it was obvious that the person had not read my email & I was asked to 'refrain from further inquiries for 90 days'.
Some service for $545.00.
We requested a certified criminal check from the RCMP in December and still waiting for the document. Does anyone know of an outside company that helps expedite this 'service'? I'd gladly pay a fee to expedite the 4-5 month wait. Any suggestions are most welcome.
Strange that it's taking so long. I'd check in with them. I've applied for the criminal record twice now with the RCMP, and both times they've sent it to me in about a month. It was through the Commissionaires.
We applied for our second I-194 recently but are still waiting for a response from US customs requesting my husband attend at the border for US fingerprinting. It's my understanding until this is done, the application does not proceed to the next step. The first time around we received notification very quickly. Anyone else feel they're waiting a longer period of time for fingerprint notification?
I just found out i need a waiver and would like to use a service in Toronto. Does anyone know of any? I also got my pardon about a month ago so i wanted to know if i could still get court records from the RCMP for the waiver application. My sole purpose for travelling to the states is to visit/vacation but i'm not sure what it is that i should indicate on the application? I don't want to get turned down because the only reason i want to go to the US is to go on vacation.
Can anyone tell me what the process is at Pearson when you drop off the application? Do i need to get there early? Do they ask you questions?
I got a pardon a couple of years ago not knowing i needed a waiver to visit the US. I don't have a copy of the court records anymore. Because i have been pardoned does that mean i cant get these court records anymore? How do i get this for my application if all documents have been sealed because of my pardon?
Peeshiee: You might find a service around Toronto through one of the links I've provided. I'd be interested once you find a representative, of your experience. The I-194 waiver is granted on humanitarian although I think you'll still be in good standing to apply under the terms you outlined. Most important point is to tell the truth about your intentions.
Anonymous: you should give yourself ample time when dropping off your application. The officer will need to ask you questions, take your prints, etc. It may also be a good idea to check the YYZ arrival/departure schedules to determine a time when the office will be least busy. Good luck!
Paul: I've had the same concerns and probably the sole reason I am reluctant to apply for a pardon. Best I have heard is that the files would still be accessible, albeit through a limited source (dusty vault in the rear of the RCMP building). If you find anything out either way, please share.
Thanks Ryan,
I found something from the RCMP website in regards to waivers and pardoned records. Seems that you can still get the records. See the attached link.
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/usa-eu-eng.htm
Does anyone know if 2 charges of theft under fall under the petty crime exemption or do i require a waiver because it was 2 charges? I also have young offender record of carrying a concealed weapon.
Paul: your young offender record should not be considered (although I think you should still disclose it), the petty offense exception is limited to 1 offense (see this post) although you might be able to plead your case if it was long enough ago and relatively minor. In this case you might want to seek legal representation.
I wanted to add myself to your poll but the last waiver I received was 3 years so I don't fit into your choices. Prior to that I had received two one year waivers.
3 year waiver? For some reason I thought they offered only 1, 2 and 5 year. I'll update the poll to reflect this. Thanks
I would appreciate any comments from those that have applied for waivers. I want to apply myself but am not sure what it is i'm suppose to write as to my reason for wanting or needing to enter the US. All i really want to do is travel and visit places like NYC, Vegas, SF etc. What about for renewal applications? Do you indicate everything the same as the very 1st waiver?
Anonymous said...
My Reason
I have been granted three (3) consecutive 1-year waivers. On each of my applications, my "purpose" or reasons were exactly as follows:
- FAMILY HOLIDAYS AND VACATIONING
- TOUR REAL ESTATE
- MEET WITH U.S. BASED COLLEAGUES AND CONSULTANTS (ie. CORP. LAWYERS, ACCOUNTANTS, AGENTS)
- ATTEND SEMINARS AND CONVENTIONS
I am not advising you do the same at all. But it worked for me. Simply, the list includes almost any reason why I would be visiting the US.
Does anonymous, who has received 3 consecutive 1 year waivers, have any idea why they have not been granted for a longer period?
I too have received 3 consecutive 1 year waivers, have a pardon in Canada, and am getting pretty frustrated at the bother & the cost of applying annually.
I have a question regarding my 10 year Bar. I am Canadian Citizen and overstayed 3 years in US 8 years ago. I was traveling to US many times without any problem. Officially I never was charged for that. I was not deported either.
Last time officer was so aggresive he told me that even if I was travelling many times before and I never was charged officially it does not mean that I am admissiable to US because I overstayed.(My son was born there and when he swiped his passport officer started asking me to provide documents to prove I was leggaly there). I got so scared that I lied to him and told him that I don't have with me documents to prove that. (My husband officially worked there 5 years and as his wife I lived with him). He gave me 10 year BAR it means I can't enter US until 2014 (in 2004 I left US).
Maybe someone knows what chances I have to recieve Waiver.
My mother and my sister are US citizens and living in NY. I would like to visit them. I live in TOronto with my husband and two small kids, we have house, mortgage , nice jobs and good income, good references. Maybe these factors will be helpful? Or it's better to wait untill 2014.
THank you in advance for your advise.
Diana
I had a 5 year waiver that expired in April 09.
I had applied for the renewal late (February 28th 09) and today I received an email from DHS saying a decision had been made, and the document had been mailed to me.
Hoping it's another 5-year waiver!
Hi Adam420t
When did you send an Email to DHS.
I have applied for waiver at Montreal Airport on Jan 29,2009 but haven't heard anything yet.
Thanks,
FYI I received another 5-Year Waiver in the mail today.
Took a total of 5.5 months since submission at Pearson Intl.
Hi
I sent an E-mail about the status of my I-192 application to DHS on Aug 08, 2009.I am not sure as to when they will respond. I Request the blog members to respond.
Thank you all.
Hi to ALL:
I applied for my second waiver at pearson in Late December 2008. I inquired in july-2009 and they told me that it is in adjudication process and refrain me for emailing for another 90 days. Still on September-09 middle, I have not received any letter from them. I can not inquire till october middle. So can any one tell me how long it can takes or any other way to check the status online? My first was 1 year and in second I requested for multi year.
Help me here. I need to visit USA now.
Any idea how long still it can take?
Thanking you in advance.
I sent another email,yesterday, to DHS about the status of my application.Today I received a reply from DHS with the message "Final action has been taken on your application. You should be receiving correspondence from this office next week regarding the decision."
Waiting for the week to pass quickly.
Thank you.
How long it takes for renewal. It is about 9.5 months since applied. Any idea? 60 days passed since last email of in adjudication process. Can I email to inquire?it says 90 days for inquiry?
I wanted to take a holiday to the US, so I stopped by the USBP at my local airport and enquired what was needed because of my criminal record that was over 19 years old. I was told I needed to apply for a waiver. I asked if the waiver was good forever and I was told it was good for 5 years. I wasn't sure if I wanted to pay that much, but I took the waiver package in case I decided I wanted to proceed. A few months later I decided since it was going to be good for 5 years I would go for it. I got all the documents together and went to the airport to the USBP office. Before proceeding, I asked the USBP agent(not the same person as the first time I asked) if the waiver was good for 5 years. I was told again it was good for 5 years. I got fingerprinted, paid the $545USD and before I left the agent told me after 60 days I could email them to see the status of my application. I waited 9 weeks and sent them an email and got a response that I had to wait 90 days from application date. I waited 100 days and sent another email and was told it was now being reviewed and would have a letter sent to me in 60 days. About 3 weeks later I got the letter. I was upset that it was only good for a year after being told twice before paying it would be good for 5 years. On top of that it was over 5 weeks expired the day I got it from when it was approved. Has I known it was only going to be good for a year I would not have wasted a years time and about $700+ CDN doing this.
Having been told it was good for 5 years I was planning a holiday with my son in January/February 2011, but the waiver expires in December 2010 and I will not be able to use it at all, so that $700 is flushed down the toilet.
I am a little choked that they lied to me twice and feel that they deceived me out of my money.
As far as pardons are concerned, I wouldn't waste my time or money on that either. I have a friend who waited 2 years and over $1000.00 to get a pardon. He was told that it is basically invisible to anyone in Canada that does a search, but if he ever got charged with an indictable offense everything that was pardoned would return and you can only apply once for a pardon. To top that, he was told that even though he has a pardon in Canada, the United States would still have access to any and all criminal history and his Canadian Pardon would mean nothing to the US. So although a pardon might help you get a job or clearance in Canada, it won't help you in entering the US. I have not checked into what he has told me as truth, but I have heard similar stories from other people as well.
From stories I have heard from others and friends who have traveled, if you could fly direct from Canada to Mexico you don't need any of this paperwork. You could also fly to just about any other country without the hassle you get trying to go into the US as long as you are not flying into the US for any lay overs or transfers.
I am trying to find out who I can talk to about being told twice the waiver would be good for 5 years and then getting a 1 year waiver, because has I been told it would only be good for 1 year I would not have wasted $700 for something I know I wouldn't be able to use. To me, what they did was fraudulent in nature.
I am thinking of contacting the Canadian Consulate to see if they can do anything and also contacting the PM of Canada as well, but don't have much hope with them as why would it matter to them if they help me.
No one should put any faith in what US Customs & Border Patrol agents tell them about specifics of the Entry Waiver process, particularly the normal duration of waivers, because most of them haven't got a clue.
I was recently referred for a secondary inspection in Puerto Rico and when I presented my Passport & Entry Waiver to the officer on the desk, he looked at my waiver & asked me what it was??? DUHH!!!
I told him, he then photocopied the waiver & passport and sent me on my way.
Good luck getting your $545 US back. They'll never admit that they told you it would be for 5 years. A response of 1-5 years
would be an easy tale to tell.
On the Pardon issue, you can do
the application yourself at minimal cost.
Once it has been granted it wipes out access to your criminal record on the Canadian Police Information Computer (CPIC).If you have never been refused entry to the US then they will not be able to access information about your prior record & deny you entry. If you have previously been denied entry, then they have their own record of your past convictions and the pardon will be of no value to you as far as the US is concerned.
What is interesting to note is that Canada will 'rehabilitate' US citizens with criminal records (a one time process with no renewal requirement) however the US, that great 'In God We Trust' nation, has no Christian capacity for forgiveness, and refuses to recognize Canadian pardons.
Speaks volumes, doesn't it.
I just received my 1st waiver, it took exactly one year from the time I applied at the airport (Pearson) to the time I received the i-194 paper. Permission for 1 year on humanitarian grounds.
Anyone know if you have to do the same steps for the reapplication process ?
Hello there,
I receieved my Waiver after waiting for 7 month and it's valid for 1 year for multiply entries. This is my first waiver. I applied in AUgust, 2009 at Pearson airport, in Toronto and received it on March 8, 2010.
I just came back from New York, was visiting my family for 4 days. Officers at Rainbow Bridge were very nice. But I was waiting 1 hour to get admition card because many people were waiting for the same.
Diana
I applied last May for my first waiver for a 12 year old offence.The process of gathering my info from commisionaires and the courts etc. took just 3 weeks.My record is pardoned so I sent a copy of my pardon.I recieved my waiver in the mail 3 months after applying at the Sumas,BC border good for 1 year.
I just applied for my second as was told it could come in less than 2 months because they dont wait for the FBI check on subsequent applications. Any experience on this?
Hi,
I took my waiver docs to the US Lewiston bridge - Queen Elizabeth Way through Highway 405 in Queenston, Ontario to I-190 in Lewiston, New York first week of April. Does anyone have an idea how long it will take to get the waiver? I've been told anywhere from 3 months to 9 months.
Does anyone have the email address for DHS to check status of waiver?
Thanks!
The email address for DHS to check status of waiver is
inquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov
Anonymous said...
Does anyone have the email address for DHS to check status of waiver?
Thanks!
June 10, 2010 3:53 PM
I've now read on other forums that all outstanding resitution orders must be paid before a I-192 will be granted. I was told that I don't have to pay the restitution that HS doesn't care by the company I used to help assist me with the filing of my Waiver forms. Anyone have any idea about whether or not resitution must be paid before getting an I-192 US Waiver? I have one count of fraud over $5,000 - got 18 months of house arrest that finished up Nov 2008. Convicted Nov. 2006.
I wonder if anyone can help me with a few question?
First, I have a i-194 waiver (5 year)that expires in April 2011. I want to start the renewal process immediately so I dont have a gap in between making me ineligiable to travel or be in the U.S. Does anyone know where I can do this without having to travel to the border?
Secondly, my wife's compnay has just informed us they will be sponsoring us for a green card and they are going to file this shortly. Will me waiver be a problem? will they refuse to grant us perm res if I have a waiver that needs to be renewed every 5 years.
If not, will I have to apply for this waiver every 5 years even though I will b e a perm resident?
Please and thank you in advance.
I have had 2 waivers in the last 20 years and have applied for a 3rd. The last renewal time was 3 months to get another 5 year waiver. I hope it only takes 3 months this time. I have never used a legal service. The procedure has changed (getting court records)and the cost has doubled but it seems very similar. I would highly recommend getting the package from Homeland security(Calgary airport) directly from them. The online information is incomplete as I found out the first time i tried to reapply. hopefully I receive another 5 year waiver. There are rumours of permanent waivers being eventually issued but nothing officially has been announced.
I was denied entry to the US back in Dec 2007 and cited as 'working illegally in the USA' as I was repackaging product at a shipping center before sending them out. Stupidest thing I have ever done was to tell them the truth.
I was processed and then told not to return without a criminal record check. Took me 8 months and I got my CRC and it shows a charge of Theft under $1000 from 1997 with a deposition of 'stay of proceedings'. I had the choice of trying to re-enter the US with this CRC and letting them know about this charge or try to get it pardoned first, due to my need to enter the US I chose to take my chances.
Now they have the charge in their system and I was routinely asked about the charge as they do not understand the 'stay of proceedings' result, they view me as charged and convicted which I know is incorrect. In Canada I have no record as I have been cleared for security clearance multiple times while working for the government.
Over the last 3 years I have been sent into secondary multiple many, many times and always been allowed to proceed with my trip, so I just took this screening as part of the process.
On Oct 22, 2010 I was sent into secondary and once again asked about this charge, questioned for 6 hours, processed and then sent back to Canada and handed a I-192 handout. I am now unable to go to the convention in 2 weeks I am booked for, family vacation in March 2011 is in jeopardy as I have to land in the US first and I am unable to go to my cabin I bought last year in the US.
Thanks to finding this site and reading up I have filed with US-TRIP to see if I have any recourse and now am looking at getting a waiver.
It is easiest to just apply for the waiver myself or use an agency?
I applied to pardonscanada.org to clear my record check and all I have gotten from them is the copy I have on file. It's been over 2 years and I still have no idea if it is cleared. I do know that US Customs knows about my pardon application as an officer asked if I was applying for a pardon during questioning.
Thanks for any information/advice and good luck to everyone.
An update for anyone who's still following things here. You can find my earlier posts above under the same user name.
I filed my third waiver application on August 12th of this year at the Queenston-Lewiston crossing. I provided pretty much the same documentation as before, minus the copies of the personal reference letters, taking a chance that they wouldn't need those again.
I received my waiver in the mail today, dated Nov 15th (which is remarkable in itself, as that was only two days ago), good for 3 years. I was hoping for 5, but 3 isn't bad. Maybe I'll get 4 or 5 the next time around.
So, about 3 months for processing this time. I was only without a waiver for a few weeks, which I probably could have avoided if I'd filed it a bit sooner than I did.
I was fortunate when I filed this time that I didn't have to wait too long to get to talk to someone, and when I did she was quite professional and experienced in doing this, and had my fingerprints done, reviewed my documents, and had me out of there in a minimum of time.
Is there a phone # for i_192 inquiries? I applied for second waiver at Pearson Airport, Toronto in Feburary 2010 and noting so far.
My last response was in early July 2010 asking me to wait another three months before another inquiry. Since then I have emailed three times (October&November) but no answer whatsoever.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Does anyone have any experience using an I-194 while flying through the US to another country and back. I'm trying to figure out if there are any additional requirements such as a C-1 Transit Visa or antything else.
KonaDag - you don't need anything else but the I-194. I've travelled to Mexico multiple times through the US.
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