Jacobson likely next US Ambassador to Canada

President Barack Obama intends to nominate lawyer David Jacobson, a key fundraiser during his presidential campaign, as the new ambassador to Canada, the White House announced Thursday.

The White House said Jacobson, 57, who served as deputy national finance chairman for the Obama campaign, is currently serving as special assistant to the president, helping fill vacant administration jobs.

Read the complete CBC article: Obama fundraiser to be named U.S. ambassador to Canada

This is good news for Canada: A close friend of Obama getting this position in Ottawa demonstrates the importance of the relationship with Canada for the Obama White House.

What does this mean for Canadians' who require the waiver of inadmissibility? A faint hope that the new ambassador can help to over haul some of the current waiver bureaucracy (for example, a return to a lifetime I-194 instead of people having to renew every 1, 2 or 5 years).

I'm now on Twitter: i194waiver.

Comments

Do you have an I-194 waiver?

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. Update: See I-192 Waiver Application Process

Changes to I-192 Waiver Application Process

There have been a few changes to the steps needed to apply for the I-194 (advance permission to enter the United States) after being denied entry at the US border. The changes below are in bold . Find your local fingerprint office (call to see if you need an appointment). Bring your passport, photo identification that shows your address (driver's licence for example) and approxiametly $25 CDN (most places seem to accept debit / credit cards) . Cost is between $25 and approxiametly $60 depending on whether the facility forwards your information electrically to the RCMP (if this is the case, skip step 2). Mail the C-216C form to the RCMP. Include a check for processing (approxiametly $25 CDN but call to confirm). Wait up to 1-3 months for a reply... When you receive your completed C-216C from the RCMP ensure it includes the fingerprint chart with a date stamp and the documentation related to your conviction and disposition. Complete a personal statement...

I-194 waiver renewal - another 5 years!

Great news! Today in the mailbox, just 3 months and 2 weeks after submitting my I-192 application with a Saturday interview at the Ottawa pre-clearance facility, I received my renewal (my second 5 year I-194 waiver) . This second 5 year waiver once again allows me to travel to the US for business and pleasure (B1/B2) for a maximum period of stay as determined by the admitting officer (the CBP officer on entry) . Have waiver, will travel! See updated information about renewals: I-194 waiver renewal recap

US Waiver for Canadians

Search This Blog