CPB's (US Customs & Boarder Protection) Find an Answer site continues to be bountiful with useful information. The following questions / responses were updated recently:
How long is a Waiver of Inadmissibility good for, how do I renew it, and can I use it for both business and pleasure? (updated 6/4/2013)
I forgot to turn in my I-94 when I left the U.S., what should I do? (updated 6/6/2013)
How can a Canadian citizen apply for a waiver to enter the United States if they have been or are likely to be denied admission either because of their criminal history or because they overstayed a previous visit? (updated 6/4/2013)
How long is a Waiver of Inadmissibility good for, how do I renew it, and can I use it for both business and pleasure? (updated 6/4/2013)
I forgot to turn in my I-94 when I left the U.S., what should I do? (updated 6/6/2013)
How can a Canadian citizen apply for a waiver to enter the United States if they have been or are likely to be denied admission either because of their criminal history or because they overstayed a previous visit? (updated 6/4/2013)
I hope so! I applied for my renewal almost to the exact day that I applied for my original, in late April. Hopefully in the next 8 weeks I get the 5 year...
ReplyDeleteThis was my 1st waiver and received it today after almost 5 months.
ReplyDeleteI was actually surprised how quickly I received.
I've applied December 2013 we are now in June 2013 and still nothing... Is it normaly that long are they going to send it by mail or they will try to make contact with me first ?
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous did you send your case inquiry to ARO .?
ReplyDeleteI applied March 2012, and STILL have nothing...so don't feel so bad.
ReplyDeleteDid you get a letter requesting more info?
DeleteI applied March 31st and was told 3 months by the 3 officers and the people handling my application at the airport. Hoping that it will be here by the end of the month so I can travel just in time for summer. Is there a chance it may take longer? First waiver was told to come within 6 months and came within 6 months. I'm hoping this one will too.
ReplyDeleteOn June 17th, last week, I traveled through Pearson Airport Toronto as usual for a one week US business trip, I am on my third waiver (a one year, a two year, and this one a five year) and as usual I filled out all of my paperwork on Sunday so that Monday I could just show up at the airport with everything required in hand, the usual "blue" sheet - "customs Declaration", the white sheet - "I-94 Arrival/Departure record, and I had my passport and my Waiver Letter all together.
ReplyDeleteNow when I presented these documents to the US Border Customs Agent, he immediately took the I-94 form and discarded it, saying this is no longer required.
I was quite surprised, but as usual kept my mouth shut.
Has anyone else experienced this?
I had the same thing said to me in Toronto on June 11. I was told the I-94 was no longer required. I am on my second waiver, 5 years this time. The only thing that pissed me off is that they detained me in secondary for 45 minutes for no apparent reason. I'd have rather been in the lounge having a snack and a drink...
ReplyDeleteIt appears they do not require the I-94 document when traveling by air and by sea. Appears the document is still given to a person when then travel by land.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else have any comments about this. I normally travel by land since I live quite close to the canada/US border so I don't see it having any effect on me. Only concern I would have is if they take my I-94 card out when it was issued by a land border and explaining why it is not in passport.
Does that mean a person goes to secondary screening every time.
Would love to hear other's comments on this
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ReplyDeleteI applied for my first waiver Feb 6th 2013 and I just received it today July 2nd 2013 (total of 5 months).
ReplyDeleteI needed it for school and i was impatiently waiting for it, thinking it would come in longer than a year. I requested a status info. from ARO and all i got was a return automated e-mail stating that my application was received. I didn't request any other information because I was told that the more you annoy them about your application, the longer it will take. My suggestion is to be patient once you have received you ARO confirmation that your waiver is in. They are very busy and they are the boss of your admissibility.
Good luck ya'll....
Step 2: Re-application for waiver #2 today
My finger prints came inconclusive now how long I have to wait for the waiver to be approved
ReplyDeleteMy finger prints came inconclusive now how long I have to wait for the waiver to be approved
ReplyDeleteI applied for the i-192 and received the approval of this for one year which expires on July 15, 2013 , also they sent me the i-212 granted, an officer asked if he could use the i-212 to enter and the answer was that you had to apply again for the i-192 my punishment period expires on August 16, 2014 this is true
ReplyDeleteYesterday I went to apply for my first waiver the Queenston/Lewiston POE. The officer looked over all my information, then asked me where I got the A number from? It was the one on my paperwork from my refusal at Pearson. Apparently the numberis active but none of my information is attached to it? I don't even know what that means. I really hope it doesn't delay my waiver. Has anyone else ever had this happen? I am worried that I just gave $585 away.
ReplyDeleteHello all.
ReplyDeleteI applied for my waiver in person at a land border crossing in Manitoba in March 2012, got a response letter 7 months later in Oct 2012 saying I had to go to Surrey BC (I live in Winnipeg) to get a Medical done with a Panel Physician. Did that the next month in November, then sent an email to ARO in Jan 2013 and they confirmed they received the medical docs from the panel phys. It's now July and still nothing.
I sent an email to them again last week and they emailed back today saying "It is currently pending further review".
I haven't seen my family in over 3 years in the U.S and one of my family members is very sick. I can't sleep this is stressing me out so bad.
If there is anyone else on here going through something similar please tell me anything you can to keep me optimistic, or even just your experience with this.
Thanks.
When I got my very first waiver in january 2012 I actually had to go to a panel physician to have a medical and the location of panel physician was in Toronto.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I was told right off the bat from preclearance at Pearson that I needed to have the medical.
I got my waiver the last week of jan 2012 (one year) and a week later booked the panel physician medical and the following week left on a trip from Pearson. Was told that I should arrive at Pearson early since they will have to match the medical to my waive ID number. Took closed to 3 hours to get through which is the longest time I have ever had at pre clearance. Get on flight.
Now that we have our waiver, now what? We are planning on going into the us this coming monday. So do we just hand them our paper with our passport? What is this I hear about a waiver card? Will we be sent to secondary screening? Just looking for some info on what to expect.
ReplyDeleteYou'll need to fill out an I-94 card, as well as the standard blue immigration record. At screening hand over those and your I-194 along with your passport. Good chance, they'll put it in a folder and send you to wait in secondary. Have a nice trip.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone received a letter requesting more info? or a letter saying that the finger prints were illegible?
ReplyDelete14 months and still waiting...I'm thinking this is NEVER going to happen :(
ReplyDeleteHow long did others here wait??
Well my renewal is now two weeks longer than my original. Must be the sequestration causing the staffing issues or something.
ReplyDeleteI applied for my second waiver on April 17, 2013 and received on July 30, 2013 for two years
ReplyDeleteI applied for my second waiver on April 26, 2013 at Buffalo, NY and received it on August 12, 2013 for 3 years.
ReplyDeleteI asked for 5 years but I'll take 3...much better than another one year! :)
The renewal actually took 13 days longer than the original, but both were under 4 months.
Now after my 3 year approval last week, I see that waivers & renewals are being approved for 1,2,3 or 5 years. Not as many 2 or 3 year ones until this thread was started...
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI was first refused entry to the U.S. in 2005.
I applied for a waiver in 2008 and 2010 and received a 1 year then a 2 year waiver about 5 months later.
I considered applying a third time with expectations to receive a 5 year, but even the 5 year waiver is $585 and fingerprinting services and the drive and wait time is costly. I was arrested and got a suspended sentence in 1991. YES, that's right a suspended sentence 22 years ago. From 1991 to 2005 I travelled to the U.S. about twice a year; from 1995 onwards about 4 times a year. The process and costs frustrated me as I am definitely not a threat to U.S. homeland security.
I consulted with an immigration lawyer from Toronto and he said that you can get what is called a: "September Letter" to clear your name from their database. The catch is:
1. It has to be a summary conviction. NOT an indictable conviction.
2. The September letter is $3000 and lasts a lifetime.
3. Since I applied for two waivers, it "may" take longer and "could" be an issue.
Has anyone heard of this? I am reluctant to proceed due to the wait time, costs and the probability of it not going through. I could really use some insight.
15 months still waiting here as well who else is taking a long time to get theirs?
ReplyDelete13 months and still waiting too - yup..wondering too if I'll ever get it.
ReplyDeleteHey Happy did you email ARO at all? What did they reply?
ReplyDeleteHave you gotten ANY letters during this time from them?
Thanks.
I went to submit my waiver on May 8, 2013. They had no record that I was denied entry in 2001. The officer said he had to do extra paperwork, so it took a little while. Anyway it's now August, and I have heard nothing. Do I just wait until it shows up? or is there suppose to be a confirmation of some sort? How do you know the case #? I was only provided a receipt for the $585 paid at border office.
ReplyDeleteIf you went to submit your paperwork at a land port of entry, you should have submitted an application, paid the fee and had your fingerprints taken all in the same visit. You also should have been provided with your "A" number (e.g. A123-456-789) a nine-digit number that identifies you to the DHS, and would have been filled out at the top of the forms by the processing officer. You should expect to wait at least another month, based on your submission date.
ReplyDeleteI went to a POE and gave them everything mentioned above and they said that my information wasn't attached to my A number. I have a feeling that means I am screwed and out $585 USD
ReplyDeleteTo answer some of the questions above, you can email ARO after 90 days to get a status update or if you think they never got your app. I have (twice) and they usually reply within' 3-5 business days.
ReplyDeleteWaiting 15 months now for it to come is still sucking however.
Hi Jason, yes - received a letter requesting a copy of my passport (already sent in initial application)for proof of citizenship - so sent that. that was about 3 months ago. Then about a month ago got another letter requesting some more court info (also stuff they already had). So sent that in and haven't heard anything since. I haven't emailed them, I heard they just submit a "standarized" response. I should try that - I'm at the point now that I'll try anything, lol! I still have hope...not much...but some. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for replying.
I've emailed them twice and it doesn't seem to be an auto reply. They answered my questions specifically, except the most important one "when will it get here" lol
Definitely email them...it will at least give you assurance they haven't lost your app and know it exists. Better then nothing I suppose.
Did you apply yourself at a POE?
Did they give you a timeframe as to when you had to mail them back? Like 90 days, etc?
Hi Jason, Yes, I think it was 60 days they gave me to respond. I am going to e-mail them today. When I applied - I went through Alberta Pardons in Edmonton here and they put everything together and then I just dropped it off at our airport. I thought my app was pretty straight forward - can't believe how long it takes!! Hopefully one day!, lol
ReplyDeleteHi, is it best to use a law firm to perform the US waiver? or do you do this on your own?
ReplyDeletethank you,
Well, I emailed them on September 1st - they still haven't replied. Now I'm waiting for a reply to the email and my waiver! lol
ReplyDeleteHow soon can you reapply? Can you reapply before your original waiver has expired?
ReplyDeleteDoes your criminal offence determine how long it takes to get a waiver? I have one charge for theft under $1,000 over 26 years ago and nothing since.
ReplyDeleteI applied for my first us waiver on July 15th of this year and just received it in the mail today. It is good for one year, I cant believe I got it in less then 3 months!
ReplyDeleteGood Work Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you submit your waiver application to?
Try to remember that while this one only took 3 months when you apply next year it may take longer the next time however you should hopefully receive in for a longer period of time.
If you had court documents for your last one I hope you kept a copy and remember you have to go thru the same process next year.
Make sure you keep your eye out for updated forms.
I submitted at the Queenston/ Lewiston POE. Yes I understand that everytime I renew it could take a while to receive. My court records only took 2 weeks to get, but yes I did get 2 copies. Good luck to everyone applying. I am proof that you can do it yourself without a lawyer or agency and get approved.
ReplyDeleteI have one original copy of my court records and use photo copies of them when I renew. I have taken them with me on renewals but they have never asked to see them again after my first application.
ReplyDeleteJennifer. You are correct not only do those companies make you feel like they have to complete your applications for you they imply (more like insist) that they will have to keep doing your renewals.
The creator of this blog is truly my hero for the amount of honest free advise that they give out.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI am wanting to apply for a first waiver. But just a bit lost. Do I have to go to a POE to apply?? And what about payment? I don't have a US bank account...hence I don't live in the US...lol
Hi, do i still need a court document if i never been arrested or wasn't deported and voluntarily left?
ReplyDeleteHello .. are the comments moderated ?
ReplyDeleteI entered a followup here and a couple of weeks back. I don't see it yet.
Thanks in advance
Same
The US Waivers Experts provides solutions for Canadian citizens with criminal records who want to obtain a record suspension/pardon, or anyone looking to simplify the process of obtaining a US waiver or other type of travel visa.
ReplyDeleteUS Waiver For Canadians
Lynn, yes you have to apply at a Port of entry (POE). For payment you can pay in US dollars that you can get at any canadian bank or by credit card.
ReplyDeletejust recd second waiver 3 months and for 5 yrs maybe lucky. good luck to all
ReplyDeleteI submitted my application to the Port Huron CBP office. They were very nice and helpful. When we were done all the finger printing and such, I saw the officer actually put it in a UPS envelope and seal it. I did all the paper work myself for several convictions in the early 80's. Just received my approval for 1 year in the mail yesterday. (Nov. 19/13)
ReplyDeleteIt only took 3 months.....
ReplyDeleteI was DENIED my Waiver. Just found out today.
ReplyDeleteHas ANYONE on here gone through the appeal process??
Can anyone give me any advice or recommendations??
Thanks.
TO HURTING BAD U BETTER SEE A LAWYER FOR HELP. THERE MUST BE A GOOD REASON. THE LAWYER WILL BE ABLE TO HELP
ReplyDeleteHurtingBad,
ReplyDeleteWhat is the reason for the denial?
16 months since my in person application at the Blaine WA port of entry.
ReplyDeleteStill getting the same response from the chimps with the propeller hats:
Your application is on file with the Admissibility Review Office. It is currently pending further security checks.
Do not reply to this message; submit all your inquiries to ARO.INQUIRY.WAIVER@cbp.dhs.gov
Thank you,
Admissibility Review Office
I just received my 2nd waiver which was issued the day my first waiver expired. I submitted my second waiver on January 2nd 2014. I am happy to report I got a 5 year waiver. I also did all the paperwork myself and would tell everyone to do the same. It is very easy to complete yourself.
ReplyDeletehi everyone i applied for my waiver on oct 14 2013 at the port of entry in detroit /windsor. i was told by the officer approx 3 months. i had it prepared by a lawyer as well. we also requested petty offense exemption as i have only the one crime with a 50 dollar fine and no probation and no reporting. it was a summary conviction. i was going to follow thru with a law firm in toronto but the fee of 3000 plus dollars with no garanteed didnt seem appropriate or affordable. now my problem starts...apparently they sent me a letter requesting more information....i have not received said letter and nor had my lawyer...it asked for me to respond witihin 87 days...they then waited another 3-4 weeks and i received this lettter stating that i was denied due to abandonment of of the application. i have received this letter on may 27...i went to the lawyers office whom had not received this at all either. we filed a motion to re open the case at a additional cost of 630 dollars with no garantee that it will work...affadavids given from lawyer and re filed. sent information thru fed ex so that i will have confirmation that it was received. now i guess my question is 1- has anybody have this happen to them before and what was the outcome 2- were you refunded the money since it was not of your fault. 3 what was the processing time. any help would be greatly appreciated. i do know that i become extremely frustrated with the enitre process so i can imagine what others are feeling. the one thing i will do this time around is check thru email what the status is as i didint do it before but had a feeling that something was wrong. cheers to you all
ReplyDeletehi all here is an update to the above. i sent to appication for the motion to re open with the requested amount of payment and 3 weeks later they sent a letter requesting that i report to the nearest border office to give a sworn statement due to mine fingerprints coming in as inconclusive. i went on june 24 to submit my sworn statement, it took approx 3 hours to do, the staff were very polite and courteous with me which was nice. i was told they mail it out on fridays here, so now i will sit patiently to sit what the next step will become. cheers
DeleteI applied for my second waiver ion December 31 2014 and received it in April and it is for 5 years!!! Around the same time I applied for a CDN record suspension and received it in the mail today!. I am so happy to now say "No I do not have a criminal record" just sucks that I will still need waivers to enter the USA for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteThere is hope for everyone
Update for Feb 2020: Just had my 3RD, yes 3rd waiver in 10 years denied.
ReplyDeleteIn 2009, I lied to CPB officers about being arrested back in 2001, and pleading guilty to what they consider to be a "crime of moral turpitude".
The result of the conviction was a "conditional discharge" which was 50 hours of community service and a $100 fine, and I did NOT have a criminal record at the time I crossed in 2009 (after 5 years of a conditional discharge your records are deleted), BUT the arrest record with my local city's police service was still active (which is how they found out I was lying about it).
I have been banned for LIFE from crossing as a result of lying. I have NO idea how to get this waiver after three failed attempts now.