US Waiver for Canadians

ARO (Admissibility Review Office) seems to have quietly updated the minimum number of days one has to wait before checking the status of an I-192 waiver application. Previously 120 days, multiple individuals have confirmed that ARO is now asking applicants to wait a 150 days before making an inquiry. User  @Narek on the I-194 waiver forum recently posted this response: This email address is for questions regarding the status of applications on file with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Admissibility Review Office (ARO). The ARO is responsible for the following applications: Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant, Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal, and Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition. Please note the ARO will respond to inquiries on the latter form only in those instances where the action is related to obtaining...

The Admissibility Review Office (ARO) located in the Washington, DC area and a department within Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been the sole agency adjudicating I-192 waiver applications since 2005. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created the ARO in an effort to achieve consistency in the adjudication of all nonimmigrant waivers ( CBP Memorandum from March 22, 2005 ). Processing times Application processing for the I-192 waiver can vary from case to case. AROs goal is to process each application within 120-180 days of the filing date, but there are many cases in which the processing period is much longer. The delay is not always with the ARO, but sometimes with other federal agencies responding to the necessary background and security checks (often referred to as secondary security checks). First time waiver applications usually involve the longest processing time with subsequent waiver applications being completed much quicker – often within 90-120 days. Recentl...

What if I told you there exists a one time letter you could get from DHS that would permanently clear you for US entry? With this letter, you would never again need an I-194 waiver of inadmissibility (US entry waiver) . I'm sure your response would be along the lines of: "where do I sign up?" September Letter – the permanent waiver A September Letter is a document from DHS that states that you do not need an I-194 waiver. The letter is a one time thing. Once you have this letter, you present it to the border officer and your USA entry should be permanently cleared for this particular issue. The packet is prepared with specific documentation to show why you likely do not need a US entry waiver. It's likely processed through ARO (Admissibility Review Office) and if they agree, you'll get issued the letter for permanent US travel. There is hope? The US code states that you can qualify for an exception for a moral turpitude conviction if (1) you only have o...

The following notes are an excerpt from a document posted on state.gov with which the Admissibility Review Office (ARO) appears to use in determining ineligibility of visa applicants (source included at the bottom of this post) – and of particular interest – waiver review. Determining Ineligibility When adjudicating a visa application for an applicant that ARO have reason to believe has committed a crime involving moral turpitude, the officer must determine whether: The offense was purely political The offense committed involves moral turpitude (CIMT) The applicant has been convicted; and The applicant has admitted or may admit that he or she has committed acts which constitute the essential elements of a crime Exceptions to Ineligibility Certain statutory exceptions may prevent a determination of ineligibility by reason of a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude. These exceptions relate to: Crimes committed prior to age 18; or Certain purely ...

Note: The zip code for the ARO  (Admissibility Review Office/U.S. Customs and Border Protection)  recently changed and the current I-192 application form still shows the incorrect older zip code. The correct address is: 12825 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, VA  20598-1340 .

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

When weighing their decision on a waiver application the Admissibility Review Office (ARO) must take into consideration these 3 factors: The risk of harm to society if the applicant is admitted; The seriousness of the applicant's immigration or criminal law violations; and The nature of the applicant's reasons for wishing to enter the U.S. In addition to these factors, the ARO can also consider the following: The nature of the offense; The circumstances which led to the offense; How recently the offense occured; Whether it was an isolated incident, or part of a pattern of misconduct; Evidence of reformation or rehabilitation. This builds on my previous posting about intent: Be clear about your intent . Something to consider while completing your waiver application.