US Waiver for Canadians

Not YouTube Everyone who reads this blog already knows that you don't need a lawyer to get an I-194 US waiver. The application and interview – although bureaucratic – is something you can do yourself. Well, it's the same with a Record Suspension (formally called a Pardon) and the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is doing their best to teach the public this important fact. The Parole Board of Canada on YouTube Last February the PBC created a YouTube channel that already has a surprisingly good list of helpful content. While not recognized by the US , it's still quite obvious that getting a Record Suspension is a good idea. If you've started your application and need some help, PBC has created this short 4 minute video " Tips for completing a Record Suspension Application ". The main point PBC is trying to share is that you don't need a pardon services company to make an application for a Record Suspension. To emphasize this point, PBC has even crea...

If you have a criminal record and travelled to the US, have not yet been denied entry, be prepared for the inevitable. Do yourself a favour and don't go back until you have successfully received a record suspension (formally called a pardon) . See my previous post on Record Suspension which includes a link to the Parole Board of Canada's guide. If you have only 1 conviction, there is good news, you may not be inadmissible. See my previous post on claiming the petty offense exception . In this case, depending on your circumstances, it might make sense for you to retain an attorney or lawyer. If you are unsure about whether you will be denied entry because of your particular conviction, be sure to check out this PDF defining "morale turpitude".

In early 2012, the Canadian Government made sweeping changes to the Parole Board of Canada via the ' The Safe Streets and Communities Act' (Bill C-10) . As of March 13, 2012, the term "pardon" was been replaced with "record suspension". Click here for changes to eligibility . My update. I started my Pardon (Record Suspension) process through a third-party service  Pardons Canada back in February, 2010. The actual application was filed by them to the Parole Board (PBC) in March, 2011. So it's been about 18 months since filing and I've still not received my response. Back in June, I wrote to Pardons Canada for an update and they responded: Your Pardon application has been with the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) since March 3, 2011. The file is no longer in our hands. We are now waiting for the PBC to give their final approval. Please be patient as there are delays due to changes of legislation to the Pardon rules. Please click here www.pardo...