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...

I've never tried, but apparently there is an email address to check your waiver application status. CHECKING THE STATUS OF YOUR WAIVER REQUEST: Please allow at least 120 days from the date of submission of your I-192 before making an inquiry about the status of your application. As stated earlier, a full review of your circumstances can take up to a year, and requests for status updates may add to that timeline. However, if for some reason you are concerned about the status of your request, and you filed at a CBP Preclearance location or at a land border port of entry after August 26, 2007 you may ask for an update by emailing inquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov . In the email, be sure to provide your full name, DOB and your A number. If you filed at a land border port of entry prior to August 26, 2007, please contact them directly. Phone numbers are on our Web site. Attorney inquiries: attorneyinquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov If you have submitted an application and you have had a chang...

A not very scientific poll about processing times. Thanks for your input. <a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6506614/">How long did it take to receive your I-194 waiver?</a>

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 haven't posted in sometime so I thought it prudent to give you an update on my situation. In the last post I mentioned about an expectation of delays at Person. It appears this secondary screening now happens at most Airport border crossings. Whether you are subjected to it or not seems to be up to the official. It can be rather embarrassing if you are traveling with friends or colleagues because they'll move you to that secondary room and if busy - will keep you there until just prior to your flight. ALWAYS make sure you are there well before your departure. I now give myself at least 2 hours prior to my flight. If I have a connection, I always make sure there is plenty of times. I've seen on a few occasions people in the secondary screening rooms actually miss their flights. I've made approximately 12 crossings since my last post. I travel down to the US often for work. So much so that a lot of the officers actually know me by face now. This can help particularly if...