US Waiver for Canadians

As mentioned by a contributor on the I-194 waiver forum , a recent article on CBC ( Have you ever smoked weed? ) has made claim that the cost of an I-192 waiver application is increasing from $585 to a whopping $930 US ($1,200 CDN) later this year. There seems to be some truth as found on a US Federal Register under a section labelled "TABLE 9—PROPOSED FEES BY IMMIGRATION BENEFIT" (see here: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-05-04/pdf/2016-10297.pdf ) If these changes move ahead Canadian's who have been previously denied entry to the US will see a 59% increase on their US waivers. There is some potential good news in that all waivers after the fee increase may be issued for a set 5 year (instead of the current 1, 3, 5 year) with limited exceptions for sexual assault convictions but that has yet to be confirmed. Waiver renewal application processing seemed to have gotten quicker over the summer with some applicants commenting on 3 month returns. So perhaps we can f...

Here is a quick reference list of the waiver application forms you'll need to apply for after being denied entry to the US  (also posted permanently on the bottom of this blog). There are also links for determining your inadmissibility and renewal steps. I-192 waiver application form G-325A , Biographic information form RCMP C-216C info site determine your  inadmissibility   (internal link) I-194 waiver renewal  steps (internal link) Last but not least, here are the steps needed to apply for a US waiver   (internal link) .

The first time you're refused entry at a US border crossing you are inevitably in transit for some crucial business meeting. Or perhaps it is for a personal event like a family vacation or other personal related matter. Either way, it's frustrating often sometimes embarrassing that you didn't get to your US destination. US I-194 waiver – it's like the 'get out of jail free' card from monopoly – the golden ticket! You call the US consulate in Toronto, Vancouver, or maybe the US embassy in Ottawa. They tell you that you'll need something called a 'US entry waiver'. An 'I-194 waiver' to be precise. In a panic you Google 'US waiver' and ultimately stumble on 1 of a growing number of US entry waiver service providers who charge a fee, so the US GOV'T can 'process your waiver faster'. You reach out to them and become hopeful when they council you about your eligibility for an I-194 waiver of inadmissibility. You are relie...

Through international agreements, the RCMP shares criminal records information with foreign authorities who may register this information in their databank. A pardon / record suspension allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records (sometimes known as a sealed record) . This means that any search of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) will not show that you had a criminal record, or that you were issued a pardon/record suspension. Many foreign countries, including the U.S., do not recognize a Canadian pardon / record suspension. If you have been convicted of an offence, you may still be refused entry into the U.S., even if you have since been granted the pardon in Canada. If you are renewing a waiver or completing a new I-192 application, you will need to request a copy of your pardoned criminal r...

Note: this is an update on the process of determining and obtaining an I-194 waiver of inadmissibility. 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? There are many reasons a person may be ineligible to enter the U.S. The legal descriptions are lengthy and complex, so to help you understand them, I am providing a general description of the most common ones. This list should not be taken as a complete list of reasons to be excluded from entry. In general, you might be denied entry if you have a communicable disease, if you have a criminal record for crimes of moral turpitude (age 18 or older) , for possession of or trafficking in a controlled substance, if you have any involvement with terrorism or terrorist organizations (no waivers can be approved for this category) , if you have trafficked in persons, been invol...

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)

About to reapply? If your most recent set of fingerprints from the RCMP is less than 15 months old, you won't need a new copy. Here's some additional information recently updated on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Find an Answer web site: Reapplying for a Waiver of Inadmissibility, using it for business or pleasure, validity period of a waiver

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

I've been overwhelmed with inquiries about my waiver application hand-hold service since it was relaunched a few weeks ago. If you've inquired, thank you for your patience. I will respond as quickly as possible.

Question: Do I need to re do the  C-216C  with fingerprint chart and resubmit it to the RCMP for a date stamp and endorsement? Answer: Yes, for each renewal, you will have to resubmit C-216C to the RCMP. You can now file electronically at many of the accredited fingerprinting agencies throughout Canada that utilize the Canadian Real Time Identification Services Division ( CCRTIS ). Processing time by the RCMP if electronically filed is  dramatically reduced .

Having lost access to the US because a criminal conviction or an overstay can be quite stressful to career and family life. I know first hand, because it happened to me. I was denied entry to the US back in 2005 after years of successful US business and family vacation travel. It was a shock to learn that a couple of age old criminal convictions (2 very bad decisions from my late teens) had come back to haunt me. After I was denied entry, I learned that my criminal record was downloaded from CPIC into the DHS and FBI database systems. The result was that I would now be inadmissible to the USA - FOREVER! Well almost... In order to return, I would need to file for a document called a 'waiver of inadmissibility'. This waiver (an I-194) would essentially negate my inadmissibility, once again allowing me to work, visit or even live in the US. In November of 2006 I received my first waiver which was valid for 5 years. Filing for a US waiver is an administrative and dau...

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.