US Waiver for Canadians

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

Recap from the CBP Info Center: As a general rule, the first time U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) grants a Waiver of Inadmissibility, the waiver is good for one year, although - depending on the offense that makes you inadmissible into the U.S. and when it occurred - it may be issued on a more restrictive basis - for as little as a single entry. By regulation (8CFR 212.4 (3)(iii), a waiver may be valid for a maximum of five years. When you reapply for a waiver - again depending on the details of your offense - it may be granted for a longer period of time then the original. In making this decision, CBP considers the recentness, seriousness, type of offense, number of offenses, and credible evidence on your willingness and ability to sustain a rehabilitated status. When you apply for a waiver, you should indicate whether or not you need it for pleasure or for business, or for both. In either case, you must clearly explain the basis for the request. If your waiver does not sa

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)

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