Ottawa U.S. Entry Waiver Services

U.S. Entry Waiver Services in Ottawa

It is possible for Ottawa residents with a criminal record to have traveled to the U.S. on several occasions without ever experiencing any trouble. They may not be aware that it is in fact illegal to travel to the U.S. with a criminal record unless they have a U.S. Entry Waiver. The only reason that they have been able to cross the border without any difficulty is that a criminal record check was never performed by the customs officer.

What Happens If You’re Caught?

In most instances, the first time that someone has their criminal record uncovered as they are attempting to enter the U.S., they will be detained for a short time. Additionally, they may be questioned, photographed and fingerprinted before their entry into the U.S. is denied and they are turned back home.

If they are caught again trying to cross the border without a U.S. Entry Waiver, the result can be more serious; including being detained for a longer period of time, having their property seized, and getting their airline ticket voided without the possibility for a refund.

How Long Does It Take?

The preparation of the application and gathering all of the supporting documentation can take several months. Then, the request can be sent to the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the United States for review. The review process can take up to 12 months, so it is best to begin the application process far in advance of any possible future travel plans.

The application itself is, for all intents and purposes, the admission to the U.S. federal government that you have a criminal record. If your criminal record remains unknown to the INS and it is possible for you to obtain a Record Suspension prior to traveling, that would be the best possible solution, since the suspension would eliminate the possibility of your record appearing in a criminal search.

If the INS is aware of your criminal record, then including your record suspension in your application package will be helpful in getting your U.S. Entry Waiver approved.

If you’d like to learn more about applying for a U.S. Entry Waiver in Ottawa, you can call toll-free 1-877-929-6011 to speak with one of our expert counsellors. We are available Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM to answer any questions you may have and to provide guidance and assistance.