Why does the U.S. require such personal info?
They want to ensure you are of good character and not at risk of re-offending.
I can’t remember all my charges to include in my personal letter. What should I write?
Click here and indicate that you need a copy of your criminal record sent to you.
What do I put in my personal letter?
Please refer to the Waiver Checklist provided by our office. If you have misplaced it, please click here and request another copy.
I am not employed. How do I prove my socio-economic ties to Canada?
Please refer to the Waiver Checklist that we provided you to determine the appropriate documentation for your individual situation. If you have misplaced it,please click here and request another copy.
I wasn’t able to submit one of the documents you requested. Is this a problem?
All the documents requested are essential to your application. Do your best to submit all your documents at once so that your file can move to the next step. Once we have received everything that is marked on your Waiver Checklist, we will begin processing your application.
I have been asked to redo my prints/employment letter/urinalysis. Why?
These documents are only valid for one year. If your file is delayed due to court or RCMP files coming in slowly, one or more of these items may need to be updated.
When do I start the process on my waiver renewal?
It depends on the length of your current Waiver. Our office will contact you at the appropriate time to get started again, review your file for policy and requirement changes and inform you of what you will need to submit.
I received my Waiver. How do I use it?
This is an important original document. Do not lose, tamper with or laminate your Waiver. You must show it to the Department of Homeland Security officer along with your passport every time you cross the U.S. Border, even if just taking a connecting flight through the United States.
I still haven’t received my Waiver from the U.S. What do I do?
If you have submitted your Waiver application more than 90 days ago, you may follow up with the Admissibility Review Office by email, using the instructions we provided along with your completed Waiver package.
I received a document from the US. What do I do?
Contact us by clicking here and let us know what documents you received. We want to make sure that we also received a copy. An analyst will review the document and contact you to guide you through the steps necessary to submit the additional information required.
Why does it take so long to process a Waiver?
As well as the documents we have requested from you, it also takes time to collect the documents related to your criminal record. We need to make written requests to the RCMP, courts and local police departments. These documents have to be carefully reviewed against the information you have submitted to ensure there are no […]
What are the stages of the Waiver application process and how long does it take?
In the first stage your documents are collected, reviewed and the application is assembled for submission. This takes on average 5 to 10 months. In the second stage, the application is submitted to the Admissibility Review Office (ARO). This is the U.S. governing body that grants waivers. This can take another 5 to 10 months […]
Why would I need a waiver after I got my Pardon?
Once you have been turned away at the border, your criminal record is permanently entered into the U.S. database and you are now considered inadmissible. U.S. laws do not recognize Canadian Pardons. A successful U.S. Entry Waiver application will allow you to become admissible again.
I have been denied at the border while in the process of obtaining my Pardon. What do I do?
You now need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver in addition to the Pardon. Do not try to cross the border again until you have obtained one, as you could be detained and/or banned from re-entering the U.S. for a period of two to twenty years.
Do I need a US Entry Waiver (I-192)?
If you are a Canadian Citizen and have been refused entry to the United States, you will need a US Entry Waiver to restore your admissibility.
