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If you have a criminal record, no matter how minor or how long ago you were charged, you may be refused entry to the U.S. Trying to enter the U.S. without declaring that you’ve been arrested, could result in permanent ineligibility or worse – detention.
A U.S. entry waiver (I-192 form) (Advanced Permission for Admissibility) is a document that allows people who have been convicted of a criminal offence to legally enter the U.S. You may have often passed through the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) after answering a few standard questions about your citizenship and the purpose of your trip. You have been lucky. It is becoming more common for U.S. immigration officers to ask for identification for the purpose of conducting an RCMP computer criminal record search.
If you must travel to the U.S. before your Canadian criminal record is pardoned or your file is destroyed, you will need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver to legally enter. Essentially, you will be admitting and giving details about your criminal record to the U.S. federal government.
You will be required to submit fingerprints for certification by both the RCMP and the FBI. In addition to the basic waiver application requirements, there are many other supporting documents that could be added to your application. Approval of your application is subjective. This means that the better your application package is, the more likely you will be to have your I-194 waiver granted.
Understanding the criteria for U.S. entry waiver eligibility is crucial for those seeking lawful entry into the United States. Some of the key factors that influence eligibility are as follows:
Pardons Canada provides expert advice on the U.S. entry waiver requirements, including mandatory and supplementary documents that can strengthen your application. These documents include, but are not limited to:
Certified copies of fingerprints by both the RCMP and the FBI.
Official records detailing your conviction, sentence, and the completion of your sentence including time served and payment of fines.
Documents confirming legal status in Canada, such as a birth certificate or Permanent Resident card.
Letters from employers, community leaders, or others vouching for your character and rehabilitation.
Proof of current employment or efforts to secure employment to demonstrate stability.
Any documents showcasing educational achievements or ongoing efforts towards personal growth.
A letter explaining the circumstances surrounding your offences and how you have reformed character.
Pardons Canada will assist in submitting the application to the Department of Homeland Security through the E-Safe portal.
Pardons Canada can help in the process of moving past your criminal record. Our experienced team simplifies the I-192 US entry waiver application process, offering continuous support to enhance the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Personalized Case Evaluation: Assessing individual cases to tailor strategies for waiver applications.
Eligibility and Documentation Guidance: Helping understand U.S. entry waiver eligibility requirements and prepare the necessary documents, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration standards.
Legal Insight and Support: Offering insights into the legalities of the waiver process, especially for complex cases or previous entry refusals.
Waiver Application Management: Overseeing the submission and follow-up of the application while maintaining communication with immigration authorities and providing updates on the application status.
Learning about the waiver process can often raise questions. We have compiled a comprehensive FAQ page to help understand this process more clearly.
The cost of obtaining for a U.S. entry waiver varies based on several factors, including application fees charged by the U.S. government and the complexity of your case. Pardons Canada can provide a more accurate estimate tailored to the specifics of your case during a consultation.
Travel to the U.S. is not recommended while your waiver application is pending, as you may still be denied entry based on your existing criminal record until you have been officially granted a waiver.
U.S. Entry Waivers are not permanent. They are typically granted for a period ranging from one to five years, after which they will need to be renewed. Pardons Canada can also help with the renewal process for your waiver.
For guidance with U.S. entry waiver requirements or if you have any further questions, our team at Pardons Canada is here to help. We understand the nuances of these applications and are committed to providing you with the support you need.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your journey to regain your travel freedom.
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