There have been a few changes to the steps needed to apply for the I-194 (advance permission to enter the United States) after being denied entry at the US border. The changes below are in bold.
This information is out of date. See updated process: Update to I-192 waiver application process
- Find your local fingerprint office (call to see if you need an appointment). Bring your passport, photo identification that shows your address (driver's licence for example) and approxiametly $25 CDN (most places seem to accept debit / credit cards). Cost is between $25 and approxiametly $60 depending on whether the facility forwards your information electrically to the RCMP (if this is the case, skip step 2).
- Mail the C-216C form to the RCMP. Include a check for processing (approxiametly $25 CDN but call to confirm).
- Wait up to 1-3 months for a reply... When you receive your completed C-216C from the RCMP ensure it includes the fingerprint chart with a date stamp and the documentation related to your conviction and disposition.
- Complete a personal statement regarding your intended activities in the US.
- If you are inadmissible because of a criminal conviction you must also complete a statement explaining the circumstances of each arrest, conviction and the sentence or fine imposed. Additionally you should submit any evidence or explanation of your reform or rehabilitation such as counseling, current employment, marital status, community service, etc. Don't forget to sign and date your statements!
- Complete the I-192 application form (you can get it here).
- Fill out form G-325A (get it here). Make 4 copies of this document.
- Get 2 passport photos taken. Some processing centres are now longer taking these photos onsite.
- Call the US Border Protection office to see if you need an appointment (here are some phone numbers for various locations). Note: Ottawa and Toronto are now processing on Saturdays only.
- Show up at the border protection office for your interview (bring $585 CDN. Some centres now accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express). Don't forget to bring all of your documents!
This information is out of date. See updated process: Update to I-192 waiver application process
Foreign nationals who are temporarily in the U.S. may file and submit Form i765, Application for Employment Authorization to obtain an EAD. Each employment authorization document is issued for a specified period of time based on the foreign national immigration situation.
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ReplyDeleteHi, I am canadian and I need a waiver. I already did the first and now it is time to do the second one. Do you know I need this time in order to do a waiver for the second time? is it any difference between the first and the second waiver application?
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a great resource. My husband, who is now 35, has a conviction from over 15 years ago for PSP and even with a conditional discharge, has to get a waiver. We have travelled to the US on a regular basis until now since we are near the border (and I love Florida) without any problems because technically his record was sealed and no one knew until the border guards asked him if he had ever been arrested, and he had answered honestly like he should. Secondary inspection could not find anything in their system, but he was asked for the court documents which we produced a few days later at the land border crossing in Blaine, Wa. Everyone was really nice, except for the Canadian side when we had to return after getting the waiver package!
ReplyDeleteLike you my husband has a good job, and travels for business and pleasure. He is a bit reluctant to go through the application process, though, because he is worried about the repercussions (ie. having something attached to his passport when visiting other countries) but based on your blog it is worth it, especially if he would have to somehow tell his employer he cannot travel to the US. I have two questions: is there much likelihood he would get more than 1 year the first time, and have you gotten much hassle about the extra piece of paper attached to your passport (and can it be removed/replaced when the passport is renewed). Thanks!
Is there any chance that the processing time takes more than 3-5 months? I've been told that it takes 3-6 months but usually arrives within 5 months. Just making sure. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteUsed the commisionairesdigital fingerprinting service! The form came in less than 7 days! Worth te extra money for great service.
ReplyDeleteif anyone has already done the reference letters. would you be kind enough to share your copy and any relevant information in terms of this US waiver process..i am about to get started on it but i am not sure if i should do this myself or go through professional service...ANY HELP would be much appreciated...please contact me at USwaiver1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance
Hello there,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your blog and the time you have dedicated to provide informative information to people in similar circumstances.
I went throught the I-192 process in 2001 and was refused. I had to appeal to a US Immigration judge which took another year and I was granted a waiver which I ultimately never used.
I stumbled upon your blog while looking for the process to file again. It's a bit disheartening to see that my previously granted waiver cannot be utilized in my new application.
I live in Ottawa, working for the Federal Government with a Secret clearance. I hope that the process works as I wish to visit some friends in Florida during the winter. Based on reading your whole blog it looks like I'll have to plan for next winter (2014) instead.
Would apreciate any insight you can provide - and welcome an email directly if you so choose.
Marc
m.cardinal@rogers.com
I am applying for my second waiver. It is crazy that I must obtain all the documents over again. What a headache. My first application took 18 months in total. It took at least 6 months from the time I submitted the waiver package until it came in the mail.
ReplyDeleteQuestion:
For the second application do I need to get the court documents again even though I still have a copy? Do they need to be original documents? And, what about all the other documents such as reference letters, etc? Do they need to be new or can I use the same from my original submission?
You need to get a new copy of the court records or they'll send it back. Not sure about the reference letters. I never needed them!
ReplyDeleteI am gathering documents for my second waiver into the US. My first was a success and granted me a one year pass. Now, instead of using a company to do the work I am trying to do it myself. The I-192 application asks for 'Copy' of any court documents. Can't I use a copy of the same documents I used for my previous submission? It is very difficult to obtain these documents from a Province I don't live in, and from incidents which happened over 15 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI am planning on submitting my application using the same court documents I use last time as nothing has changed. Any comments?
I went and applied for my second waiver at Pearson. If you have the original court documents from your first waiver application bring them and they will just verify that you have the originals. Also if you already a waiver make sure to provide them a copy of this document. Also if appling at Pearson please note the waiting list appears to be placed up very early on saturday morning as people were signing the list at 200am and they start giving out appointment times at 800am and only process 40 application each saturday.
ReplyDeleteThanks..
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do not have the original court documents. They were sent along with my first application. So, they are in the hands of Homeland Security. I was told that I need to obtain the originals again before applying for my second waiver. Absolutely ridiculous! It makes no sense at all unless I had additonal incidents since the last application - which I haven't.
So, now I am waiting for court documents, from three courthouses, in another province from which I live, from 20 years ago! And, then I can actaully apply...
I was told by the Preclearance people in Edmonton that I do not need the originals of the court document for a reapplication. They told me that photocopies would be good enough.
ReplyDeleteI think I will give it a shot with the photocopied documents. It is next to impossible for me to obtain originals from a remote location. I have been trying for months!
ReplyDeleteI will post any developments back to this thread.
Sounds like the consensus is that a copy of original court documents will be acceptable for the application, please confirm.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have seen people mention about reference letters to submit with their application. Is this required, I don't see it mentioned anywhere for the I-192 application.
The application calls for two (non-family) reference letters.
ReplyDeleteI have just submitted my renewal application and I was told I did not need the passport photos I had with me. They did say that for waivers a number of years ago where a permanent card was issued then there was a need for photos. As for the reference letters, they aren't required but usually recommended by the companies that handle waiver applications. Now I wait to see if this one takes as long as the first one
ReplyDeleteMy first waiver was submitted in December 2010. I received a 1-year waiver (in 6 month installments) in January 2012.
ReplyDeleteI submitted my renewal application in December 2012.
tick, tick, tick....
I should start preparing for my next renewal!
hey Everyone... I've submitted my first application a year ago in feb 2012, they sent me a few question to complete in august and had sent them back the full info.
ReplyDeletewe are February 2013 now, and i still didn't get any response back.
is that normal? how can i follow up with them?
I waited so long the first time that I finally gave up and thought I'd never hear from them again. When it did come almost 2 years later, I broke down and cried and it was a very emotional time. This is after repeatedly begging, praying and going through all the shame of something that was over with 20 years before. Reliving your past is difficult enough and you want to let old dogs lye, but this waiver process is a continual emotional rollercoaster ride.
DeleteHi, I submitted my second waiver last July 2012....Nothing yet...Any body knows if something is happening? I have heard a lot of complaints since last year about delates....
ReplyDeleteYou can submit all your inquiries to ARO.INQUIRY.WAIVER@cbp.dhs.gov
ReplyDeleteThis is a good website for getting your waiver completed right away:
ReplyDeleteUS Waiver Form Canada
sergio how long it took for your first waiver ? did u email to ARO and what is your current status i am waiting for my second one too.
ReplyDeleteThe first one was 4 months long... already got the 2nd one 5 months...
ReplyDeleteAnyone else on here getting their waiver within 6 months???
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeletethey are currently taking a long time due to they need to do a security clearance. this is done by fbi who is also doing the clearances for guns-alot of come in since the sandy hook incident-holding up waivers. BUT dont bother emailing aro inquiries, they are not taking any requests at this time, the email gets bounced back to you. nice. you pay all this money and they ignore you. my husband got a letter for additional information re firearms ban, he doesnt have a firearms ban. so we had to get the court documents again to prove he doesnt have a firearms ban, and this was his second one. but if you say its your second one, or renewal, they spaz out that each time you apply is like the first time, there is no such thing as a renewal. they also asked for documents already supplied in his application. did they lose them? are they stalling? whats the deal?
I believe they are thrown out each time so they don't have to store so much and keep paperwork down. They also have little heart towards being merciful to us old labelled lawbreakers, even though we have long since changed. Had I known that they didn't keep my old files, the first time, I would have had all my rehabilitation records copied and kept for next time. This was the new law that asked for much more proof of changes, counselling, ect. Trying to get old rehabilitation records that are stored far away in safes with millions of others, is extremely time consuming I found out and sometimes impossible.
DeleteAbout 6 months after I applied for my first waiver I was asked to provide additional information. Then I waited another 10 months for my waiver. That has since expired. I applied for my renewal (second waiver) last December and haven't heard anything. I emailed ARO for an update and also received the reply stating that they are not accepting update requests at this time... tick, tick, tick....
ReplyDeletemy previous post is above.
ReplyDeleteUPDATE.
I received my waiver yesterday. It is my second waiver. It took almost 6 months. My first waiver was for 1 year.. this one is for 5years! I am so happy and very surprised. For all of you who are frustrated, there is hope! I submitted my second application with photocopies of my court documents. And, for the record, I have a lengthy criminal history which involved violence, drugs and weapons.
Thanks So Much for telling us this, as it gives us HOPE!! Photocopies... really good to know!
DeleteCan I ask how long did you wait before applying for your first waiver with your violence, drugs and weapons charges? I did provincial time ending in May 2008 for Robbery charges. (x4 to be exact that is what i pled to) I have never had any other charges in my life except those. Do you think it is too soon to apply for a waiver? I need to get into the usa for personal reasons (family). Please let me know if you can. Would you be willing to send me your email address so we can correspond directly? Thanks so much. Any info is greatly appreciated.
DeleteDoes anyone know once you have the waiver, and you fly to the states from an airport with no preclearance or us customs how that works. Normally I have to get a wallet sized card valid for 6 months at the border office prior to entering the us
ReplyDeleteWhen you get to Customs agent at the airport they will direct you to the secondary screening area. The customs person will take your waiver and passport. The spend 20-30 minutes create your entry waiver (which gets stapled into your passport). Subsequent visits you usually just show your passport and waiver documents to the agent, and they let you in without secondary screening.
ReplyDeleteVery embarrassing after the card is stapled in and family, friends or others see you have an extra paper for old offences. At the border they would ask me what the card was for even though the computer was there to tell them. I had to say that I could not say because my son and granddaughter were in the vehicle. They are going to have a hard time hearing that there is a manslaughter charge and more from 20 plus years ago. That is out of line and humiliating as God knows your life is now completely different in every way. I don't know why I put myself through that but going into the U.S.A. is important at times.
Deletelooking for any clues on writting offence circumstances.
ReplyDeleteAlso, can anyone tell about what the interview is all about, questions asked and so on...thx
I don't believe there is an interview process.
ReplyDeleteI wrote out each of my offences like the following;
- overview of what happened
- why I did it at the time
- the harm done to people involved
- sympathy for all those involved
- how I now feel about happened
- how sorry I am for what happened
Anybody has a comment about what goes on when
ReplyDeleteFilling i-192 @ port of entry, I do believe the border agent verifies completness of the file and take fingerprints, do they read content and inquire about some or any details or whatever? what was your experiences, Is this the same when filling for renewal?
My experience went very well considering I was scared out of my mind wondering what would happen. I was pleasantly surprised as they calmly did most of the paperwork from all of what I brought, in silence. I wasn't made to feel like a criminal really and there were smiles at times. I was asked for passport and I.D. and it was more waiting then anything. They were stamping a lot and I was able to sit down most of the time in silence. Very laid back. They don't ask you any embarrassing questions or content at all. I was completely set at ease in a sensitive way.
DeleteMsg for anonymous posted UPDATE on may 24th 4:05pm, did you use a company service/lawyer to help? Can u share the resources. (i.e cie's web site)
ReplyDeleteI regretfully used an agency for my initially Waiver and Pardon application. Pardon Services Canada. It was a complete nightmare. I can't begin to describe their lack of ability, and brutal client respect. After three years I still have not received any information about my Pardon application. I did receive my Waiver finally but it was mostly due to the work I personally did to acquire additional information and relentless follow-up. I did all of the requirements for my second Waiver myself. The most challenging part for me was dealing with courts in Ontario (I live in BC) and trying to obtain documents from them.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has questions feel free to leave your email address and I will get in touch with you.
I am a Canadian who got a minor drug charge in the states last year I completed probation and summited my application in sept of 2013 and just received it now in oct 2014 and was denied so I appealed it. my reason of denial was because I filed to soon and didn't show proof of rehabilitation . I appealed it and am sending it off on Tuesday do you have any suggestions on what I should do or say in they deny my appeal and I have to reapply
Delete"Anybody has a comment about what goes on when
ReplyDeleteFilling i-192 @ port of entry?"
The review your application form but not the content. They will likely ask you are have included all of the required information. Then you will be fingerprinted, and robbed. Errr.. required to pay the application fee.
That's about it.
Look at November 23, 2014 6:33 pm and as I said there, it went well, very laid back, ect.
DeleteAnonymous Anonymous said...
ReplyDelete"Anybody has a comment about what goes on when
Filling i-192 @ port of entry?"
I filed in Buffalo in May of this year. CBP reviewed the package, asked questions about the content, commented on the case, took fingerprints, took $585 and then turned me back to Canada
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI am in need of a US entry waiver as soon as possible. (work travel) could someone recommend a firm?
thank you
For the most part "Pardon Services Canada" is very professional and timely, yet it costs much more to get it done quicker, and there is no guarantees on that. I've done my pardon and on 2nd waiver with them. https://pardonservicescanada.com/
DeletePardon Service Canada is a fucking scam! I hold a bigger grudge against that company then any other company in the world. They take peoples money, lie to them, take advantage of desperate people and don't ever call back. Never use this company.
DeleteI've had several waivers and I'm currently beginning application for another one. I've completed the 216c form amd received back from the RCMP a letter stating that 'no criminal record is associated with these prints'. That's because I have a pardon, which I realize isn't recognized by US Immigration. In prior years I've had to fill out an Info Source form asking for a release of my records which the RCMP has done.
ReplyDeleteHere's my problem......I've sent 2 request forms (info Source) over the last 5 months and still haven't received a copy of my criminal record, offences, charges, dispositions etc. Can I submit the one that was sent to me in 1998 along with the recent response to my form 216c? Thank you
Can I get a response please? TY
ReplyDeleteSMICL.
ReplyDeleteYou will need a recent criminal record check from the RCMP each time you apply for your waiver. It must be a record from within the past 15 months.
to SMICL
ReplyDeleteYou indicated that you currently have a pardon. You will need the court documents of any of your past criminal records and you will have to write a letter explaining
the details I copied and pasted from another person above the following:
I wrote out each of my offences like the following;
- overview of what happened
- why I did it at the time
- the harm done to people involved
- sympathy for all those involved
- how I now feel about happened
- how sorry I am for what happened
My understanding is it looks better to have a pardon since it means you have been forgiving at least by Canada.
Always keep a copy of these court documents
My timeline- applied for i172 in May of 2012. In Aug was asked for more information. I've been waiting since Sept of 2012 (14 months) Following my submission. Nothing. A theft under $500 conviction in Washington State as my one and only run in with law.
ReplyDeleteHaving a pardon (record suspension) in place does help you get a 5 year waiver faster and it also speeds up the processing of your CPIC record by the Ottawa RCMP. However, there is a lot of false information out there when it comes to getting a pardon. I expect a lot of people on this site could have saved themselves thousands of dollars in getting a pardon instead of getting a waiver and then being stuck re-applying for the rest of their life. A good resource I found regarding these matters is: http://www.albertapardons.com/fraud.html . If you have never been questioned and denied entry in the past a pardon done right can save you a lot of money and a lot of grief.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the process of filing for my 3rd waiver(first 2 were 5 yrs. each). The first two times i had it professionally done, and never had to go anywhere - it was all handled by mail. I am filling it out this time. Do I have to go to an office, or can it be mailed in as in the past? I do have representation of a lawyer, and he was going to submit it for me. Can it be done this way or is it all different?
ReplyDeletewould you be able to share who your representation is from? I think I am going to hire someone as so just looking for any help or advise. Thanks so much.
DeleteI have a pardon, but my record was known to the US, so the need for a waiver. The court records of my conviction and case disposition, etc were no longer available, so I only supplied my sealed criminal record -the original - and a copy of my pardon letter contents. Since that time I have not provided the sealed criminal record again, just mentioned it in a sort of cover page I include with my application. I figured they have it on file already so why would they need another copy of the original? I still include a current criminal record check, and a copy of my pardon each time though (copies are cheap).
ReplyDeleteThat's 3 waivers since my first, BTW. They've never asked for it again. Went to the Queenston Lewiston bridge for the second waiver application and the Buffalo Fort Erie crossings for the third and fourth. Went to Pearson the first time which pretty much sucked. Buffalo has been the best. I've gotten in and out in hour or so. Makes it worth the drive down from Hamilton.
DeleteJust wondering if anyone is a landed immigrant/permanent resident filing for their waivers? My husband filed in September 2014, they gave him an emergency appt as our daughter graduate college in Feb 2015. He had to apply for a visa first, was denied (we knew he would be) and the agent then (at the US consulate) filled in all of the paperwork and submitted it right there....but, he never asked for the fee. I was sure it had to accompany the application?? It is now 2 weeks before graduation and we have heard nothing...has anyone else had it where you paid when it was completed? He told my husband he would receive an email with the approval and then pay the fee...seems backwards to every blog I have ever read...
ReplyDeleteCan someone recommended an immigration lawyer in Toronto which they used and were successful for the waiver application? I am going to hire one but looking for feedback, opinions and advise on who to hire. My charges were robbery. Thanks in advance. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeletehi guys. I am in process of applying for my first waiver. I have one question. If I go to the precleaerance center. Will they keep my Canadian passport and send it in with the application or just double check my nationality.. As I travel for work to other parts of the world, I really need my passport and I am worried if I don't have my passport for more than 6 months.
ReplyDeleteAlso for the i192 are reference letters still a must and passport pictures?
thank you
Does anyone know how long the appeal process take? Or is there anywhere we can check on the status of a US waiver appeal? Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteDon't use an immigration lawyer. There are some reputable companies that can help you that are experts and will charge a reasonable fee. Pardon and Waiver Experts in Brampton, Pardon Services Canada in Vancouver and PWE in Montreal are all reputable and have been around for many years. Call and ask questions. They should be reasonably priced and also take a deposit to start and not pressure you.
DeleteYou can inquire about an appeal or your waiver at inquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov
ReplyDeleteAppeals should not take more than 90 days.
No one is going to keep your passport. They will just take a copy.
Getting a waiver when you are not a Canadian citizen is very difficult. You have to complete the application and go to the embassy. They have the power to grant the visa and the waiver right there. Again, it is not easy as many leave empty handed. When you are a Canadian Citizen you can go right to the border. Niagara Falls is one of the best. Avoid Pearson Airport. Its too busy.
Planning to fly to Calgary from Saskatoon and go to the CBP pre-clearance public wicket window to submit my waiver documents. Can't seem to make an appointment and they are only open Tuesday / Saturday 12 - 4.
ReplyDeleteAny suggestion on wait time and which day is better?
I would call ahead of time, the below website will tell you ports / phone numbers - https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/admission-forms/form-i-192-form-i-212-and-form-i-824-designated-ports-entry
ReplyDeleteI'm inadmissible to the US because of a single marijuana possession charge 7 years ago.
ReplyDeleteI Just got my 1st waiver, 5 years approval! Took 5 months since I submitted the application. Did everything my self, paid the fee at montreal airport. I did not want to pay a extra 1000$ for a firm (they said the first waiver would almost certainly be 1 year only)!
I guess the folks at the CBP that issue waivers are very reasonable people and they assess each individual on a merit basis and depending on the conviction history.
Does anyone know when it became a requirement for 2 letters of recommendation and a record of employment to be included in the Waiver application?
ReplyDeleteThe new application forms for I-192 do not list those items as requirements, but as has been discussed over at the forum these are highly recommended.
ReplyDeleteUnder the list of instructions for filling out the I-192 application, it states:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-192instr.pdf
Namely:
"G. Recommended Supporting Documentation:
(1) Evidence and/or a written account demonstrating rehabilitation and character reformation related to your
being inadmissible. The focus of such evidence should include, but is not limited to, targeted counseling,
rehabilitation programs attended/completed, achievements in community service, or other relevant, credible
information showing rehabilitation and character reformation."