A US Waiver is referred to as I-192 or simply a "waiver", which is a piece of legal documents issued to Canadian citizens with a criminal record who want to enter the USA. It is issued by the Customs and Border Protection division of the US Department of Homeland Security.
It grants you advance permission in the written form to enter the United States for a fixed duration. To get more understanding of US waivers and how they work, we have answered some most common FAQs related to it below:
Should I Get a Lawyer to do my US Waiver Application?
It totally depends on the individual whether she or he wants to hire a lawyer or not. It is certainly an ideal decision to do so, as you will be able to expedite your application process effectively and also ensure a higher rate of success.
If I Have Never Entered the US Before, Should I Get a Pardon First?
When it comes to your admissibility to the United States, having a Pardon has little to no effect. But it is considered a positive and reformative step in Canada.
How Much Does it Cost to Renew my Existing Waiver?
The cost to renew the waiver you have currently will be the same as the cost for getting a new one.
Can I Apply for a US Waiver if I am Not a Canadian Citizen?
Yes, even if you are not a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a US waiver. But you could also require an additional visa application.
How Often Can I Cross the Border Once I Get My Waiver?
After getting a valid document for a US entry waiver along with your passport, you can cross the US border wherever you need to. There is no restriction to this.
How Long Will it Take to Get a US Waiver?
The whole process of acquiring a US entry waiver takes anywhere between 6 to 12 months. However, by hiring the right lawyers you can significantly expedite the whole process.
How Long is the US Entry Waiver Valid For?
The valid period of your US Entry waiver is determined by Customs and Border Protection. It is a division of the US Department of Homeland Security. Generally, a first-time applicant can expect the validity to be 1 or 2 years but in case you are extremely lucky, you can get anywhere between 2 to 5 years. The maximum is 5 years.
Does the U.S. Know About My Criminal Record?
Yes, the United States certainly knows about your record. Whenever you are charged or fingerprinted in Canada due to a criminal matter, then your unique FPS# gets registered. It has all the information about you that is accessible by the US.
Why Must I Get a Waiver to Travel to the U.S.?
If you have an existing criminal record then you are not allowed to enter the US legally. In case you try doing so, you can be arrested, detained, barred from crossing the border and your personal belongings can also be confiscated.
Are There Any Criminal Offences That Do Not Require a Waiver Before Traveling to the U.S.?
Charges as little as simple assault or an impaired driving charge do not matter that much on your application. But it also depends on the Customs and Border Protection Officers who have the full authority to deny any traveler based on their record.
Contact Pardon Applications today to discuss your us waiver from Pardon Applications and get a free consultation by visiting their website.
