So, Can I Get a Permanent US Entry Waiver?
No! US Entry Waivers aren’t valid forever. Generally, your waiver will be valid for 1 to 5 years and must be renewed after expiry.
A US Entry waiver offers you legal entry into the US without risk of detention or arrest at the border port of entry or border crossing. However, like most immigration documents, they have an expiry date.
You need to renew your US Entry Waiver if you want to travel to the US again (for leisure or business travel) and you have a criminal record that hasn’t been pardoned or expunged.
How to Apply for a US Entry Waiver
Since you can’t get a permanent US Entry Waiver, how do you ensure you get the longest validity on your waiver (5 years)? Well, validity is generally dictated by the kind of application you submit. The better your application, the higher the chances of getting a 5-year waiver. He’s a summary of the waiver application process:
- Understanding the Legal Requirements
Before you start, it helps to understand the requirements including the long list of official documents needed (fingerprints, court documents, biographical information, and immigration forms). Additional documentation may be required depending on the nature of your criminal record. In regards to application documents, the form I-192 application is the most important. This is required as part of your application.
It also helps to know beforehand who is required to apply for a US Entry Waiver. You need a US entry waiver if you’ve committed a criminal offence in the past and you don’t have a pardon (record suspension) or expungement (record destruction), as well as if you have worked illegally in the US, overstayed your welcome, or have been caught with fraudulent documents, contraband or narcotics at the border.
Individuals who have been deported from the US in the past also need an entry waiver. Other grounds of inadmissibility may apply,c which is why it’s important to talk to US Entry Waiver experts immediately.
- Gathering Proper Documentation
Once you know the entry requirements, it’s time to gather the documentation. First and foremost, you’ll need certified copies of your past record or a confirmation that no such record exists in the RCMP – Royal Canadian Mounted Police records/database.
You’ll also need to submit certified fingerprints which can be done at a local police station or via a 3rd party fingerprinting agency. It’s worth noting that criminal records linked to fingerprints can take months to obtain.
It’s advisable to collect other documentation as you wait. Examples of supporting documentation needed for your US Entry Waiver include:
- Letters of reference
- character references
- confirmation of income/employment (lack of financial hardship)
- personal statements on the explanation of criminal convictions or reason/s for inadmissibility
- statement on the positive life chances you have made, with proof of counseling and drug test results, if applicable (for a drug offence).
You’ll also need official court records that are certified. The records should be complete with all convictions, dates, and court locations. To get these records, you may need to pay applicable court processing fees before you submit your request. What’s more, processing times will vary depending on your province.
If you make procedural requests in the right manner, you can expect to get all the documents you need.
- Filling in the Application Form
Armed with all the documentation required, you can proceed and fill out your I-192 waiver form. This special immigration form must be completed fully and correctly to stand a chance of being approved. The form requires a variety of information from employment history to location/address information, family history, previous travel information, and more.
There are many requirements including filing fees, what qualifies as evidence/supporting documentation, the evidence that must be submitted, and more. You also need to answer every question truthfully and in full. What’s more, the USCIS can ask for more information/evidence to support your United States waiver application.
- Submission and Processing
Prepared applications are submitted to the USCIS which checks if you have filled the application properly. The ARO (Admissibility Review Office) decides on applications and notifies applicants of the application status in writing within the current processing time limit of 150 days. It’s worth noting that United States waiver application fees may apply. The I-192 waiver form may also be updated so it’s important to check for the latest information on the USCIS website and use the latest submission platform: E-SAFE System.
The above process is obviously an oversimplification of the entire process. Given the seriousness of being denied a US Entry Waiver and submitting wrong information, we don’t advise anyone to handle the application alone unless you know exactly what you are doing.
Luckily, there are US Entry Waiver Experts like Canadian Pardon Application Services that have had 575,000+ applications approved for Canadian citizens over the decades (since 1970).
US Entry Waiver Renewal
Since you can’t get a permanent US Entry Waiver, you’ll need to renew every time your waiver expires. It’s worth noting that the waivers can’t be directly renewed so you’ll need to apply for a new US Entry Waiver when your current one expires.
For continuous uninterrupted travel, it is advisable to apply before your current one expires. However, you can apply when your current one has already expired. You also need to meet inadmissibility discussed above i.e., have a criminal history that isn’t pardoned or expunged. The application process is also the same: you must complete the I-92 form and submit it alongside supporting documents.
Am I Guaranteed of Getting a US Entry Waiver When I Apply?
No! However, if you use professionals with experience in securing US Entry Waivers like us, Canadian Pardon Application Services, your odds of getting your application approved are higher. This is simply because experienced immigration professionals know if you’ll meet the eligibility requirements beforehand.
If so, they also know how to make a strong application that will be accepted by the US Homeland Security. This ranges from how to complete the application to providing all the necessary supporting documents.
Can My US Entry Waiver Be Revoked Prematurely?
Yes! Even though entry waivers are valid for one to five years, revocation can happen before this period is over. The main reasons for a revocation include:
- Criminal activity: If you are convicted of a crime or arrested after receiving a US Entry waiver, it can be revoked.
- Visa violations: If you violate your visa by working illegally or overstaying in the US, your entry waiver can also be revoked. When this happens, you can no longer enjoy legal entry/stay in the US and may face actions like arrest and deportation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.
- Misrepresentation of information: If you secure a waiver and it is later discovered that you used false/misleading information to obtain the waiver, these are also grounds for revocation.
- Changes in immigration law: New laws can make you ineligible for a US entry waiver. If such laws are enacted, your waiver can be revoked.
When any of the above happens unexpectedly, we recommend that you consult with US Entry Waiver experts immediately. The consequences of a waiver revocation are serious and can include being denied access to visit/work in the US in the future. It can also include deportation if you are already in the US. Professionals will guide you on what to do including securing an immigration lawyer and contesting.
You can maximize your odds of fighting a revocation notice successfully if you act fast and get the necessary help. US Entry Waiver experts can help you gather the required copies of original documents/evidence to support your case, including preparing letters of explanation and providing other documentation such as medical records.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, you can’t get a permanent US Entry Waiver. The waivers have a 1 to 5-year maximum duration dependent on how well you fill out your application. The best/most convincing applications have the longest term saving you time and money you would otherwise have spent seeking a waiver yearly.
However, it takes expert US Entry Waiver application knowledge to get a waiver that will expire after 5 years. Luckily, you can apply like a pro with the help of experts and avoid numerous risks (including a possible jail sentence) faced by illegal entrants even during a layover en route to the US.
Get US Entry Waiver Services at Canadian Pardon Application Services
Canadian Pardon Application Services is one such expert on US Entry Waivers. You don’t need any previous knowledge. Simply contact the company, provide some basic information, and leave the rest to experts. Don’t be a victim of a missed vacation opportunity or a business opportunity either!
The company is behind over 575,000 successful applications so you can rest assured they will deliver if you meet the eligibility requirements. What’s more, you can get related services like a pardon (record suspension) or expungement (record destruction).
