Overview: US Entry Waiver
If you have a criminal record that is yet to be expunged or pardoned and you need to travel to the US for work, leisure, etc., you need a special document known as a US Entry Waiver otherwise you risk being denied entry and/or detained at your border port of entry. A US Entry Waiver offers legal entry into the US to persons with a criminal past.
But, what happens if you are in a hurry to travel to the US and you don’t have a US Entry Waiver? How long will it take you to secure one? We’ll answer these and related questions below.
US Waiver Processing Time: What Dictates the Timeline?
Well, it can take you six to twelve months to secure a US Entry Waiver. This timeline varies based on several factors, the most notable being;
1. Type of US Entry Waiver
I-192 Processing Time
One type of entry waiver can take a different period of time to be processed. For instance, the I-192 waiver for persons who are deemed inadmissible due to criminal activity in the past (convictions) among other reasons takes 3-4 months to be processed.
I-601 Processing Time
The I-601 waiver for persons inadmissible because of their unlawful presence in the United States takes 4 to 6 months to be processed.
E-Safe Waiver Processing Time
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a new online system (e-SAFE) that allows electronic filing of forms I-192. Applications via e-SAFE are faster and more convenient than paper applications manually filled and submitted at border crossings. However, users need to familiarize themselves with the system for the fastest processing times.
Luckily, someone (an authorized attorney or accredited representative i.e., Canadian Pardon Application Services entry waiver experts) can apply for a US Entry Waiver on your behalf via e-SAFE. With this process, you can be sure of the fastest application times by experts. Uploading supporting documentation is also fast. What’s more, your representative will also get the application decision and other notifications.
You may be wondering why not just use e-SAFE yourself. Well, application via e-SAFE also requires accuracy. If you don’t understand the e-SAFE system, you are bound to make mistakes that delay your application.
Important: Don’t create an e-safe account and apply for a waiver if you don’t understand what you are doing.
2. Case Complexity
Complex cases involving complex crimes and/or those requiring additional documentation will take longer than usual to process. For instance, persons with multiple criminal convictions, health-related inadmissibility, and those guilty of immigration fraud or misrepresentation will have to wait longer for their US Entry Waivers to be processed.
3. Standard Processing Timelines as Per the USCIS
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website (USCIS website) has official time frames that guide the waiting time in typical cases. You can check the website to have a rough idea of how long your application will take in typical circumstances. It’s worth noting that the timelines can fluctuate depending on factors like the volume of pending application forms at a given time or requests for additional forms/documentation.
4. Application Errors
Your US Entry Waiver will also take longer if you submit wrong or incomplete information. In fact, this is one of the most common reasons for applications taking longer than necessary. Generally, Canadian citizens who need a US Entry waiver must submit their fingerprints to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the FBI. There are also other supporting documents needed.
The application needs to be supported by copies of official court records i.e., arrest report, conviction, and sentencing information. You may also be required to provide character references and most importantly, a convincing reason/s why you need the waiver.
Can I Apply for A US Waiver Myself?
Yes, you can. However, we don’t recommend anyone to complete application on their own unless you are an immigration lawyer or expert who understands the process and all the documentation required.
While the process may appear straightforward, there are many reasons why US Entry Waiver applications take longer than required or are denied. Application errors are common and if you are planning future travel to the US in the short term, the last thing you want is a lengthy process that has no guarantees.
How Do I Speed Up a US Entry Waiver Application?
There are some measures you can take to ensure your entry waiver takes the least time possible. The most notable include:
- Ensure You Fill the Application Completely and Correctly
This is an obvious but commonly overlooked tip. A vast majority of applications are returned or denied for being incomplete or submitting wrong information. If you are applying yourself, ensure you know/understand how to fill out the application and all supporting documents required for your specific case.
- Get Help From US Waiver Application Experts
As mentioned, you can choose to handle the entire application process on your own. However, the odds of processing delays are higher. If you don’t handle waivers on a daily basis you won’t know everything, including immigration law and critical “tricks” for getting your application approved in record time.
Instead of risking delays, seek assistance from US Entry Waiver Application processing firms such as Canadian Pardon Application Services with over 15 years of tested and proven experience helping Canadians with a criminal record gain entry into the US legally and in record time.
Do I Really Need a US Entry Waiver?
Travel waivers are needed by everyone who is inadmissible for entry into the US. This applies even for entry during a layover en route to another country. Most importantly, Canadian citizens as well as permanent residents aren’t exempt from requiring entry waivers.
Travel aside, a waiver is needed for medical grounds i.e., persons with medical conditions or communicable diseases that make them a threat to themselves and others. It’s also worth noting that a history of overstaying in the US or past deportation or removal will usually require a US Entry Waiver.
What’s more, while some crimes like simple assault or DUI may not result in inadmissibility, multiple convictions for such crimes increase the odds of being denied entry to the United States if you don’t have a US Entry Waiver.
Talk to US Entry Waiver experts to understand if you really need a waiver or not.
Final Thoughts
Criminal record checks or background checks are inevitable when entering the United States. If you have a record, you need a waiver to gain lawful entry into the United States. It takes anywhere from 6-12 months to get a US Entry Waiver.
The timeline ranges from the type of waiver you are applying for to how complex your case is, standard timelines, how you apply, and if you make errors/omissions in your application. While you can apply by yourself, we strongly discourage this as it increases the chances of your application being delayed or denied.
It’s better to leave the complicated process to experts who understand everything including if you really need a waiver, and how to submit different applications and all supporting documents faster via the e-SAFE electronic system.
Experts can also assist with checking application status and offering related services like Canadian record suspension or record expungement services.
Get Fast and Professional US Waiver Application Assistance: Canadian Pardon Application Services
Canadian Pardon Application Services are experts in processing US Entry Waivers. They also offer assistance on record suspension, record expungement, and pardon processing fees. The service stands out for many reasons, the most notable being:
- Over 1.2 million pardons & US entry waiver applications
- 575,000+ successful applications approved
- Quick 3-step process. The entire waiver application process is handled from applying to submitting supporting documentation and receiving responses on behalf of applicants.
- Quick electronic applications via e-SAFE
- Confidence in knowing your application is being handled by true experts proven to deliver in the shortest timeline possible regardless of case complexity
Discover the exact time it will take to get your US Waiver application approved. Make an inquiry for urgent applications now. Request for a form I-192 application package and submit a strong application bound to be approved.
