Overview: Stricter US Immigration Policies in 2025

Gaining entry into the US is getting tougher, especially for individuals with a criminal past. 2025 has seen stricter immigration policies by the Trump administration. A valid passport and visa isn’t enough if you have a record.

If you have been denied entry to the US from Canada because of your criminal history, you’ll need a US entry waiver. This document is required if you have a criminal past that hasn’t been pardoned or expunged. 

If I Was Denied Entry to The USA, Can I Try Again? 

You’ll just be wasting your time and/or risking arrest if you are an individual with a criminal past trying to repeatedly gain entry to the US without a US Entry Waiver. This is unless you have a pardon (record suspension) that seals your criminal record or a record destruction (expungement) that completely erases your record.

It’s advisable to secure a US Entry Waiver first before trying again. You can get the waiver on your own or use experts like Canadian Pardon Application Services to expedite the process and avoid unnecessary application errors and travel delays.

How to Get A US Waiver

The process of securing a U.S. Entry Waiver (waiver of inadmissibility) as a Canadian citizen with a criminal past or other issues is comprised of the following 5 steps:

Step 1. Establishing Eligibility

One of the most common reasons for needing a U.S. Entry Waiver is a criminal conviction. However, a criminal past doesn’t lead to complete inadmissibility unless it’s a very serious crime in question, such as crimes considered to be morally reprehensible. 

You may also be denied entry because of medical reasons like having a communicable disease or immigration-related issues like a previous overstay on a visa or being an irregular border crosser. 

You can talk to an immigration expert to find out if your criminal record or past actions result in criminal inadmissibility

Step 2. Gather Required Documents

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you need to fill out the official application form (form I-192). The application filing process is quite extensive and complex requiring other documentation like the certified court documents related to your past conviction/s. You’ll also need to submit proof of citizenship and fingerprints.

Other documents needed include police records from all places you’ve lived in and character references (letters from reputable persons attesting you have rehabilitated and are now of good character). You also need to provide individual rehabilitation evidence like proof of counseling, community work, and/or employment. A personal statement is also required stating good reasons why you need to be granted a US Entry waiver.

Important: This is arguably the most important step in the US Entry Waiver application process. If you aren’t sure about the process, it is better to seek expert help. Experts at Canadian Pardon Application Services know how to get all required documentation in record time and fill out the I-192 to increase your chances of success.

Step 3. Filling and Submitting Application

Form I-192 must be filled completely and accurately. The form must also be accompanied by all required documents. What’s more, you need to pay an application fee and mail the package to the designated CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) address. 

Step 4. Processing Time and Interview

Application processing time takes 6 to 12 months on average. Timelines usually vary based on factors like the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) workload and the complexity of individual cases. Application errors can also lengthen the process.

Experienced immigration professionals can help to ensure your application is completed accurately and submitted with all the required documentation.

If you want to gain entry to the US urgently i.e., for business, work, or leisure, talk to an expert to understand how long your case will take and what can be done to shorten the processing time. You’ll also get expert help if you need to be interviewed by a Canadian immigration officer.

Step 5. US Entry Waiver Approval or Denial

Once your waiver is approved, you will be given a specific period when you can gain entry to the US. If denied (due to medical inadmissibility/health grounds or criminal inadmissibility issues), you can appeal. You’ll need help from an immigration attorney or immigration expert to apply successfully.

I Have Been Deported or Removed from the US. What Do I Do?

Experts like Canadian Pardon Application Services can also help with Form I-212 applications that grant permission to reapply for admission to the United States after deportation. If you wish to return after being deported by immigration officers, you should complete Form I-212.

Federal Pardons Waivers in Canada

When/Why Do I Need a Pardon (Record Suspension) Before Traveling to the US?

It’s worth noting that criminal records aren’t erased automatically even after you complete your sentence or meet other requirements like paying fines. Your criminal record will still appear in criminal record checks if you don’t take steps to get a pardon. You risk being stopped by US border agents if you don’t get a pardon. You may also be arrested. What’s more, a pardon may not be enough.

Do You Need a Record Destruction (Expungement) to Enter the US from Canada?

If you were charged with a crime but didn’t get convicted or you already have a pardon, you need an expungement (record destruction) to completely erase your criminal record. It’s worth noting that a pardon doesn’t erase your criminal past completely. They can appear on criminal background checks done by Canadian and international law enforcement agencies at the border port of entry.

You need to have your records expunged to ensure they are removed from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database and other shared law enforcement databases. 

Final Thoughts

Criminal convictions are among the leading causes of being denied entry to the US. If you don’t have a pardon (record suspension) or your criminal record hasn’t been expunged, you’ll need a US Entry Waiver to gain legal entry. You can get one on your own. However, the process is complex. To avoid unnecessary errors and delays, we recommend you seek expert help.

Get a free US Entry Waiver consultation NOW! Book online or Call 1-888-853-8189 to prepare in advance for smooth future travel. Also, get help on your application for admission if you have been turned away by border officers.