U.S. Entry Waiver

Are you a Canadian citizen with a criminal record? Do you have reason to believe that you’ll be turned away at the U.S. border? Have you ever been denied entry into the U.S?

If so, you may need a U.S. Entry Waiver to guarantee your entry into the United States. 

We help clients from Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and all across Canada navigate the US Entry Waiver process, no matter where you're located, we work with you remotely.

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  • Entering the United States with a criminal record, no matter the severity or timeline of the conviction, is illegal unless you have the necessary immigration status or a U.S. Entry Waiver (Advanced Permission for Admissibility - I-192). This application allows individuals who have been convicted of a criminal offence to enter the U.S. without the concern of being refused or deported.

  • If an individual with a criminal record attempts to enter the U.S. and is refused, their record will be placed into the system, and denial is guaranteed upon further attempts to re-enter the country. It is important to note that regardless of having a conditional or absolute discharge, whether dismissed, withdrawn, or stayed, the DHS has the right to refuse entry as they do not recognize those conditions.

  • A U.S. Entry Waiver application can be strengthened by including additional supporting documents, but application approval is not guaranteed. The more convincing the case is in the waiver request, the greater the chance of being granted permission to enter the U.S.

At Pave the Way, our team of experts are dedicated to putting together the best possible application to ensure your success. You can count on us to deliver.

 FAQs

  • If you have a criminal record, you will need a U.S. Entry Waiver. However, this is not exclusive to those who do not have a criminal record but have reason to believe that they will be denied entry into the U.S.

    This includes:

    • Being convicted/charged with a criminal offence in Canada and/or the United States

    • If you have already been denied entry into the U.S. and have received documents with an explanation for your denial

    • If you’ve been released with an Absolute or Condition Discharge, including dismissed, withdrawn, or stayed charges

    • If you were charged with a DUI

    • If you have overstayed your welcome in the U.S.

    • If you have worked illegally in the U.S.

    • If you have been deported from the U.S.

  • A waiver is issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They have complete discretion on whether they allow individuals to travel to the U.S. regardless of having a criminal record.

  • Upon submission, a U.S. Entry Waiver typically takes about 10 to 18 months for a definitive answer.

  • If the application is denied, the time in which an applicant can re-apply is contingent on the reason for denial. Full and honest disclosure is crucial for application approval.

  • The US Department of Homeland Security charges a government processing fee, currently $1,100 USD, in addition to any professional service fees. Contact Pave The Way Canada for a full breakdown of costs specific to your case.

  • Approved waivers are typically valid for a set period, often between 1 and 5 years, after which renewal is required. The exact term is determined by DHS based on your individual case.

  • A US Entry Waiver is a separate US government process that specifically permits entry into the United States despite a criminal record. A Pardon (Record Suspension) is a Canadian process that seals your record domestically. Many clients need both — a Pardon alone does not guarantee US entry.

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