If you have been stopped at the border and refused entry for
a criminal record you need a US Entry Waiver in order to legally return to the
country. You may also need a waiver if you were arrested at the border,
deported, overstayed your welcome, or admitted to having been involved in drugs
or other criminal activity. Below
are some important things to know before proceeding with your application for a
US entry waiver.
-
A US Entry Waiver is an application made to the
American government, specifically DHS (Department of Homeland Security).
-
US entry waivers are granted on a validation
period of 1, 2 or 5 years. The validation period largely depends on the extent
of your criminal record (or other reason of inadmissibility) and how well the
application was prepared.
-
The majority of our clients receive a 5 year
waiver. Furthermore, we never begin an application for a waiver that we feel
will not be accepted.
-
Currently expedited waiver applications are
completed in 10 - 12 months. Standard waiver applications are completed in 12 -
18 months.
-
The American government does not recognize a
Canadian pardon. Therefore if the Americans are ever made aware of your criminal
record a pardon will not help you cross the border.
-
Once it is determined that you require a US
entry waiver the unfortunate news is that you will need one for the rest of
your life. At the National Pardon Centre file monitoring is free. We will keep
your paperwork on file with us and inform you when it is time to start your
next application so that you are always able to travel freely.
-
Once your waiver is granted you can travel as
much as you like so long as the document remains valid.
Don't delay! A waiver application is an important matter
that takes time to complete.
close
