United States Entry Waivers

If you have criminal record, no matter how minor or how long ago, you may be refused entry to the U.S. Trying to enter the U.S. without declaring that you’ve been arrested, could result in permanent ineligibility or worse – detention.

U.S Entry Waiver FAQ’s:

• What is an U.S. Entry Waiver?

An U.S. Entry Waiver (Advanced Permission for Admissibility) is a document that allows people who have been convicted of a criminal offence to legally enter the U.S. You may have often passed through the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) after answering a few standard questions about your citizenship and the purpose of your trip. You have been lucky. It is becoming more common for U.S. immigration officers to ask for identification for the purpose of conducting an RCMP computer criminal record search.

• How do I know if I need an U.S. Entry Waiver?

If you must travel to the U.S. before your Canadian criminal record is pardoned or destroyed, you will need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver to legally enter. Essentially, you will be admitting and giving details about your criminal record to the U.S. federal government.

• What will I need to apply for an U.S. Entry Waiver?

You will be required to submit fingerprints for certification by both the RCMP and the FBI. In addition to the basic application, there are many other supporting documents that could be added to your application. Approval of your application is subjective. This means that the better your application package is, the more likely you will be to have your waiver granted.

• Can I be turned down?

Yes. There are several reasons why a U.S. Entry Waiver may be denied; such as, if you do not prepare your U.S. Entry Waiver application correctly, if you do not show sufficient rehabilitation (where applicable), if you submit confusing or contradicting supporting documents. Pardons Canada has been preparing successful U.S. Entry Waiver applications for 20 years. Consequently, our counsellors can advise you and properly prepare the application on your behalf, taking into account your personal circumstances.