US Travel Waivers

A U.S. Entry Waiver is official documentation that allows a person with a criminal record to legally enter the United States.

U.S. Entry Waiver for Canadian Citizens

  • There are about 4 million Canadians with criminal records and only a few will be allowed to enter the United States without a US Entry Waiver.
  • A Canadian pardon or record suspension will not be recognized by the U.S. so if you have had a criminal record in the past you will need a U.S. Entry Waiver.
  • If you’re a Canadian or non-immigrant with plans to enter the U.S. you can apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver.
  • Because border security has been strengthened the U.S. and Canada have an information-sharing agreement for national security purposes.  So the vast majority of Canadians who have a criminal record will need to apply for a US Entry Waiver.

The U.S. Entry Waiver Process

  • All applications for a U.S. Entry Waiver are judged by the Admissibility Review Office (ARO), which is a division of the CPB.  The Dept. of Homeland Security created the ARO to ensure that all applicants are reviewed in an unbiased and fair manner.
  • The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) set up the guidelines that the ARO must follow when granting or denying U.S. Entry Waiver applications
  • The BIA’s guidelines spell out 3 factors which determine someone’s acceptability to enter the U.S.  1)  The risk of harming society if the applicant is admitted to the U.S., 2)  The severity of the applicant’s criminal background or immigration legal violations, 3)  The reason the applicant wants to come to the U.S.

US Entry Waiver Renewal

  • A U.S. Entry Waiver is valid from 1 – 5 years, which is decided when you receive the US Entry waiver
  • We recommend that you start the renewal process for the US Entry Waiver prior to the expiration so that there is no lapse in eligibility to enter the U.S.

If you have plans to travel to the U.S. and want information regarding obtaining a US Entry Waiver or you need assistance with your application for a US Entry Waiver.  Please contact the Law Office of Zeeshan Ullah at 647-869-6124.