U.S. Waiver Application Process
Unlock hassle-free travel to the U.S. with our expert U.S. Entry Waiver services.
Waiver Application Timelines
Acquiring a U.S. Waiver is a two-stage process. The first stage is the completion of your application, a detailed step-by-step process which Waivers.org completes on your behalf. The second stage is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s time to approve your application and grant your Waiver.
| Waivers.org Timeline | Government Timeline | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 2-6 months | 3-6 months | 5-12 months |
| Waivers.org Timeline | 2-6 months |
|---|---|
| Government Timeline | 3-6 months |
| Total Timeline | 5-12 months |
Waiver Application Process
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application, it’s important to understand if you’re inadmissible to the U.S. Common reasons for inadmissibility include criminal records, immigration violations, or certain medical conditions.
2. Document Collection
Gather all necessary documents. This includes:
- Proof of Citizenship: A valid Canadian passport.
- Court Documents: For each conviction, obtain court records detailing the charge, the verdict, and the completion of the sentence.
- Police Certificates: These are needed from every region where you’ve lived for six months or more since turning 18.
- Identification Documents: Birth certificate, driver’s license, etc.
- U.S. Immigration History: If applicable, documents related to previous interactions with U.S. immigration.
- Character Reference Letters: Letters from individuals (not family members) who can vouch for your character and reformation.
3. Fingerprinting and Background Check
Waivers.org will help you get fingerprinted. This is used for criminal background checks in Canada and the U.S. We ensure that your fingerprints are sent to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for a background check.
4. Completing the I-192 Form
Our team will assist you in filling out Form I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant). This form asks for personal information, details of inadmissibility, and the purpose of your intended travel to the U.S.
5. Writing a Personal Statement
Our team will help you prepare a personal statement explaining the circumstances of your inadmissibility, showing evidence of rehabilitation, and stating the reasons for wanting to enter the U.S. This letter should be sincere and detailed.
6. Application Fee
The application fee for the I-192 form is significant (over $500 USD). This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the waiver is approved or denied.
7. Submission Process
We compile your application package with all documents, and submit it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This can be done either by mail or at a designated CBP port of entry.
8. Waiting for a Decision
The processing time can vary greatly, often taking several months (sometimes more than a year). During this period, you may be contacted for additional information or clarification.
External factors which could lengthen the timeline include court and police response times, delay in completing fingerprints, efficiency in applicant’s communication, and others.
9. Waiver Validity and Renewal
If approved, waivers are typically valid for 1 to 5 years. The length of validity is at the discretion of the CBP. Keep track of the expiration date, as you’ll need to renew the waiver if you wish to continue traveling to the U.S. after it expires.
