10 simple steps to getting your I-194 waiver

i194waiver (moderator) Moderator posted 12 years ago

If you need to apply for an I-194 (advance permission to enter the United States) after being denied entry at the US border, the following are the most recent steps.

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1. Find your local fingerprint office (call to see if you need an appointment). Bring your passport, photo identification that shows your address (driver's licence for example) and approxiametly $25 CDN (most places seem to accept debit / credit cards). Cost is between $25 and approxiametly $60 depending on whether the facility forwards your information electrically to the RCMP (if this is the case, skip step 2).

2. Mail the C-216C form to the RCMP. Include a check for processing (approxiametly $25 CDN but call to confirm).

3. Wait up to 1-3 months for a reply... When you receive your completed C-216C from the RCMP ensure it includes the fingerprint chart with a date stamp and the documentation related to your conviction and disposition.

4. Complete a personal statement regarding your intended activities in the US.

5. If you are inadmissible because of a criminal conviction you must also complete a statement explaining the circumstances of each arrest, conviction and the sentence or fine imposed. Additionally you should submit any evidence or explanation of your reform or rehabilitation such as counseling, current employment, marital status, community service, etc. Don't forget to sign and date your statements!

6. Complete the I-192 application form (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=68db2c1a6855d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD).

7. Fill out form G-325A (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d7c84154d7b3d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD). Make 4 copies of this document.

8. Get 2 passport photos taken. Some processing centres are now longer taking these photos onsite.

9. Call the US Border Protection office to see if you need an appointment (http://uswaiver.blogspot.ca/2006/01/its-been-over-2-months-now-since-i-was.html). Note: Ottawa and Toronto are now processing on Saturdays only.

10. Show up at the customs border protection office for your interview (bring $585 CDN. Some centres now accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express). Don't forget to bring all of your documents!

i194waiver (moderator) Moderator 12 years ago

Note on item 1. Per RCMP web site - as of July 1st 2014 only electronically submitted fingerprint files are accepted.

Source: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/fing-empr2-eng.htm

Jeff 12 years ago

You no longer need the passport pictures either.

Stu 12 years ago

Hey,

I was just approved for a Pardon.

I tried to get into the US 14 or so years ago and was denied because I had been arrested at the time. The US border agent told me that I would not be allowed to enter the US that day. A couple of years ago I applied for a NEXUS card. Again it was denied but this time their reason stated clearly due to criminal convictions.

At this point, does anyone know how to go about getting into the US? I have family that I have never seen and vacation destinations that I am eager to see.

Thanks folks,

Stu

cynthia 11 years ago

@Stu you need to apply for a waiver. Your records are now sealed, so you can include your pardon with your documents (that's what I did). do it all yourself (it's really easy)!

Carl 11 years ago

Should I get a pardon first. Or is it not required?

grag2 11 years ago

I overstayed in US and had to apply 194 and 212 both at the buffalo port of entry. Submitted application and paid for both, have a receipt for CBC. Just received a letter from ARO saying I need for 212 with payment and I have 90 days to do it. I am thinking to go to the boarder again....anyone has any other suggestions?
Thanks

Ron 11 years ago

As you said if already paid fee for I-212 then no need t go to the border. Just sent copy of fee receipt to ARO by mail as ap.

Kris 10 years ago

I have a criminal record from 14 years ago.
I live in PEI and was just asked to go to Orlando, Florida by a client of mine to meet his investors who want me to start large scale construction for them in Canada.

Is there any chance I could have a Waiver before March 10, 2016?

Moozeee1 10 years ago

@kris - well you better apply now. The wait times are ridiculous. If you read the threads on here most of us have been waiting from 8 months to a year. Some people have got their waivers in 4-6 months. And a lot of us are waiting for renewals because our waivers have expired. Best of luck to you.

Nam 10 years ago

If you are renewing would, i need to provide my old waiver?

i194waiver (moderator) Moderator 10 years ago

@Nam Yes, you need to provide photocopies of any past waivers (not original).

Jake 10 years ago

@i194waiver

Hi Everyone:

I received my first one year waiver within 90 days of applying. However my second waiver application has been pending for 150 days. When I email them, I am being told it is is pending results of necessary secondary security checks.

What is secondary security check?
How long does this secondary security check take?
How come my second waiver application which should be processed quicker is taking a lot longer than the first one?
Is everyone experiencing longer than usual delays with the waiver? May be ARO is backed up with excessive applications?

Appreciate your assistance with any of these questions.

I am getting anxious as my career revolves around travelling to the US.

Thanks again!

Moozeee1 10 years ago

@Jake- your situation is very similar to mine. First waiver in 93 days. Applied for my second waiver and it was professionally prepared. Mine took over 8 months -- good for 5 years thankfully! My only major glitch that I can think of was because the agency who prepared my second Waiver application forgot to tell me to include my explanation of my criminal charge(s) and how I changed my life etc. Just like the first Waiver you must prepare your second and most likely all the other waivers exactly as you prepared your first Waiver. Do not forget anything just be thorough. Even though my criminal charges were many years ago and I have a Pardon it still has to be done this way. Reference letters etc. I had to send the information they requested as in my explanation letter in September and I received my 5 year Waiver December 29, 2015. I actually never thought I had the patience that I did ... It was tough as I had to cancel a business trip and a holiday. Well worth the wait though ... Holidays in a couple of weeks Booyah! Good luck to you Jake and keep us posted. I still like to be part of this Forum as it helped get me through.

Waiver 10 years ago

What is the interview process?

gday 10 years ago

@Waiver interview process, more like you sit there while a filing clerk taps your documents into the computer. I wouldn't call it an interview. They are just there to ensure you have all of your papers (and to take your money).

PH1 10 years ago

Hi grag2!
Do u have any updates ? Do have similar situation. Overstay. Waiting for 11 month. Regular responds , like :

“Your application is on file with the Admissibility Review Office. It is currently pending further review.”

Is it possible to get waiver with overstay ?

Russellm798 3 years ago

Seeing this post is 8 years old, has the process changed much since then?

J Rogers (trusted member) Trusted 3 years ago

@Russellm798

It is COMPLETELY different. Please refer to the many newer pages with current information.

- no forms
-fingerprinting is completely different
-eSAFE is the way you file now.

I would completely disregard the above post.

10 simple steps to getting your I-194 waiver

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