Almost ready to submit my first waiver application...

voraxleyposted 1 year ago

Greetings, I have been searching here a while, and it has been very helpful, but I thought a post would help, as I am a bit nervous/anxious about the entire process!

I'll start with what I need vs have to apply (sourced from e-safe site):

• Evidence of your Citizenship (no issue; I have my passport)
• Form I-192 (no issue, easy to fill out)
• U.S. Fingerprint card FD-258: (from what I gather, this would be done at a point of entry when I get biometrics done, if I apply via e-safe, which I will)
• Criminal Record(s) (I have this from the RCMP, note, I am in Quebec, so, page 2 has the charge and accusation in French)
• Copy of the official court record(s) (I have this, and though the 'computerized minutes' is officially filled in in French, I did acquire a blank page in English, I just noticed the above being in French a few moments ago).
• Provide a statement concerning your inadmissibility to the United States (I started a letter, I have to finish it)
• Submit any evidence or explanation of reformation of character or rehabilitation such as counseling or rehabilitation programs completed (My crime resulted in 1 year probation, so I am wondering if the above letter would cover this too)

I believe that covers it. So, a few questions:

• I was on the e-safe site, and did not register (yet), but when I do, can I work on my application and save it as I go? ie: I don't have to do it in one sitting/browser session. I understand this is the case, but felt like posting prior. (And, perhaps more questions will arise from me while completing it).

• I have read about reference letters in the past, but do not see any mention of it anymore. And from researching here, now if not asked for, it would just add extra paperwork for them, which would be less than ideal. Am I correct in assuming this?

• Should I be concerned about that tine bit of french mentioned in point 4 above?

• I am presently not working, but, I have applied for an intensive class that is full-time, and lasts 1 year. I am not sure where I would reference this (on Form I-192 under additional information perhaps), and if I should. Would this harm my application in any way?

• Finally, with e-safe, we would provide scanned documents, as it is digital? (Scanned, to be most professional, vs cropped digital camera pictures of the documents). I don't own a scanner, but am happy to go to my local office store to get it done.

• re: my statement, the way it is worded on CBP (point 8 at https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1769), makes it sound like one letter indeed covers points 6 and 7 above? And, how long/short should it be? My thought are short and concise, but detailed, one page, similar to a cover letter.

I think that covers it. Thanks very much!

Replies (recent first):

@voraxley

Call my colleague in Montreal. (For translations) 514-733-8571

His name is Manni.

J Rogers replied 1 year ago   #6

@voraxley

In the personal letter, if you have a conviction, it is not recommended that you try to spin it as if you are actually innocent. Rather, show remorse and focus on what you’ve done since that has made you a rehabilitated person.

BM replied 1 year ago   #5

Hello again, thanks for the additional information!

I am still not 100% sure about "don't re-try the case" means, sorry, I am probably missing something obvious: this is my first application, and I will ask 3 friends to write brief letters.

Finally, I don't see many people here from Quebec, so wondering if anyone has any certified translation recommendations? I tried a couple in the Montreal area and they never got back to me: OTTIAQ certified. I will try contacting some Ontario certified translators, as I would send the documents digitally anyway.

Thanks kindly!

voraxley replied 1 year ago   #4

@voraxley

I mean the "don't re-try the case" for the personal letter.

You can save your work etc on eSAFE no need for "one sitting".

Reference letters should NEVER be from family. That completely takes away any credibility or meaning if your relatives write it.

J Rogers replied 1 year ago   #3

Thanks for the prompt reply!

re: online forms, and FBI cards, that leads me to believe they need to update the wording as much of that was prior to e-safe (not that they will likely)!

re: reference letters, how many would you recommend, if I got two, one family, one non-family would that be okay? Or should they be all non-family?

Thanks for the info regarding the personal letter, I will keep that in mind.

re: "Do not re-try the case," is that referring to having to do the application in one sitting (ie: it won't save for a future session)?

voraxley replied 1 year ago   #2

@voraxley

-The "forms" are all online. You do not need to fill them out separately.
-The US usually wants translations (by a certified translator) for anything in French.
-FBI cards are not used, they use the machine to do US fingerprints.
-Reference letters ARE needed. You cannot fill out eSAFE without them.
-The personal letter is important. The reason you NEED to go is 1% and why you cannot go and how much you have changed is 99%.
-Do not re-try the case.

J Rogers replied 1 year ago   #1

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