Tips on using eSafe - Post here

Second tip.

Don't file your waiver on eSafe and then make an appointment immediately.

A client was from Montreal, so he saw me at 1pm. I finished his application at 430. He made an appointment for 9am the next morning. They informed him when he got there that they could not find his file. I talked ot the officer and we figured out that he had to wait another day before the file would be available. He went back a day later and it was there, no problem.

So tip#2 is give it at least a day after filing and paying before you go to the border.

@K

Did you put Lewiston as the port of entry? If so, you are in good shape. If not, you need to make the appointment at the same port you put on your forms.

It sounds like you have a good grasp on what you are doing, so don't worry, I am sure you will be fine.

Tip #3

So when you come back to Canada, claim you didn't get out of your car and simply passed your documents through the window while they checked them.

this has worked for 90% of my clients, admittedly mostly for men. Women they seem to give a harder time to.

E-safe Tip: @ John, I did not find the "Desired Port of Entry" area when submitting the E-Safe Application.. The instructions after payment complete, just state "You have 45 calendar days to report to an e-safe designated port of entry to complete the biometrics requirements and you must bring the original uploaded documents submitted with you."

Tip #2. I found the make payment option failed 2x before allowing me to enter credit card info.

Tip #3. Do not use the back key, it kicks you out of application, use the tabs to move around program.

@K..Thanks...I am so used to entering Portal as desired port (from the paper forms) I just did it automatic without even thinking about.
For some reason I thought that there was going to be another area to enter...Thanks!

@Michelle

Sorry I didn't see the post, but K is right. Yes you have to change your mindset a little when doing e-SAFE, for example asking the CITY where parents are born or wife is born or else the online version won't let you move to the next box.

Also the border crossing goes from "these three places" to "specifically THIS port because that is where you want the eSAFE file to end up.

@John, yes, I have noticed some differences for sure. I was a little apprehensive about E-safe, but now that I have started using it for Clients, I think it is going to be a great asset to Waiver applications. I like the fact that I can go in and see updates on file status. I can't wait until the US opens up for all regular waiver applications here.

@Michelle

Yes, once you use it, you never want to go back.

There are so many benefits, and very few drawbacks. Plus Homeland Security BEFORE the pandemic used to LECTURE clients at the airport about using "paper".

The other part I like is they give the client his/her documents back.

The BEST part is when I see Ken rail against it, I know a) he hasn't done a single waiver since and b) if he does get waivers in the future, and won't use eSAFE, he will look slow, and a bit ridiculous. There is NO reason other than "preference" to NOT use eSAFE.

@Michelle this is for you:

I went through every single waiver client I have done since the border opened who could possible have their waiver. (No one too recent)

I found 5 instances where I was very happy I had double checked everything was alright.

-one client had a letter since August 2 asking for more documentation and didn't know it
-2 clients had relied on me to email them the waiver, but the download I had taken was page 1 twice. Luckily, the file was still active and I could go download it again. I don't know why, but sometimes the download just takes the first page.
-one client had gotten the waiver 20 days ago, didn't know it, and only had 10 more days to download it.
-One client is a week away from reaching the 45 days to get fingerprinted at the border and didn't realize it.

The problem is that older clients were used to having the waiver arrive by mail, and sometimes had no checked email, or the email went into spam.

My system is that I now check the file myself after 15 days. If the waiver is granted I download it, and email the client a copy, but make sure both pages are included. After I have finished the file and tell the client to get fingerprinted, I also WARN the client they only have 45 days.

It took me all day with help to check every single file, but in these 5 instances, it was absolutely worth it. The clients actually really appreciated that I checked in with them, even the ones who were fine. Follow up shows you don't just care about taking the money, but you care about RESULTS.

We are much slower this week with fingerprints, and I expect this to stay slower until the end of August. Waivers are still coming in, but so far I have been able to keep a 1-2 day turn around.

You don't just "show up". you make an appointment.