Tips on using eSafe - Post here

J Rogersposted 2 years ago

Ill post the first "tip".

Whatever "Port" you enter is now apparently the only port that "has" the application.

For example, I had a client who lives in Niagara Falls. For some reason, she decided to go to another port of entry. (Lewiston) I put "desired port of entry" as Rainbow Bridge.

They could not find her application. She has proof she paid, but they could not find her. Then when she called me, we figured out when I talked to the officer, that she MUST go to Rainbow Bridge. She did, and there was the application.

I now make sure every client goes to the Rainbow Bridge, which is the best port anyways. They don't allow trucks, so far less busy. Also very friendly.

Replies (recent first):

@Wolf

You can email them and explain and submit the extra documents by mail.

J Rogers replied 1 year ago   #26

Sorry guys, I need some help. I had submitted my form I-192, they wrote me that I needed to submit more documents which I did but after uploading the document, I did not realise I forgot to include all of them and now the system does not allow mw to submit anything. Does anyone know how to fix this? Thanks.

Wolf replied 1 year ago   #25

@JohnB2
@Ioannis

Sorry I didn't mean to scare you, and @JohnB2 is right. Do that and you will be fine.

J Rogers replied 1 year ago   #24

Just call the port before you go there and ask them if they have access to your application. They will tell you.

JohnB2 replied 1 year ago   #23

@J Rogers Oh man, already paid and can't change it. I'll have to see what happens I guess. I'll let you guys know. Wish me luck. Now, I'm very afraid :(

Ioannis replied 1 year ago   #22

@Ioannis

You need to go where you selected on your application.

Truthfully, I have my clients avoid Lewiston and the Peace Bridge for 2 simple reasons
- Rainbow Bridge has a much better track record for being friendly and knowing what they are doing
-Lewiston and Peace Bridge allow trucks, Rainbow Bridge does not. That means they have more time, less stress, and less traffic.

I cannot give "numbers" but I NEVER have a problem with Rainbow Bridge. I seem to get distress calls form the other 2 all the time. Avoid if possible.

J Rogers replied 1 year ago   #21

Darn, didn't realize whatever port you enter in the application is where you need to head off to. I put down the Peace Bridge. Do I need to call them up first and arrange the appointment? Sounds like the people at Lewiston-Queenston Bridge are nicer. Hope it's the same at the Peace Bridge.

Ioannis replied 1 year ago   #20

> Document Verification <

Bring copies of ALL documents uploaded to e-SAFE, for verification.
The receipt of Form I-192 confirmation email notes "You MUST bring the original uploaded documents submitted for verification to a designated e-SAFE port of entry".

As I uploaded a copy of my passport (for citizenship), I figured my actual passport would satisfy verification as the "original" document. Well, perhaps semantics and just silly me... no, apparently I should have had a photocopy of my passport. Thankfully, the agent went to the opposite wing of the building to make a copy. To my surprise, after verification that copy along with every other document presented was returned to me.

Application is for a 7th consecutive waiver. Reported to, at Peace Arch (Blaine) port. No fingerprints nor DNA sample taken. Except for having to begrudgingly photocopy my passport, the agent was quite courteous.
And, as others here have posted. The US agent gave me a form to present Canada Border Services indicating I did not enter the US. This addressed the current return to Canada requirement for a negative covid test. The CBSA agent did ask to see proof of vaccine.

k604 replied 2 years ago   #19

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

J Rogers replied 2 years ago   #18

Good day what are the hours for Lewiston to do your finger prints etc for I-192 mon - friday I did my e-safe on line ,when you do the e-safe you just need to bring your up load documents , do you have to bring a copy of your application that's was done on line also, or the number you get when you complete they look it up, and they go from there I have my e-safe # paid etc thankyou

Wayne replied 2 years ago   #17

I am just wondering.., I went for a I-192 e-safe fingerprint this afternoon, I did not get any email notification or update on my on online application "Status changed to Submitted to ARO", is this normal?
Thanks Nathan

Nathan replied 2 years ago   #16

@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.

J Rogers replied 2 years ago   #15

@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.

J Rogers replied 2 years ago   #14

@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 replied 2 years ago   #13

@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.

J Rogers replied 2 years ago   #12

@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 replied 2 years ago   #11

@Michelle
For port of entry see page 4 of 12 - Section 2 question 21on the application for the ESafe portal

K replied 2 years ago   #10

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.

Michelle replied 2 years ago   #9

Just got my email earlier today. I had to quarantine for 14 days which ends tomorrow as I went to Lewiston Queenston bridge to do my Biometrics and got out of the car. Told Canada Border officials what I did. All worth it. Did it myself and voila! 5 year waiver issued today and I did it all by myself. First waiver was done by a Toronto company in 2016. Took my time to go through it and saved myself a ton of $$.

Status History (5)
7/26/2021, 01:30 PM EDT : Status changed to Completed
7/13/2021, 07:00 PM EDT : Status changed to Submitted to ARO
6/30/2021, 10:12 AM EDT : Status changed to Paid
6/30/2021, 10:09 AM EDT : Status changed to Signed
6/11/2021, 11:03 PM EDT : Application Created

[ K appended this reply on July 26, 2021 @ 4:24 pm ]

Thanks to this site and all the tips, I gained the courage and knowledge to do it myself. It helped that I had a copy of my 1st waiver application as a guidance.

K replied 2 years ago   #8

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.

J Rogers replied 2 years ago   #7

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