@Moozeee1 - My charges were related to computer hacking. It also involved a celebrity so a simple google search of my name will produce around 2000 results. I would only assume that this is what has created a "secondary security check"
Chris

@mozeee1 congrats! that gives so much hope for us who are waiting patiently.

Congrats Moozeee!

@kiwi - number one thank you! As I am so happy for my freedom to travel to the US again as I had a previous waiver and this second one did take a long time (but so worth the wait). I have to say to all of you that when you are asked for additional information I believe it's a good thing and better than a denial. Good luck and Happy New Year to all!

“Response for me on December 24. Unfortunate news that I have to file more paperwork. Disappointing they took 11.5 months to tell me this just before Christmas. More waiting.”

Wow tits magees, that is not such great news, I got that request after about 4 months and haven't heard a thing since. They wanted extra info in addition to the required package, as my conviction was less than 2 years old, they wanted proof the fine was paid and a few other misc. things that I can not remember.

Don't forget to photo copy everything you send and include the original letter as they ask for it in small print at the bottom of the letter, which I read after sending my response, oops.

Was the information requested something extra or did you miss something from your initial package.

Moozeee1 good news for you, congratulations.

@titsmagees - hang in there ... At least they want more paperwork that's better than a denial. I totally understand how it's not pleasant before Christmas, but just stay positive. Please let us all know how things work out. Good luck! Be patient and believe me I know it's hard but worth the ARO being thorough.

Response for me on December 24. Unfortunate news that I have to file more paperwork. Disappointing they took 11.5 months to tell me this just before Christmas. More waiting.

I got my Waiver today! Good for 5 years!!! I am so excited that it came in time for the new year. Good luck to all of you still waiting. Just to let you know they do have a new address ... That may have caused the delays in November when we were not getting email replies from the ARO.

@ChrisD - I have heard the same about ARO looking through social media websites and I am assuming it's obvious that they are looking for hits on most likely any type of terrorist related media and comments than an applicant would be involved in. Would make sense with the way things are going in the world lately. This secondary security Check might also depend on the types of offences one has as well. (Just a guess on that one). I am glad to say that when I google my name I am one boring regular person as just the normal things come up associated with my name. I am certainly no threat to anyone let alone the USA. LOL I guess they have a protocol to follow and I respect that. Happy Holidays!

I applied on July 24th. I read on another forum that this is speculated to mean they found information online. According to what I was reading the ARO conducts a simple google search of your name and will read through news articles and social media sites. Who knows if this is true or not.. But, I have to think.. If I were the person looking at the file I would probably do the same thing!

@ChrisD--no I have never received that email response but I have received a response pending security checks some months back. I am sure it's another standard reply or something new the ARO has added in for wait purposes. Good Luck! How long has your wait time been now?

I sent in another email inquiry and I got a new message.. Has anyone had anything like this with regards to a secondary check? The note I got was "Your application is on file with the Admissibility Review Office. It is pending results of necessary secondary security checks. "

@3legit2quit- don't be nervous. I know it's easy to say cuz I am living it along with several others the wait game. I think the ARO closed down for like a month regarding answering emails. So at 120 days from your application date you should send an email enquiry to the ARO. I wish you the best of luck! Still waiting here and my patience has run out already. Have a great evening!

@moozie1 I applied in BC. Reading all these long waiting times making me nervous for sure!

@3Legit2quit - well I wish you luck in the 3 month timeframe. When I applied for my renewal they told me 4 months. Well over 9 months waiting. Things have changed at the ARO this year...so it seems. What province did you apply from?

Applied for a renewal in late August, no I-194 yet. I was told that I should receive within 3 months. Oh well... This is my 2nd time.

@Kristina. Yes you are so right about the generic response. Well at least I know now that my "Good morning" from the ARO is now part of the standard reply. I wonder if they have a Good afternoon response too? Lol. Honestly this is ridiculous already. And believe when you do ask questions they will never respond. Have a great day and let's just keep our hopes up. Someday the waivers simply have to get processed.

@moozeee1 Yep mins said good morning as well. I guess for some reason they updated their standard response from what I can tell. Even when I emailed them a question I got the same reply. They do not even read the emails you send in I am pretty sure and they just send out that standard email.

@kristina - I have always sent mine to the ARO enquiry email. But at this point it cannot hurt for you to resend another enquiry. Did you also get a Good morning on yours? I need to know why mine was so special after almost a year. Lol. And once again mine is a renewal. Nevertheless, good luck. Have a nice evening!