That's interesting since the article is from June 18 2018 it says two things:

“As many as 30,000 phones were checked at the U.S. border in 2017, representing a 60 per cent increase in inspections. U.S. officials say that number is still only a miniscule percentage of all travellers that crossed the border that year. But with recreational marijuana legalization set to occur this October, Canadians can expect a higher frequency of phone searches in the next few months.”

“Additionally, the new directive allows border agents to download documents that are stored in a cloud, or upload files into their own storage drives for examination. Experts suggest travellers to remove any sensitive data from their phones before reaching the border and also turning on 'airplane mode' to ensure border agents cannot remotely access files without a valid reason.”

Since there was no "cloud" in 2008, I guess this is different. Also, since they increased phone inspection by 60% in 2017, and are increasing it even more "under the new directive", i would say "more than a 60% greater chance my phone would be searched" is a significant change. Note two that in 2008 there was no pending legalization for marijuana, so this represents stepped up enforcement.

Ken, would you say a 60% chance you are going to die of cancer is "significant"? How about a "greater than 60% chance"?

1. Next time read the article before commenting
2. Waivers are about attention to detail. Your constantly showing a lack of that here.

This is actually kinda old news. This topic came up in 2008 by CBP with laptops and cell phones being searched by border. Also, the 5-day rule is not necessarily applicable since they can cite "National Security" and keep the phone longer if they want. There is no way they will only hold it for 5 days if they state National Security concerns.

We posted some material on our business facebook page about 4 months ago that indicates how you can protect your personal data during these searches of phones and laptops. They have always been searching phones during secondary searches for entry into USA. They even literally searched mine in 2008 at the Pacific Highway border. Good info but it is something that got really big right after 911.

https://www.wired.com/2008/04/border-agents-c/

Ill post this here, since the conversation seems to have stopped.

https://www.narcity.com/news/canadians-will-now-have-their-phones-searched-when-crossing-the-us-border

They will now be checking your cell phones and if you refuse to give them the password, they will deny you entry and keep the cell phone for up to 5 days. Brand New article.

Just received my first waiver in the mail yesterday (Aug 9) and I submitted my application on March 19. Took just less than 5 months to receive it.

First waiver always takes time because of Security and Background checks.

^^^ Sorry my question was directed to @Charlie31

@Sha , I noticed you said average wait time is 4-6 months unless its your first time. This is my first time applying and my 6 months was last week. I'd like to know what the average wait time is for someone applying for the first time.

@Charlie31 He is absolutely correct. Its not rocket science and watch out for people trying to get your money.

As for your case @Marc, there is no specific wait time after an offence is committed to apply for a U.S. waiver. They assess waivers on a case by case basis. However the longer it has been since your last convictions, what shows up on your RCMP report, whether a pardon has been granted or not, are things that will help you and will make your application look more appealing.

Good Luck hope this helps!

So how long do I have to wait to submit a waiver after the offence was commited? US immigration rules state 15 yrs while others say to wait 5 yrs. I received an absolute discharge for an intimidation charge which came about after a fight with my neighbor. She called the cops and pressed bogus charges on me. My lawyer told me to plead guilty as this was the most favorable outcome. This would leave me with no permanent record and no punishment. Although the neighbor intimidated me. I decided to move on from this and avoid taking it to trial. I do not see this offence anywhere in the US federal penal legislation. I can't tell wether it is a CIMT or not. Regardless, I was charged summarily which according to US immigration laws I qualify under the petty exception. I have many questions and hope you can be of assistance.