What happens after you get a waiver?

SamS posted 4 years ago

I received my waiver earlier this month (5 year waiver - renewal) and I'm planning a road trip to upstate NY in 2 weeks. Wondering what the next step is? Do I just drive up to the border crossing and hand my passport and 2 page waiver to the customs officer? Do I have to mention I have a waiver?
Thanks in advance!

J Rogers (trusted member) Trusted 4 years ago

@SamS

Yes. give them the passport and the waiver. (both pages) Do not hide the waiver.

Welcome to the I‑194 Waiver Forum

A discussion forum for any Canadian who has been refused entry to the United States because of a criminal record, a previous overstay, a health-related ground or another reason.

To travel to the U.S. again you need a waiver: you apply on Form I-192, and if it's approved you receive an I-194, usually valid for 1 to 5 years.

How it works today:

Apply and pay online through e-SAFE, then give your fingerprints and photo at a designated e-SAFE port of entry. CBP no longer processes waivers at preclearance locations in Canadian airports.
You'll need RCMP fingerprint results dated within 15 months, court records for every conviction, and a personal statement.
The filing fee is US$1,100 (USCIS fee schedule, October 2026).
CBP quotes 90–120 days after biometrics; members here often report much longer. See the timelines threads.

Last checked against CBP and USCIS: November 2026.

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What happens after you get a waiver?

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