Clarifying US Entry Waivers
Canada and the United States Both Have Laws Preventing People With Criminal Records From Crossing the Border.
We would like to take this opportunity to clarify some of the confusion surrounding admissibility to the United States.
The only way to guarantee access to the United States is to apply for an I-192 waiver.
Pardons are not recognized by the US government. If you tell a customs officer that you have been pardoned, they could still refuse you entry at the border.
Some people who have been pardoned choose to lie if they are questioned about the existence of a criminal record by a customs officer. This method is often effective but there is no guarantee that it will work. Being caught in a lie by US Customs carries serious repercussions.
Not all criminal convictions make a person inadmissible to the USA. Someone with one DUI should not be refused at the border. Other exceptions exist. Speak with a counsellor to determine whether you are legally inadmissible.
If you need to travel for work purposes, or are simply not willing to risk refusal at the border, then you should pursue a waiver.
If you have any questions please or concerns or would like to discuss the details of your case please contact us and a counsellor will be happy to assist you.