Travel to the US & Abroad

A criminal record can follow you for life. It can affect your travel opportunities both to the United States and abroad. A Waiver is an official document granted by the United States which allows for entry into their country to people who would otherwise be inadmissible. The United States base admissibility on several criteria most notably whether your criminal offences are considered to be of moral turpitude which is “conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty and good morals.”

The granting of US entry Waivers is based on three factors:

• The risk of harm to the United States if you are admitted;
• The seriousness of your offence;
• Your stated purpose for entering the United States

Waivers are granted at the sole discretion of U.S. border authorities. They are granted for periods ranging from one to five years.

A Waiver brings relief and a new found freedom. It allows for travelling to, and through, the United States. It gives you back control of your life. You choose where you would like to visit and vacation.

Canada and the United States share a reciprocal agreement regarding border compliance and access to criminal record databases. While other countries do not, it would seem you could travel abroad without worry. The concern is that the United States has announced a program beginning in December, 2010 whereby all aircraft originating from Canada and travelling over U.S. airspace will be required in advance of such flights to provide complete passenger manifests (lists). This program is initially intended to screen for potential terrorist threats however this capability provides for further changes to their protocols and procedures at their discretion. If additional changes are implemented without a Waiver or Pardon you might be denied access to the U.S. putting at risk your travel plans. It is illegal to enter most countries with a criminal record. Call one of our Specialists before booking your trip.

The granting of waivers is based on three factors:

• The risk of harm to the United States if you are admitted;
• The seriousness of your offence;
• Your stated purpose for entering the United States

Waivers are granted at the sole discretion of U.S. border authorities. They are granted for periods ranging from one to five years.

A Waiver is a legal document allowing you entry into the United States whereas a Pardon removes your criminal record from searchable computer databases in Canada. The Waiver grants you admissibility that would otherwise be denied given your criminal past. If you have been denied entry to the U.S. you will require a Waiver.

If you have a criminal record in Canada, yet you have never been refused entry into the United States, you might consider only a Pardon. However in that the United States does not recognize Canadian Pardons, if they are made aware of your record even after receiving a Pardon you could still be refused entry, be deported, detained or have property seized.

A waiver removes any risk of deportation, detainment, arrest, vehicle confiscation or property seizure.

No. The United States has regulations in place to determine admissibility but because border authorities are granted significant discretion anyone entering the U.S. with a criminal record can be deported or detained and in the worst possible cases be arrested or face property seizure. The United States base admissibility on several criteria, most notably whether your criminal offences are considered to be of moral turpitude which is "conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or good morals." This includes any narcotics convictions.

• We will have you sign official applications we compile for you.
• You will need to have a set of fingerprints done immediately.
• Proof of Canadian Citizenship.
• Employment Documentation (or previous year’s tax assessment).
• We will obtain a certified copy of your criminal record on your behalf.
• We will obtain required court documents on your behalf.
• You will need to obtain 2 letters of reference from reputable people.
• If a Pardon has been granted previously you will need to provide us the Pardon Granted letter you received.
• If your offences involved narcotics you will require a certificate from your doctor or a drug test to prove you are not using.

While we pay certain fees charged by any third party listed above (disbursements) on behalf of our clients up-front these are charged back to you. Typically these range from $50 - $150.

A large number of U.S. Waiver applications filed directly by individuals without assistance are rejected. Many people find the process time-consuming, difficult and lengthy. Our proven methods together with our contacts with courts across the country as well as the United States Department of Homeland Security and other border authorities ensure you receive the most professional, up-to-date assistance available.

Our premium service is the fastest way to compile your application. We push the process through as quickly as possible without compromising the effectiveness of your petition.

• Formulating all required legal documents for your signature.
• Creating a unique process-tracking computer file using our custom database technology.
• Obtaining certified copies of your criminal record and court documents.
• Guiding you through the process of compiling effective support documentation to lower your risk assessment and build the strongest case possible for your entry into the United States.
• Reviewing all compiled materials and your application for accuracy and effectiveness.
• Referring you to the appropriate, most convenient Department of Homeland Security office in your area for filing your application.

This ensures the greatest chance for your success. We are fast, we are reliable and we are affordable.

A Waiver grants you the same rights to entry or refusal as anyone else. When entering with a Waiver you must have the document available for border officials. Also, you will be subject to possible inspection like any other person attempting to enter the United States.

Initially you need to obtain a set of fingerprints from your local police detachment or another authorized private fingerprinting service. We will advise on the most expeditious way to get this done depending on your location. We obtain a certified copy of your criminal record to determine what court documents will be required to successfully complete your application. We will need you to provide two letters of reference from reputable individuals. If your criminal record indicates narcotics charges you will need to get a certificate from your doctor or have a drug test completed to show you are no longer using. You will also need to write a letter of explaining the circumstances of your offence(s) which we will advise you as to format and tone.

We will need a letter of employment from you or a copy of your most recent tax Notice of Assessment. Once we have all the documents we need, we compile your application checking for accuracy, completeness and effectiveness. Your application package is sent to you as you must personally attend a U.S. border office to submit it and have a second set of fingerprints and photographs taken.

With our premium service where we expedite your application every step of the way, the process can take between 6 – 12 months. This is largely dependent on the extent of your record and the number of court checks we need to obtain. It also depends on each individual court attending to our requests as expeditiously as possible.

Often we are able to accomplish this sooner but our experience suggests our timelines are genuine and real. It is our policy to use caution when quoting timelines as we do not want to misinform you. We always look to deliver exactly what we promise. This is our commitment to you. It is also why we continue to receive referral business from past clients. Our service specialists would be pleased to discuss your personal situation with you.

A Waiver is good for multiple entries for up to five years.