What is a US entry waiver?
A US Entry Waiver (Form I-192) grants permission to enter the United States when you are otherwise inadmissible due to a criminal record or prior immigration violation. It is separate from a Canadian record suspension. CBP does not recognize Canadian pardons for entry purposes.
Who needs a US waiver?
You may need one if you were denied US entry, withdrew after CBP questioning, or have convictions that make you inadmissible under US law - including DUI, drug offences, theft, fraud, and assault. Prior border denials create CBP files that persist even after a Canadian suspension.
Canadian pardon vs US waiver
| Record suspension | US waiver | |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Parole Board of Canada | US CBP / USCIS |
| Purpose | Canadian background checks | Permission to enter US |
| Recognized by US? | No | Yes (when granted) |
Many Canadians need both. See pardon vs US waiver.
I-192 application steps
- Confirm inadmissibility category
- Obtain RCMP record and court dispositions
- Draft personal statement (offence, rehabilitation, travel purpose)
- Gather character references and employment verification
- Complete and submit the I-192 application
- Attend biometrics if required
- Await decision
Service page: US Entry Waiver support.
Waiver validity and renewal
Waivers are granted for limited periods (commonly 1–5 years). Calendar renewal 6 months before expiry. Updated personal statements and current employment proof strengthen renewals.
Lawful border conduct
Do not attempt entry while inadmissible without approval. Additional denials complicate future applications. The lawful pathway is I-192 approval before travel. We do not advise border “workarounds.”