If you have a criminal record, you are not allowed to enter the United States. To enter the United States, you must apply for a waiver, or a Advance Permission to Enter as Non-Immigrant, under the Immigration & Naturalization Act. Pardon Services International specializes in assisting those living in Canada who possess a criminal record to obtain a waiver. A waiver is granted by the U.S. government to allow HASSLE FREE BORDER CROSSING. Once a waiver is issued, an individual can simply produce this document to the U.S. port of entry to gain easy passage into the U.S. WHO CAN APPLY? Anyone convicted of an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, or given a conditional discharge will most likely require a waiver. Most people that possess a criminal record will need a waiver to ensure entry into the U.S. By simply obtaining a copy of the criminal record through the local police department, Pardon Services can easily assess eligibility requirements. ELIGIBILITY FOR A WAIVER A waiver is granted at the discretion of the a US Immigration officer. The U.S. government examines each application individually to determine the need for a waiver. Although there is no clear cut prerequisite, the immigration office will look at the length of time elapsed since last offense, severity of offense, work history, and reason for travel. Based upon the information presented, the U.S. government will formulate their decision. WHY APPLY FOR A WAIVER? The U.S. Authority has every right to question, examine and reject any person attempting to pass through the border that does not possess a waiver. Should one attempt to cross, (that has a criminal record) and does not relay this information to the U.S. Official, they are in jeopardy of having their car confiscated, monetary fines and possible incarceration. Once a waiver is granted, you must produce this document when entering the U.S. The officer still has the right to question you. A waiver will permit you to travel to the U.S. for vacation, business purposes or training. It does not allow you to work in the U.S. for a U.S. employer. WAIVER DURATION Waivers are granted for periods ranging from 6 months to one year, to 5 years. A one-year waiver means that you must re-apply before the expiry date in order to ensure that the initial waiver has not expired. Applicants are notified directly by the BCIS at their home addresses. PROCESSING Pardon Services International will represent those in need of applying for a waiver. A full set of fingerprints is required. Forms will be provided by Pardon Services International. Any court documents, or police records will be beneficial in determining the eligibility of the application. CANADIAN PARDONS A waiver granted by the U.S. government is only recognized in their country. Anyone possessing a criminal record may also apply for a pardon. A pardon is granted by the Canadian government after a specified amount of time has elapsed following the last conviction. A pardon will seal all records in Canada only, and no one can access these records. A pardon will aid in seeking employment, bondability and travel to foreign countries. A pardon will not be recognized in the United States, therefore a waiver is still necessary when traveling south. WAIVER PROCESS We will compile the necessary personal information. We will then create a computer file specific to your case and circumstances and prepare the documents for your signature. The requirements for a waiver are different at each district Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS) office. We will inform you of the appropriate BCIS office and requirements and guide you through them. Once all the document and letters are collected, we will review your application for completeness and petition the BCIS district office for a waiver. Normally, a waiver takes 4 to 8 months from the time the application is filed with the BCIS.
WAIVER FEE Our fee is $265.00. You may pay in monthly instalments. Additional
fees and disbursements:
For
more information, see Frequently Asked Questions |