US Entry Waiver Lawyer in Vancouver
If you are a Canadian citizen or resident with a past criminal record, you may be denied entry to the United States. We help you secure US Entry Waivers (I-192) to travel legally across the border.
US Inadmissibility for Canadians
Under United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) regulations, Canadian citizens and permanent residents with a past criminal record (including drug offenses, theft, or fraud) are considered inadmissible to the US. Even if your offense occurred decades ago, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers can deny entry and issue a lifetime ban. We assess your background to determine if a waiver is required.
The U.S. I-192 Waiver Application Process
The I-192 Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant is the formal process for Canadians to request entry. We manage the entire application: compiling certified court records, preparing local police checks, drafting detailed letters of rehabilitation, and submitting the file electronically through the CBP e-SAFE portal to reduce processing delays.
Waiver Validity and Future Renewals
US Entry Waivers are temporary and typically granted for a duration of 1, 3, or 5 years. A waiver does not erase your record, but it allows you to cross the border legally for business, family, or vacation. We guide you on the rules of travel under a waiver and help you prepare renewal applications well in advance of expiry.
Frequently asked questions
General information for Vancouver applicants — not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts and current IRCC or IRB policy.
Who needs a US Entry Waiver?
Canadian citizens and residents with a past criminal record (especially offenses involving moral turpitude or controlled substances) or those who have previously been deported or overstayed in the US need a waiver to enter the country legally.
Does a single DUI make me inadmissible to the United States?
Unlike Canada, which treats a single DUI as serious criminality, a single DUI conviction without aggravating factors (such as bodily harm or driving without a license) generally does NOT make you inadmissible to the United States. However, multiple DUI convictions, drug-related charges, or reckless driving can trigger inadmissibility.
How long does a US Waiver take to process?
CBP processing times for I-192 applications generally range from 3 to 6 months after submitting biometrics at a designated port of entry. We recommend starting the application process 6 months before your planned travel.
Does a Canadian pardon (Record Suspension) clear my record for the US?
No. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does NOT recognize Canadian Record Suspensions (formerly pardons). Even if your record is sealed in Canada, U.S. border databases (connected via CPIC) will still show your past arrest history. You must still apply for a US Entry Waiver.
Ready to discuss your file?
Share your timeline and goals on our consultation page — we will outline practical next steps for your immigration strategy in BC.
Immigration consultation — Vancouver