I-194 Waiver Forum

Best Locations to hand in Waivers

Share RSS
J Rogers Trusted posted

Remember, you MUST pick a place before you file on e-Safe, and that is the ONLY place you can go.

I spoke today to a client who went to the Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls. She said it was VERY BUSY and wondered (because the staff seemed busy) if we needed an appointment? (I should mention here in Brampton its 29 C hot and sunny...so Niagara Falls would also be)

I send people to the Rainbow Bridge because they do not allow trucks, which means its generally "foot traffic" visiting the Falls.

Currently, all 3 Buffalo Borders are Monday-Thursday, 12noon to 8PM.

I called Buffalo to inquire at 1-716-843-8521

They told me the Lewiston does allow trucks, but they are not a very busy bridge, and now that it is Tourist Season, Lewiston might be a better option until fall-winter. He also told me to "check the cameras before you send the clients" but you finish the application BEFORE the person goes, so I would have to know what the volume is going to be on the same day they decide to go. (they have 45 days once I pay)

I may start sending people to Lewiston for a while, and see how that goes.

For people out East, (Maritimes) they are stuck going to Woodstock New Brunswick or some place near there.

Quebec seems to be Champlain. Alberta is Sweetgrass Montana, although that is a VERY long drive, so many fly to Vancouver and go through the Peace Arch.

I tend to refer my Saskatchewan clients to Michelle, (based in Regina) who does a fantastic job at waivers, so I am not 100% sure where she send everyone there.

If you have information, or even anecdotes about borders, please post them here. Questions of course as well.

J Rogers Trusted

I should also mention the DATE of the above post is June 3 2026.

BackToUSA

June 11 2026
New Brunswick - just driving away from Houlton Maine where I did biometrics today. Would have been ina be out in 30 minutes if some dimwit from New Hampshire didn’t miss the last exit and ended up in Canada and turned around with a load of fertilizer and 2 concealed weapons on him as he walked into the USA office 🤦‍♀️.

Calais Maine is another option - did it there 5 years ago.

Took much less time today because I have a valid waiver and I-94. They thanked me for saving all the extra paperwork required if waiver had expired!!!

bob194

after submitting applicaiton on esafe do we need to take appointment to give finger print at niagara rainbow bridge or can we just walkin any time?

J Rogers Trusted

@bob194

Monday to Thursday 12 noon to 8pm.

All the Buffalo bridges are those hours.

If it is a very nice day sometimes Rainbow Bridge can get busy. The clients who go closer to 12 seem to do best.

bob194

thank you @J Rogers . appreciate your help.. I remember 5 years ago i went in the early morning 6:30 AM to give finger prints after submitting on Esafe.

So now they have specific timings, but dont need to take appointment right ?

J Rogers Trusted

@bob194 No appointment, show up Monday-Thursday 12noon to 8pm.

Michelle Trusted

Hi John, Thanks for info, first time on here for a very long time. Saskatchewan's only option is Portal, ND.

bob194

Hi @rogers: can we go same say after submitting Esafe applicaition online ? or is there any wait time ? I am planning to submit and go few after hours later to give biometrics at Niagara rainbow

J Rogers Trusted

@bob194

I suggest going the NEXT day. I have in the past put the waiver through and had the client go a few hours later, but its not recommended.

All that happens, if you go too early, is you won't be able to process the file and you will have to go back.

J Rogers Trusted

Lewiston has proven to be a MUCH better border point for Waiver than Rainbow Bridge.

BUT

If you are not able to DRIVE ACROSS THE BRIDGE, do not try and WALK across at Lewiston. Go to the Rainbow Bridge.

I had a client who was driven by her daughter who did not have a passport. So she wanted to drop her off. Lewiston is not a good location for that.

When it comes to having your waiver processed? Rainbow Bridge has become a problem. They seem to now LOOK for reasons to not take the waiver.

My advice, if possible, use Lewiston.

PeacebridgeQ

@J Rogers the last couple ive done fingerprinting at has been peace bridge. No issues there for me. Any thoughts on peace bridge?

J Rogers Trusted

@PeacebridgeQ

I avoid it because of 2 reasons.

1. Its one of the busiest crossing in North American. And now they have no appointments, so if you go on a busy day, you will wait. Lewiston seems to never be busy.

2. It allows trucks. If you go on a day where they are doing a lot of truck inspections, they get very irritated.

Clients always want to do EXACTLY what they did 5 years ago. But the world changes.

My advice is always take the path of least resistance. Right now, Lewiston is what I am finding is the easiest.

All 3 Buffalo borders are Monday-Thursday 12noon- 8pm.

Remember that 5 years ago, certain borders like Rainbow Bridge were even open on Sundays (not in the summer) and their attitude was "Canada are our friends". Many officers STILL are great and friendly. But unfortunately the BAD ones now feel like "we can do whatever we want" and EMBRACE MAGA attitudes.

The idea is to give you information you might not have otherwise, and let you make the best decision you can.

Just me

Last time I went to peace bridge they told me to get appointment next time. Are you saying that no appointment is required these days? Just show up?

J Rogers Trusted

@Just me

First, how long ago was "last time"?

Because if it was 3 months ago, I can see why you might be "confused". But if it was over a year ago, or worse, 5 years ago, you seem to be surprised that "anything changed".

Secondly, I am sending people to the border EVERY WEEK. Do you think there is any chance that I am "blissfully unaware" of what the border hours are, in the border where I send people....as my job?

Its a forum. I love answering questions, but if you READ a bit, you can clearly see I did this "topic" so you have updated information that is correct RIGHT NOW.

So who is correct? The guy at the border who you don't even know his name, but told you probably well over a year ago, "make an appointment next time" or the guy who in September 2026 is responsible for sending HIS CLIENTS to the border EVERY DAY?

Notice there is no way to "make an appointment"? Could that be a clue?

rogersrude

@J Rogers Perfectly normal and respectful way to speak to people, nevermind potential clients! No notes!

J Rogers Trusted

@rogersrude

I posted a TOPIC on this. Instead of READING it, look at his question. "Are you telling me....." isn't a question. Its a demand.

I answered with much more detail and attention than the person asking the question. And "when I went last time I was told..." without WHEN that was, or more context is LAZY.

"I went to the border on __________ and I was told __________" helps everyone and I will answer that.

I answered in the "tone" it was asked. I am not rude, but READ a bit PLEASE.

Ask anything, but ask so OTHERS can actually BENEFIT from your question and answer.

Reply

Formatting: **bold**, *italic*, > quote, - list, [link text](https://…)

No email, no registration. Pick a name and a password, write them down, and use the same pair every time. Forgot your password?