Do I need a visa application?

ericinyul posted 12 years ago

I had a criminal record and I used Pardons Canada to get it sealed. I am wondering if I am going to need a US waiver to go state side. I've haven't been to the US in about 15 years. Does anyone know if they will have my information?

MikeG 12 years ago

Yes. The US doesn't recognize Canadian Pardons. You will have to apply for a waiver. Big Brother has all our info.

Welcome to the I‑194 Waiver Forum

A discussion forum for any Canadian who has been refused entry to the United States because of a criminal record, a previous overstay, a health-related ground or another reason.

To travel to the U.S. again you need a waiver: you apply on Form I-192, and if it's approved you receive an I-194, usually valid for 1 to 5 years.

How it works today:

Apply and pay online through e-SAFE, then give your fingerprints and photo at a designated e-SAFE port of entry. CBP no longer processes waivers at preclearance locations in Canadian airports.
You'll need RCMP fingerprint results dated within 15 months, court records for every conviction, and a personal statement.
The filing fee is US$1,100 (USCIS fee schedule, October 2026).
CBP quotes 90–120 days after biometrics; members here often report much longer. See the timelines threads.

Last checked against CBP and USCIS: November 2026.

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Do I need a visa application?

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