Essential worker needs waiver

Terry posted 6 years ago

My waiver will expire in one year can essential workers still apply for a new waiver without it I will lose my my job after 40 years

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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