Starting January 2017 ARO will issue only 5 years waiver to everyone. ARO will no longer issue 1,2 or 3 years waiver anymore. Because of new rules ARO will process all application fast.
Good News
As someone who's been doing waivers for 10+ years, I've got insider information also that waivers will now be going into 5 year approval to give relief at Admissibility Review Office’s (ARO) backlog and to increase efficiency starting in January 2017.
I agree with @Navigator on this one... it's no joke, it is true. Formally it hasn't been announced just yet but most people in the industry already know about it.
Thanks for the news @Navigator.
@RS I always trust your knowledge when it comes to waivers.
@Navigator, do you think they will start this early?? I'm hoping so. Just got the message that they've made a final decision on my application and I should be receiving correspondence. This is my first waiver so hoping for a 5 year :)....
From what I was told by some of my friends from the AILA is that if you applied within the last 3-6 months chances are real good you will get the 5 year.
For those who have got valid 1,2 and even three 3 year waivers as of right now are now in a great position to get 5 year waivers when you renew.
Way to go US-CBP!
Great information.
Based on your experience what is the typical processing time for a renewal application?
Thanks.
This is better news for sure. I would hope that the DHS is cognizant of the significant costs involved each time applicants must file, as well as their own burdens in their respective agency workloads.
It would be great also, that, if one was leading a crime-free, responsible life going forward that after a 5-year waiver one could be considered eligible for a lifetime waiver the way the old border crossing cards used to be.
And, with respect to processing times, we will have to see how fast is "fast". With modern technology and the ability to exchange information in real time, I cannot see how most waivers could not be processed within a month. I trust that the people in the know here and others could keep us informed of changes in this regard, and obviously this would be greatly appreciated by the readership.
Basics of renewal times are dependant on the nature of your crime, with background checks etc.... usually the 3-9 month period... but its getting faster...some months my friends are getting is 4 - 5 months is the norm... odd cases are pushed till 9 months... only one @11 months since last September as of right now.... but I am confident they will get theirs next month or two before a new president gets chosen, then who knows how much more strict it will become.
Thank you for the reply.
My first waiver was approved just shy of 4 months in 2015. My second waiver has been submitted for just over 4 months and still nothing. Ive had no changes to my record check and all other information on the application is the same. Thoughts? I read conflicting information in regards to following up via email. Some say wait 130 days while others say wait 150 days. What would you suggest?
Hmm, interesting. I am (hopefully!) on track to receive my 5-year shortly. I applied at the Peace Bridge Buffalo, NY (as I did with my first two waiver applications) on May 9th.
My first waiver was for one year, applied late April '12, received the last day of July '13.
My second waiver was (just about expired now) for three years, applied late April '13, received early August '13.
Give or take a week, it's been bang-on 3 1/2 months each time, which seems to be as expected for a case which involved a conviction that is now 23 years old.
There has been reported that delays don't always necessarily reside with the ARO, but rather the FBI, etc. in doing name checks, etc. in their system. This perhaps can explain the occasional anomalies in cases that are taking greater than 6-9 months to process.
Hi, Gary.
I believe that the ARO is now asking that you only inquire as to waiver status (via email) after 130 days have passed. Now maybe they are blowing smoke here by saying that bothering them before that time has passed they might delay your application, but, personally I would respect that guideline.
:: @Frank Jr. added on 05 Aug ’16 · 00:10
:: @Frank Jr. added on 05 Aug ’16 · 00:11
If you scroll to the end of that page you can see where it indicates 130 days.
Frank Jr.
Thanks for the post.
I'm hopeful my second waiver arrives in the near future. I'll wait the 130 days before following up. I did read ARO has pushed this timeline to 150 days, are you aware of this?
Hi, Gary.
I wasn't aware of this based on my reading of the website as it exists tonight, however, it is possible that they have changed this guideline as you say, and haven't as yet updated the webpage. I would be happy to stand corrected :)
I do get the sense that the ARO is overworked, however, and that the measures that RS and Navigator have alerted us to in this thread will serve to relieve this issue.
Gary:
Indeed it does, and that was a good find! So what it appears here is that your link is to newer, updated information including a new physical address as well for the US-CBP ARO, which indicates an address in Falls Church, Va. as opposed to Herdon, Va.
I'm sure I've either read here that they did relocate, but I can't remember off hand where I read that. And I just finished my intro post and it's getting late :)
It's your choice obviously as to what to do with that. I'm with you, I know that "time is of the essence" and I would be eager to know too what the status is with my application. I have the luxury of waiting a couple of more months this time than my last one due to imminent surgery planned, but I well know that for others every day makes a difference.
@Timber I hope you will get for 5 years. Friend of mine got for 5 years and it was his first waiver. Keep us update :)
How did you receive the message that a decision has been made? Did they email you?
I read on the "waiver application processing time" thread that you applied on April 8th, did you email them for a status update? If so, how long did you wait to email them?
Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.
I just e mailed. I applied on April 8th 2016 for my waiver. So at about the 90 day mark I emailed and got the standard reply . I was concerned about the pending Canada Post strike at that time so e mailed early.
“Your application is on file with the Admissibility Review Office. It is pending results of required security checks. Due to the individual circumstances of each waiver application, there is not a set timeframe to give as to when an application decision will be completed.”
I e mailed on Tuesday and received this reply on Wednesday
Good Morning,
“Final action has been taken on your application. You should be receiving correspondence from this office in the near future regarding the decision.”
So the process for me has taken just under 4 months.
@RS
I will keep you posted if I get a 5 year waiver...fingers , toes and everything crossed :) We have recreation property in the states that we have been going to for the last 10 years. (we go every weekend, or should I say we were until last November). The whole process from start to finish has been 9 months. Had to wait a full 120 days for the finger prints to come from the RCMP.