I applied on July 24th at the Blaine Port of Entry in BC. Followed up once on Nov 9th and got a reply next day saying it was pending required security checks. I also requested another update on Nov 25th, got the auto response but no actual reply from anyone. It is odd, almost like they just shut the place down according to the notes on here.
I have one question - My canadian criminal record search came back with no convictions of any kind because I was never fingerprinted when arrested. Does anyone have a similar situation? I fear that it may complicate my application because they won't understand why it shows i have no criminal record when i should have.
Waiver application processing times
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@chrisD - I guess I am wondering why you applied for a waiver at all? Did they tell you that you had too? Sorry not being rude. In anyway -- just curious. And yes the ARO has apparently shut down the email answering and as to why that's a complete mystery. Irritating but what can we do? Have a good day and good luck!
@Moozee1 - I applied for a waiver because I needed to be certain I can cross for work, so I went into the border crossing with all my court papers and disclosed everything. At this point they deemed me inadmissible. This was something I needed to do because I may have been able to cross trouble free without voluntarily declaring it until the one time they ask "have you ever been arrested" at which point I would need to disclose it.
@ChrisD - I hear you on all counts. I understand completely. Having a prior criminal record from the 1980s which was not extensive and was pardoned by our Canadian government. But the US waiver as in the ARO does not care. Granted my first waiiver in just over 90 days now I am waiting for over 9 months. It's really upsetting. But good luck and keep us posted. As will I. Cheers!
I figured I wouldn't get much for answers but I phoned preclearance at Edmonton Airport (which is where my husband submitted everything) to see if there is an issue with ARO since they are not responding to any status requests. The lady just told me they are very busy and as of right now it is taking about 8 months for processing so I shouldn't bother to check the status again for about another 2 months. She told me if it hasn't been 8 months yet they are just not responding (which makes no sense since before they would respond in hours to a request after it had only been 120 days). Oh well. I wonder if I were to call USCIS if they could give me any answers about zero response from ARO.
@kristina - what a story from the ARO. It's been 9 months for me and then some and longer for others. Maybe they should update their website. Seriously how busy can they be especially with us Canadians and our dollar being so horrible. I appreciate you checking. And please update us if you get a hold of anyone at the USCIS. I sent an email to the ARO everyday morning this week ... Just because it won't get a response anyway and guess not 4 for 4 not one reply. Lol. What a joke. I just keeping one day my waiver will be in the mailbox but the hope is slowly diminishing. Ugh.
Hi there,
I was wondering if your criminal background check is clear and shows no criminal record because of a conditional discharge, if you still need to include court records?
Has anyone on here who is still waiting ... Had any responses to their ARO enquiries? Better still anyone that has been waiting for their Waiver for almost a year ever get a response? I am quite upset but maybe no news is good news! Ugh.
Not yet, still waiting on a response. I have sent about 5 requests over the last 3-4 weeks with zero response. It is VERY frustrating. Especially when previously they would respond within hours.
Little good news on this thread, I received my waiver approval today. Applied in July at Edmonton International Airport.
This was my second application and it is valid for 5 years.
I couldn't be more excited. Hang in there everyone.
@Alfredo. That is great news. Good to hear some good news on here. Happy travelling.
@Alfredo That is great news! Did you send them any emails or just sit and wait?
I did inquire twice in late November, with only the automated response.
My waiver is dated 30 Nov, which makes it exactly 4 months from date of application.
I know every case is different; my offence was 18 yrs ago, and pardoned 13 years ago, so that may have been a factor in the response time.
Good luck to all.
That is great news Alfredo!! Hopefully we will see something for my husband soon. We also applied in July at Edmonton Airport - this is his first waiver though. But it is for 2 minor summary offences from 14 years ago. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Applied in late July, received waiver Dec 11 Dated Nov 30th ,
Just over 4 months , 1st waiver 1 year, i was getting worried reading the wait times some have been having lately.
@Millhouse, do you mind if I ask what your waiver was for? Was it for a criminal conviction or for an overstay? That is great news BTW!!! Praying my husbands gets here soon :D
@Millhouse - that is great news. Just over 4 months. Geez that was very quick for you and @Alfredo. What province did you apply from @Millhouse? And yes other wait times are very long ...including move and it's a renewal. But that's the way the cookie crumbles I guess. Lol. Happy travels!
@Millhouse , did you happen to email ARO at all for status updates? And if so did you ever receive responses from them?
Minor convictions 25 years ago, Applied sumas crossing B.C. i did not make inquiry, just crossed fingers.
Moozeee, I live in BC, but applied at Edmonton preclearance.