If you have a criminal record in Canada you must apply for a U.S. Waiver in order to travel to the
United States. A Canadian Pardon does not guarantee entry into the U.S., you still require a Waiver.
A U.S. Waiver application usually takes 8-12 months to process, therefore it is essential to apply for
your U.S. Waiver well before the date you wish to enter the U.S.
There is no official waiting period since your last conviction before you can apply for a U.S. Waiver,
but it is recommended that you wait at least 3 years (5 years for more serious offences including
narcotics related convictions). A U.S. Waiver can be approved for 1 to 5 years. Once a U.S. Waiver
expires, you must go through the same process again and apply for a new one.
Over the last few years, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has taken measures to increase border
security. Avoid the embarrassment of being detained, deported and possibly having your vehicle and
property seized at the border. Contact Pardon Experts today and let their experience and expertise
handle the preparation of your U.S. Waiver application.
