For Canadians with certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, or other grounds of U.S. inadmissibility, travelling to the United States can be difficult. Even if you are a Canadian citizen who normally does not need a visa for a temporary visit, you may still be considered inadmissible to the United States.

In certain circumstances, an eligible Canadian may apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver before travelling to the United States. The waiver process generally involves Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Non-immigrant, submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Eligible Canadians can apply electronically through CBP’s e-SAFE system.

This guide explains how the U.S. Entry Waiver process works for Canadians, what documents may be required, the role of RCMP fingerprinting, and how FIPS can assist with the fingerprinting portion of the process.

What Is a U.S. Entry Waiver?

A U.S. Entry Waiver is advance permission that may allow an otherwise inadmissible non-immigrant to enter the United States temporarily.

For eligible Canadian citizens, Form I-192 is generally used to request advance permission to enter the United States as a non-immigrant when a person is inadmissible. The waiver is discretionary, meaning submitting an application does not guarantee approval. CBP reviews the applicant’s circumstances and supporting documentation before making a decision.

A waiver may be relevant to Canadians who have issues such as certain criminal convictions or other grounds of inadmissibility.

Who May Need a U.S. Entry Waiver?

A Canadian may need to explore a waiver if they have previously been found inadmissible to the United States or have circumstances that could make them inadmissible.

Examples can include:

• Certain criminal convictions
• Multiple criminal convictions
• Certain drug-related offences
• Previous immigration violations
• Deportation or removal history
• Unlawful presence in certain circumstances
• Other grounds of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law

The exact rules depend on the individual’s circumstances. A U.S. Entry Waiver is not automatically required simply because someone has a criminal record, and eligibility should be assessed based on the specific facts of the case.

FIPS provides RCMP fingerprinting and over 20 years of Waiver experience, but does not determine U.S. immigration admissibility or provide legal advice.

How to Apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver from Canada

The application process generally involves several important steps.

Step 1: Determine Whether You May Be Inadmissible

Before preparing an application, determine why you may be inadmissible to the United States.

Your circumstances may involve a criminal conviction, previous immigration issue, removal order, or another ground under U.S. law.

Step 2: Obtain Your Canadian RCMP Criminal Record Verification

For Canadian applicants, CBP requires verification of the Canadian criminal record or evidence that no record exists.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) fingerprints must be dated and endorsed by the RCMP within 15 months of submission of Form I-192.

This makes accurate fingerprint capture an important part of preparing a U.S. Entry Waiver application.

Step 3: Gather Your Supporting Documents

Depending on your circumstances, your application package may include:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship
• Completed Form I-192
• RCMP criminal record verification
• Official court records for convictions
• Records relating to arrests or charges
• Documentation concerning immigration violations, if applicable
• Evidence of rehabilitation or reformation of character
• A personal statement explaining the circumstances
• Other supporting documents relevant to your inadmissibility

CBP states that applicants with criminal convictions should provide official court records showing the plea, indictment, conviction and disposition for each applicable offence. Applicants may also provide information demonstrating rehabilitation or reformation of character.

Step 4: Create an e-SAFE Account

Eligible Canadian citizens can use CBP’s Electronic Secured Adjudication Forms Environment (e-SAFE) to submit an electronic Form I-192 application.

The current e-SAFE system allows eligible citizens of Canada and certain other visa-exempt countries to apply for a waiver online, upload supporting documentation, pay the application fee and track application communications.

Applicants begin by creating or using a Login.gov account connected to e-SAFE.

Step 5: Complete Form I-192

Form I-192 is the application for advance permission to enter the United States as a non-immigrant.

You should provide complete and accurate information about your identity, citizenship, travel history, criminal history and other relevant circumstances.

Errors, omissions or inconsistent information can create additional problems during the review process.

If you are working with an authorized attorney or representative, the appropriate representation documentation may also be required.

Step 6: Complete the Required Biometrics

Applicants using e-SAFE must complete the biometrics portion of the process at a designated e-SAFE port of entry. CBP states that this involves fingerprints and a photograph.

It is important to distinguish these CBP biometrics from the separate RCMP fingerprinting required to obtain Canadian criminal-record verification.

The RCMP fingerprints are used to obtain the Canadian criminal-record information required for the waiver application, while CBP biometrics are part of the U.S. waiver application process.

Step 7: Submit the Application and Wait for CBP Review

Once your application and supporting documents have been submitted, CBP’s Admissibility Review Office reviews the application.

Processing times can be significant. The current e-SAFE website states that applications are currently averaging approximately 9–12 months, although processing times vary by applicant and there is no guaranteed completion date.

CBP also advises applicants to allow at least 180 days before making a status inquiry, with some cases taking six months or longer.

For this reason, Canadians who need a waiver should plan well ahead of their intended U.S. travel.

What Happens After You Apply?

CBP may approve the waiver, request additional information, or deny the application.

If an e-SAFE application is approved, applicants can receive electronic notification and access the decision through the system.

Approval of a waiver does not necessarily guarantee admission to the United States on every future trip. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers still determine admissibility when you seek entry.

Why Are RCMP Fingerprints Important for a U.S. Entry Waiver?

Accurate fingerprints help establish identity and allow the RCMP to conduct the required criminal-record verification.

For Canadian U.S. Entry Waiver applicants, CBP specifically requires the RCMP Civil Product to be dated and endorsed within 15 months of the I-192 submission.

Using an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting provider can help ensure your fingerprints are captured and submitted in the appropriate format for the required RCMP process.

How FIPS Helps Canadian U.S. Entry Waiver Applicants

FIPS (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services) provides professional fingerprinting services for Canadians who need fingerprints for RCMP-related purposes.

FIPS can assist with:

• Digital fingerprint capture
• RCMP fingerprint submission
• Identification verification
• Fingerprinting for U.S. Entry Waiver-related RCMP documentation
• Other RCMP fingerprinting requirements

FIPS does not decide whether you qualify for a U.S. Entry Waiver, prepare legal arguments, or guarantee CBP approval.

Important: U.S. Preclearance Offices in Canada

Applicants should be aware of an important procedural change.

CBP states that CBP-designated Preclearance locations in Canada are no longer accepting Form I-192 and Form I-212 applications for processing. CBP encourages eligible applicants to submit waiver applications online through e-SAFE.

Therefore, older online articles that instruct Canadians to simply submit a waiver application at a Canadian U.S. preclearance location may now be outdated.