Inadmissibility Waivers

You don't need a conviction to be inadmissible to the United States. An admission, a discharge, or a withdrawn charge can be enough, and a Canadian pardon does not fix it. If you've been refused entry, sent to secondary inspection, or told you need a waiver, there's usually a path back, and sometimes you need no waiver at all.

I-192 Waiver (for Canadian citizens)

A Canadian Pardon Does Not Fix This

I-212 and I-601 Waivers

How the Process Works

I-192 Waiver (for Canadian citizens)

Exclusively for Canadian citizens, this is the waiver for anyone inadmissible and seeking entry as a nonimmigrant, whether that's a weekend trip, a work permit, or a TN, L-1, or E-2 application. Inadmissibility can come from:

Criminal Convictions: A DUI or other criminal conviction, anywhere in the world.
Admissions of Conduct: An admission of the underlying conduct, even where charges were withdrawn or discharged.
Immigration Violations: A prior US immigration violation or overstay.
Controlled Substances: A controlled substance issue, including cannabis, which remains federally illegal in the US regardless of its status in Canada.

The application is filed directly with CBP, not through a consulate, either electronically through e-SAFE or on paper at a designated port of entry. CBP's Admissibility Review Office decides, generally within six to eight months, weighing the risk of harm to society, the seriousness of what happened, and the applicant's reasons for wanting to enter.

A Canadian Pardon Does Not Fix This

A Canadian record suspension has effect in Canada. It does not bind US authorities and does not remove a ground of inadmissibility. Applicants regularly get one, assume the problem is solved, and are refused at the border months later. If a US ground applies, the remedy has to be a US remedy.

Not everyone who's had trouble at the border is actually inadmissible. Where no ground applies, the Admissibility Review Office can issue a letter confirming no waiver is required, a permanent document rather than something renewed every few years.

I-212 and I-601 Waivers

I-212 is for anyone previously deported or removed from the US seeking re-entry, immigrant or nonimmigrant. I-601 applies to inadmissible applicants for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, most often used when a US citizen or Green Card holder relative would face extreme hardship if the applicant were denied entry. Both turn on rehabilitation evidence, strong moral character, and, for I-601, demonstrating hardship beyond the ordinary.

How the Process Works

We assess whether a ground of inadmissibility actually applies to you, and which waiver fits, before filing anything
We assemble the record: certified criminal record checks, court dispositions, evidence of rehabilitation
We file, electronically or by paper as appropriate for the waiver type
We track the file through adjudication and advise on next steps

A strong application, supported by rehabilitation evidence and a clear reason for travel, is what moves these forward.

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