A criminal record should not mean the end of your American dream. Whether you want to visit family in Seattle, attend a business conference in New York, or vacation in Florida, a US Entry Waiver (Form I-192) is your legal pathway to crossing the border with confidence. [cite_start]This complete 2026 guide walks you through everything — from who needs one to the exact RCMP fingerprinting steps required. [cite: 65, 66]
What Is a US Entry Waiver?
A US Entry Waiver, formally known as Form I-192 — Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant, is an official document issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). [cite_start]It grants Canadians who are otherwise inadmissible to the United States legal permission to enter the country temporarily. [cite: 67]
Once approved, a US Entry Waiver allows you to cross the US border by land or air as many times as you wish throughout the validity period. [cite_start]It effectively tells US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers that DHS has reviewed your background and granted you conditional permission to enter. [cite: 68]
If you have received a Canadian pardon or record suspension, the US government does not recognize it. US CBP has had full access to Canadian criminal databases including CPIC and APIS since 2010, which means officers can see your full criminal history regardless of any pardon. [cite_start]You still require a US Entry Waiver if CBP has ever been made aware of your record. [cite: 69, 70, 71]
Who Needs a US Entry Waiver?
You require a US Entry Waiver if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who falls into any of the following categories:
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You have a criminal record in Canada or the United States for any offence -
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You have ever been denied entry to the United States at the border -
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You have been deported or removed from the United States -
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You have overstayed a previous US visit beyond your authorized period -
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[cite_start]You have a record for drug offences, including marijuana possession (even if pardoned) [cite: 72] -
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You admitted marijuana use to a CBP officer, even without a conviction -
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You have a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude such as theft, fraud, or assault -
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You have previously been found inadmissible during a US visa application
[cite_start]Under US immigration law, there is no presumption of innocence. Even if charges were dropped, you were found not guilty, or received a discharge, US CBP may still flag you for inadmissibility. However, in many such non-conviction cases, a waiver is typically not required. Consult a US immigration professional to confirm your specific situation. [cite: 73, 74, 75, 76]
Crimes That Can Make Canadians Inadmissible to the US
Since 2010, US CBP has had direct access to the RCMP’s CPIC database. [cite_start]The following types of offences most commonly render Canadians inadmissible: [cite: 77]
| Offence Category | Common Examples | Waiver Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Offences | Marijuana possession, cocaine possession, controlled substance offences | Yes — even with pardon [cite: 78] |
| Crimes of Moral Turpitude | Theft, shoplifting, fraud, misrepresentation | Yes (unless petty offence exception applies) |
| Assault & Violence | Assault, domestic assault, aggravated assault | Yes [cite: 79, 80] |
| DUI / Impaired Driving | Impaired driving, DUI, DWI | Yes in most cases |
| Immigration Violations | Overstay, previous removal or deportation | Yes — Form I-212 may also be needed [cite: 81] |
| Weapons Offences | Possession of prohibited weapon, firearms offences | Yes |
| Marijuana Admission | Verbal admission of use to CBP officer without conviction | Yes [cite: 82] |
Under section 212(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) of the INA, if the maximum sentence for your offence was one year or less and you were sentenced to no more than six months, you may qualify for the petty offence exception and may not require a waiver. [cite_start]An experienced US immigration attorney can assess your eligibility using your certified court disposition. [cite: 83, 84, 85]
RCMP Fingerprinting — A Mandatory Step for Every US Entry Waiver Application
No US Entry Waiver application can be submitted without a current, certified RCMP criminal record check based on fingerprints. [cite_start]This is a non-negotiable requirement set by US Customs and Border Protection. [cite: 86]
The RCMP fingerprinting for a US Entry Waiver is completed using Form C-216C (Certified Criminal Record Check). [cite_start]The returned RCMP Civil Product and any accompanying records must be dated and endorsed by the RCMP within 15 months of submitting your Form I-192 application. [cite: 87]
Why Choose Surrey Fingerprint Company for Your US Entry Waiver Fingerprinting
When it comes to RCMP fingerprinting for US Entry Waiver applications in British Columbia, Surrey Fingerprint Company is the region’s most trusted RCMP-accredited agency. [cite_start]Here is why hundreds of BC residents choose us every year: [cite: 88]
RCMP Accredited
Fully certified and accredited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for criminal record checks and US Entry Waiver fingerprinting.
Same-Day Appointments
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Book your fingerprinting appointment the same day, Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM — no long waits. [cite: 89]
Digital Electronic Submission
We capture and electronically submit your fingerprints directly to RCMP for faster processing and superior quality results.
US Waiver Specialists
[cite_start]
Our team understands the exact C-216C requirements for US Entry Waiver applications and guides you through every detail. [cite: 90]
Convenient Surrey Location
Centrally located at 112-8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC — easy access with ample parking, serving all of Greater Vancouver.
Confidential & Secure
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Your personal information and fingerprint data are handled with complete confidentiality and in full compliance with privacy laws. [cite: 91]
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing an existing waiver, our certified technicians ensure your C-216C fingerprints meet every RCMP and CBP requirement. [cite_start]We serve clients from Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, Richmond, Burnaby, and across British Columbia. [cite: 92, 93]
📞 Call: (604) 825-8882 | 📧 info@surreyfingerprint.com
Complete List of Documents Required for a US Entry Waiver
The Department of Homeland Security has strict documentation requirements. Missing even a single document can result in your application being rejected and significant delays to your plans. [cite_start]Gather all of the following before submitting: [cite: 94, 95]
Mandatory Documents
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Completed Form I-192 — Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant (submitted via e-SAFE portal) -
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RCMP Certified Criminal Record — Form C-216C — fingerprint-based, dated and endorsed by RCMP within 15 months of I-192 submission -
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Valid Canadian Passport — must be valid for the duration of intended travel -
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Official Court Records — certified records for every arrest, charge, and conviction in your history -
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[cite_start]Fingerprints — FD-258 card or electronic capture — completed by a CBP officer at port of entry during your biometrics appointment [cite: 96] -
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Government Filing Fee — $930 USD payable to DHS via e-SAFE portal (additional Form I-212 fee if applicable) -
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Two Passport-Sized Photographs — meeting CBP specifications
Supporting Documents (Strongly Recommended)
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Employer Letter — stating your occupation, length of service, and reason for US travel (for business travel) -
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Three Reference Letters — from non-relatives who can attest to your character and rehabilitation -
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[cite_start]Proof of Ties to Canada — property ownership, mortgage documents, stable employment, family obligations [cite: 97] -
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Proof of Financial Stability — bank statements, tax returns, or pay stubs showing you will not be a financial burden in the US -
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Rehabilitation Evidence — counselling certificates, community service records, letters from treatment programs -
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Personal Statement / Narrative — a written explanation of your conviction, demonstrated remorse, and reasons why you pose no risk to the US -
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Pardoned Record from RCMP — if you have a Canadian record suspension, include the suspended record ($80 RCMP fee) -
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[cite_start]Copies of Previous I-192 Decisions — if renewing or if you have previously applied, include prior decisions (favourable or not) [cite: 98] -
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Self-Employed Individuals — most recent tax return in place of employer letter
How to Apply for a US Entry Waiver: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Follow these seven steps carefully. [cite_start]Starting early gives you the best chance of approval and avoids disrupting your travel plans. [cite: 99]
Determine If You Need a US Entry Waiver
Assess your inadmissibility by reviewing your criminal history and any past border denials. If you have any convictions, prior US border refusals, overstays, or removals, you almost certainly need a waiver. [cite_start]Consulting a US immigration professional can confirm your specific situation and the strength of your case before you invest time and money in the application. [cite: 100, 101]
Get Your RCMP Fingerprinting Done Start Here
Book your fingerprinting appointment at Surrey Fingerprint Company, Surrey’s RCMP-accredited leader in US Entry Waiver fingerprinting. Our certified technicians will capture your fingerprints on Form C-216C and electronically submit them to RCMP. Your certified criminal record check will be mailed to you within 3–5 business days if no record is found. [cite_start]Remember: this document must be dated and RCMP-endorsed within 15 months of submitting your I-192 application. [cite: 102, 103, 104]
Obtain All Court Records and Supporting Documents
Contact the courthouse(s) where your charges were heard and request certified court records for every arrest, charge, and conviction. This is often the most time-consuming step — court record retrieval can take several weeks. [cite_start]You should also gather reference letters, employer documentation, proof of ties to Canada, financial records, and any rehabilitation certificates at this stage. [cite: 105, 106]
Complete and Submit Form I-192 via the e-SAFE Portal
Create an account at esafe.cbp.dhs.gov and complete Form I-192 accurately. Disclose your complete criminal history — any omission can result in permanent inadmissibility. Upload all supporting documents in the correct format and pay the government filing fee of $930 USD via the e-SAFE portal. [cite_start]Note: only US-licensed immigration lawyers can submit directly through e-SAFE on your behalf, which results in significantly faster processing of 155–170 days. [cite: 107, 108, 109]
Schedule and Attend Your CBP Biometrics Appointment
After your e-SAFE submission is received, you must attend an in-person appointment at a designated US Customs and Border Protection port of entry. Bring original or certified copies of all documents uploaded to e-SAFE. CBP officers will capture your biometrics — fingerprints and photograph — using their FD-258 process. [cite_start]This is the step that formally initiates the DHS review of your application. [cite: 110, 111, 112]
Wait for the DHS Decision
Once biometrics are submitted, DHS reviews your entire application. Standard processing takes 6 to 12 months. Applications filed through a US immigration lawyer via e-SAFE typically take 155 to 170 days. Monitor your application status through the e-SAFE portal. [cite_start]Do not attempt to cross the US border during this period without an approved waiver, as a refusal will appear on your record and may make future applications more difficult. [cite: 113, 114]
Receive Your Waiver and Travel to the US
Upon approval, you will receive your US Entry Waiver valid for 1, 2, or 5 years depending on your offence type and application strength. You may enter the US by land or air as many times as you wish during the validity period. [cite_start]Set a reminder to begin your renewal process well before expiry — ideally 6 months before — to maintain uninterrupted US entry privileges. [cite: 115, 116, 117]
US Entry Waiver Costs and Processing Times
| Item | Estimated Cost | Processing Time [cite: 118] |
|---|---|---|
| RCMP Fingerprinting (Form C-216C) — Surrey Fingerprint Company | ~$85–$120 CAD | Same-day capture; [cite_start]3–5 days for results [cite: 119] |
| Court Records Retrieval | $25–$100+ CAD per court | 2–6 weeks |
| Form I-192 Government Filing Fee | $930 USD | Paid at time of e-SAFE submission [cite: 120] |
| Form I-212 (if previously deported) | $930 USD (separate) | Filed simultaneously with I-192 |
| Professional Preparation (Consultant/Lawyer) | $800–$2,500+ CAD [cite: 121] | Varies by complexity |
| Total Estimated Range | $1,500–$4,500+ CAD | 6–12 months (standard); [cite_start]155–170 days (e-SAFE via lawyer) [cite: 122] |
US Entry Waiver Validity Periods
The validity period of your US Entry Waiver is determined by DHS based on the nature of your offence and the strength of your application. [cite_start]Understanding what determines your validity period can help you build the strongest possible application. [cite: 123]
| Validity Period | Typical Circumstances |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | First-time applicants with serious offences, recent convictions, or insufficient supporting documentation [cite: 124] |
| 2 Years | Second or third applications, moderate offences, adequate rehabilitation evidence |
| 5 Years | Well-established applicants with strong rehabilitation history, minor offences, and excellent supporting documentation [cite: 125] |
The quality of your supporting documents directly affects your waiver validity period. [cite_start]Strong reference letters, a compelling personal statement, proof of community ties, rehabilitation certificates, and a clean record since your conviction all contribute to longer validity periods and smoother renewals. [cite: 126, 127]
The e-SAFE Portal — Faster Processing for 2026 Applicants
The Electronic Secured Adjudication Forms Environment (e-SAFE) is the DHS online portal through which eligible applicants, including Canadian citizens, can file Form I-192 electronically. [cite_start]It replaced paper-based submissions at many ports of entry and has dramatically changed waiver processing timelines. [cite: 128]
Advantages of Using e-SAFE
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Faster processing — average 155 to 170 days when filed by a US immigration lawyer through e-SAFE -
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Document tracking — real-time application status updates online -
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Secure file storage — all uploaded documents are securely stored -
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Electronic payment — $930 USD fee paid directly online -
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No paper mail risk — eliminates lost or delayed paper applications
Who Can Access e-SAFE?
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[cite_start]Applicants can create personal accounts and self-file through e-SAFE [cite: 129] -
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Only US-licensed immigration lawyers have access to the attorney e-SAFE portal which provides noticeably faster adjudication times -
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Canadian immigration consultants cannot access the attorney portal -
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Self-filed e-SAFE applications may take longer than lawyer-assisted e-SAFE submissions
Renewing Your US Entry Waiver
[cite_start]Your US Entry Waiver is not a permanent document. Once it expires, you become inadmissible again and cannot cross the border until a new waiver is approved. Renewal requires the full application process to be repeated, including new RCMP fingerprinting. [cite: 130, 131]
Key Renewal Tips
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Start at least 6 months before expiry — processing takes months and your travel plans should not be disrupted -
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New RCMP fingerprinting required — your C-216C must be fresh and dated within 15 months of your new I-192 submission -
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Update all supporting documents — court records, employment letters, and reference letters must be current -
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[cite_start]Maintain a clean record — any new charges or convictions between applications will significantly complicate your renewal [cite: 132] -
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Longer validity periods are possible — a well-documented renewal showing ongoing rehabilitation and clean record often yields 2–5 year validity -
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Pay the full $930 USD fee again — the fee is non-refundable and applies to every new application
[cite_start]There is no grace period on a US Entry Waiver. If your waiver expires and your renewal has not yet been approved, you are inadmissible and cannot enter the US. Begin your renewal process a minimum of 6 months before your current waiver’s expiry date. [cite: 133, 134, 135]
Tips to Strengthen Your US Entry Waiver Application
A complete application does not guarantee approval — but a strong application significantly improves both your chances of approval and the length of validity granted. [cite_start]Follow these tips from experienced practitioners: [cite: 136]
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Be completely honest — any omission or misrepresentation is considered fraud and can result in permanent inadmissibility -
2
Write a compelling personal statement — take full responsibility for your actions, demonstrate genuine remorse, and show how your life has changed since the offence -
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Collect the best reference letters possible — letters from employers, community leaders, clergy, or professionals carry more weight than those from friends or family -
4
[cite_start]Show strong ties to Canada — property, family, stable long-term employment, and community involvement all demonstrate you have reasons to return [cite: 137] -
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Include rehabilitation evidence — if your offence involved substance abuse, include counselling completion certificates, support group attendance, and clean medical records -
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Consult a US immigration lawyer — especially for complex cases involving serious offences, multiple convictions, or previous denials -
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Disclose everything, even dismissed charges — undisclosed arrests discovered by CBP are far more damaging than disclosed ones -
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[cite_start]Start early — do not wait until you urgently need to travel; allow 8–12 months for the full process [cite: 138]
Ready to Start Your US Entry Waiver Application?
Surrey Fingerprint Company is Surrey’s RCMP-accredited leader in US Entry Waiver fingerprinting. [cite_start]Get your C-216C fingerprinting done today with same-day appointments available Monday to Saturday. [cite: 139]
Frequently Asked Questions — US Entry Waiver for Canadians
Contact Surrey Fingerprint Company
Ready to get your US Entry Waiver fingerprinting done? [cite_start]Contact us today to book your same-day appointment. [cite: 162]
112-8232 120 Street
Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
[cite_start](604) 825-8882 [cite: 163]
[cite_start]Mon–Sat: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed [cite: 164]
Final Thoughts: A criminal record does not have to permanently close the door on your ability to visit, work in, or do business in the United States. The US Entry Waiver process, while lengthy and detailed, is a well-established legal pathway that thousands of Canadians successfully navigate every year. The key is starting early, gathering comprehensive documentation, and ensuring your RCMP fingerprinting is completed correctly from the start. [cite_start]Surrey Fingerprint Company is here to make the fingerprinting step fast, accurate, and stress-free — so you can focus on building the strongest possible application for your American future. [cite: 165, 166, 167]