Category: US Waiver Information
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US Waiver – Restrictions at the US Border
US Waiver Application The application for a US waiver often causes a lot of confusion among the people I speak to so I am going to try and clear up some of the common misunderstandings that arise from a US waiver application. Applying for a US Waiver When you apply for a US waiver you…
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Federal Pardon Waiver Services
This post refers specifically to the company operating under the name Federal Pardon Waiver Services but is also a commentary on the general problems associated with this industry. If you want an honest team give me a call. At the National Pardon Centre your file is in good (and honest) hands. Unfortunately I’m forced to discuss the…
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Travel to the United States With a Criminal Record
It’s that time of year again. The phones will start ringing as soon as the holidays have passed and a lot of those calls will be from people who were stopped, detained and/or turned away at the border. I will hear the same story over and over and it will center on the same theme.…
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Clarifying US Entry Waivers
Clarifying US Entry Waivers We would like to take this opportunity to clarify some of the confusion surrounding admissibility to the United States. The only way to guarantee access to the United States is to apply for an I-192 waiver. Pardons are not recognized by the US government. If you tell a customs officer that…
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Good News (I hope) for Pardons
The pardon system has been in chaos for almost 2 years now. When Bill C23A passed in June 2010, it created a bottleneck at the Parole Board that has been getting worse with every passing day. When C10 was approved in March 2012, it seems to have dramatically improved Parole Board processing times for new…
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Pardons, Record Suspensions and Nexus (I)
Q: Does a person need a pardon/ record suspension in order to qualify for a Nexus pass? A: Yes. Nexus is a joint venture between the USA and Canada to expedite cross border travel for people who are unlikely to pose a risk. Both countries perform background checks to ensure that applicants are not inadmissible…
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Do I Need A Pardon To Get A Passport?
Passports and Criminal Records The Canadian Passport Office evaluates eligibility for a passport on a case by case basis. At present a criminal record is not sufficient cause to refuse an applicant from receiving a passport. Rumours have circulated for years that this will be changed. However, to date we at National Pardon Centre have…
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Canadians With Mental Illnesses Denied U.S. Entry
One of the more shocking things I have experience working at the National Pardon Centre is the stories of people with illnesses being denied entry to the United States even though they are crossing the US border to seek medical treatment. It is hard to imagine a more callous and inhuman application of border protection rules…
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US refusal- what not to do
Speaking to someone who has just been refused entry to the States because of their criminal record is normally a fairly dismal experience. Aside from the embarrassment that he or she has suffered at the hands of US Customs (who are not known for being terribly discreet or tactful in dealing with these matters) this…
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US Travel and Indian Status
US Travel and Indian Status I receive a considerable number of calls from people who have status under the Indian Act wondering about what this means in terms of US entry privileges. The simple answer is that holding a Status Card does NOT entitle you to cross the border if you are otherwise inadmissible. US…