There are times when you don’t mean to commit a crime, when it might be something that you consider very minor, but later out turns to be a lifelong scar on your character and even after you work to scrub this scar off by paying fines and completing the sentence, it might not be enough if you wish to cross the US border with a criminal record. Canada the closest neighboring country which had an extremely easy access to the US border is now facing a number of issues. Canadians who have a criminal history are especially at risk of being denied entry to US.
WHAT DOES A CANADIAN WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS HAS TO DO TO ENSURE IN ORDER TO ENTER US?
A Canadian with any criminal history major or minor in the recent or distant past may face trouble with crossing US border which can be denial from entry to detainment. Even if the charges have been withdrawn or if you committed the crime long ago, it does not change the situation and you have to go through the procedure of applying for US waiver. A US waiver is the only document which will get you entry to US.
US WAIVER APPLICATION:
This special document ensures a hassle free entry to US without the risks of denial and detainment. Earlier going from Canada to US was an easy travel, but the last two decades has changed the face of this situation and it is very easy to get the background checks done and in case any conviction is found even if the record has been suspended that is Pardoning, there will be issues with travelling to US.
VALID TIME OF US WAIVER:
Its validity varies according to the seriousness of the crime, quality 0f application etc. Admissibility Review Office (ARO) decides this term. It is usually a year. But it takes from 6 months a year to get the waiver and has to be renewed well before it ends if you wish to stay further or revisit.
WHAT ARE THE CRIMES THAT WILL CAUSE THIS TROUBLE?
US have classified a set of crimes that go against the ethics and harm the society as a result. These include robbery, abandoning children, kidnapping, fraud cases, evading taxes, murder etc. So you are in trouble if you have been involved in such cases. For more information, refer to National Pardon.
WHAT HAS TO BE ENSURED WHILE APPLYING FOR A US WAIVER?
While applying for a US waiver you should make sure that you have all the documents like citizenship proof, records of the court, fingerprints etc. Also, any documents that support the fact that you won’t be trouble in US will strengthen your application. Also make sure that there are no errors since applying with errors can result in delay.
WHAT OTHER FACTORS CAN LEAD TO DENIAL OF ENTRY TO US?
1. If you are suffering from any communicable disease like tuberculosis, leprosy etc.
2. If you overstayed your term in the US, entered illegally or forged false documents.
3. If you have ever violated security or are affiliated with a political party that is a threat to US foreign policy.
4. If you’ve been practicing polygamy.