I have done them myself. I am on my third Waiver, the first was a one year and then two 5 years after that. It is actually very easy to do just follow the advice on this forum and include everything. You can download all the forms from the CBP and Homeland website. Just be thorough and accurate in what you include. The hardest part is the waiting. You get your fingerprints done then wait for the forms it usually takes 6-8 weeks to get these. Then you need to go to all the courts where convictions were recorded from the RCMP forms. I found the ones from Peterborough took three months to get. Then once you submit the wait begins until you receive the waivers ( or Not) . The hardest part for me was writing the letters and details of the convictions. The first time is the hardest but once you are done save all the info electronically then the next round most of the information is already done, just a mater of changing some dates. You will want to check however that when you resubmit that your are using the most current government documents. This website is a great source of information and everything you need can be found here. Hope this helps.

Have most people chosen to do the application themselves or use a third party? Has anyone had their application rejected? Looking for any tips/advice. Thank you!

I am not able to open a new topic, so I will place this here. It should be under form updates.

There is a new G-325A edition out, good until 2019. I am sure in the short term you can still use the 2017 edition but do not use the 2015 edition.

The new form is also a bit different with the date format when you fill it in, and its a bit hard to find online.

I am a little swamped but maybe someone could post a link to the new form?

Despite each border having a different checklist, ALL waivers end up in Herndon Va.

If you have a drug conviction and don't do a drug test or a letter from a doctor, how would you prove to Homeland Security you are no longer a user of narcotics?

Proof of employment and where you live are important, again to check off those "boxes" in the adjudicators mind.

Remember the border you hand it in has NO say. So if you just do what the border your handing it in wants, then don't expect a good decision from Herndon. The border guys just TAKE the waiver. Tell them you want to hand it in "as is" and you don't care if its approved. It means nothing to them.

This package is prepared for the same people whether you hand it in in Vancouver or St. Johns. Your not there to impress the border guards but the people in Virginia.

Peace Arch Crossing (south of Vancouver) has a similar checklist, with variances such as only one copy needed of documents & only two reference letters needed. I can scan & post or send to anyone if wanted? Tomorrow I have an appointment at YVR to process my application. They only do processing on Tuesdays, and only by appointment. Phone (604) 278-7422 Ext 3000 or 0

:: @MikeeSul added on 30 Oct ’17 · 19:36

Note that at each border they may have a different checklist. The list shown in the link above says nothing about reference letters, nothing about employment letters & nothing about letters from doctors. October 30th, 2017 at Peace Arch crossing they were not referring to the information shown in this link, they had their own list & I was denied the opportunity to file.
At the border expect surprises & call and confirm before you show up if you can.

This was taken from Homeland Security's website TODAY. October 21 2017 List of Requirements.

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/admission-forms/form-i-92-application-advance-permission-enter-nonimmigrant

If its an "older conviction" or a reapplication, I stand by what I said.

If its a first application and the "situations" (conviction, overstay, immigration offence) is less than 5 years ago, then I agree that the reference letters need to be better.

I find that 80% of the clients stress when they do a waiver is getting the reference letters. I write the personal letter, I get court documents if required, so the reference letters end up being the biggest hassle. For many clients, I even end up writing the reference letter, with the person they are getting them from just signing them.

I don't disagree with you Ken, but surely your 'tatted up gansta machine gun toting clients' find their "friends" are too busy to write letters for them. Only half joking there.

John I have to disagree with your last post. It is better if the person in the letter states that they know about the offences. This is because it helps to show that the letter is authentic. They want to see that it is a real person. They feel that a close friend likely would know of your offence so their letter would indeed appear more genuine. However, they do not have to go into too much detail about the offence. Just the fact that the friend knows about the offence and they have essentially forgiven their friend for what happened.

In a letter of reference, there is no need to have anyone state they know of your convictions.

There is nothing wrong with long time friends saying a person has changed since they were younger, but most people would shy away from revealing the convictions and Homeland Security in most cases is using reference letters to see that you are a member of the community and really live in Canada. They don't give them as much weight as you might think although they are still a requirement. For older convictions you can avoid the person being specific about knowing you have been in trouble.

If you are borderline, and you have a recent conviction and have to apply anyways, then excellent reference letters are a must. And they should be specific.

@Bazz

For the letter explaining the crimes, the key is to detail when, where, what happened (honestly, take full responsibility). No I did this BUT....just come out and show remorse. The key is to show remorse and that you understand that it was a huge mistake that has dramatically affected your life.

_____

For the reference letters some variation of something like this:

I have known Mr. ________ since [enter date or year] when we were [describe from where and which circumstances you and the author know each other]. I am currently a [describe author’s current profession/occupation]. I am a citizen of _______ and reside in _________.

I am familiar with the events related to Mr. __________’s conviction[s] and I believe that [this was an isolated incident] these were isolated incidents. Mr. ____________ has given his life a completely different turn since then and I know him to be a decent and upstanding citizen whom I can trust on a personal as well as on a professional level.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you would like me to provide further details regarding Mr. ________’s character and good citizenship.

Sincerely,

Good Luck!

Can anyone give me examples of reference letters and especially the letter explaining the circumstances of crimes and what was done?

Just to clarify, at Ontario border points make sure you have the following:

-2 copies of the I-192 (its should be 8 pages, although you can skip pages 6 and 7 if you don't need an interpreter and if you did the application yourself. It should be the 2018 edition.

-4 copies of the G-325A June 30 2017 edition is the most recent, and at most border points they will no longer accept the 2015 edition.

-RCMP Police certificate.(valid for 15 months)

-2 letter of reference

-copy of previous waiver (if applicable)

-Letter from employer (tax assessment if self employed)

-Property tax bill or rental agreement proving residence

- Proof of Canadian Citizenship

-Letter from a Physician or drug test (if you have a narcotics offence)

-Letter explaining the circumstances of each conviction. If you have had a waiver before mention that you appreciate the last waiver and hope they may consider you for a 5 year waiver (again) or (this time) This isn't because they will give it to you because you asked. This si to remind the adjudicator that this is a re-application and they don't make an error and stick you with a 1 year waiver.

-$585.00 USD cash or credit card only.

Make sure you ALSO BRING proper ID.

This is accurate as of September 2017

If you don't mind me asking Angus...You say you have Misdemeanors...Do you have a USA conviction? What were they for? It is true that they are picky now on the job letters. Edmonton Airport they are very nice and apparently take waiver applications 3 times a week. I have heard good things about Edmonton Airport. However, Sweetgrass Montana is a very bad border and they screw a lot of people there...So we never send anyone there. Some of the things that you included are ones that we never do. Anyway just curious since you might have been eligible for other relief if they were only misdemeanors. Although if they are 2 theft convictions then you would for sure need a waiver.

Just got back from submitting my 2nd waiver application at Edmonton. They almost didn't accept it, as I didn't have a letter from my employer. I did have my company career profile, which they begrudgingly accepted in place of the letter. So here is an updated list of what they require.

I-192 and G-325A, RCMP C-216 form,
2 letters of reference from reputable members of the community you live in.
Letter from employer indicating your current occupation and length of employment. If your duties require you to enter the USA, it must be stated so on the letter including how frequently will need to enter.
Court records ( I never have included as I just have a couple of misdemeanor charges from 30 years ago).
Letter stating the circumstances of each arrest, conviction, and fine imposed as well as any evidence of reformation of character.....employment , family, education, etc.etc.
Bring your passport for ID.
$585 US. They take credit cards. I'm lucky I had two as my Tangerine Mastercard was declined (flagged as suspicious activity).

I also put in a letter stating my intended activity in the USA, as there wasn't much room of the application form.(This was not on the list).
I also included my previous waiver(This was not on the list).
Hours of operation: Mon, Wed, Saturday 10:30 am to 12:30. They have a printed list of all the items you need on the wall beside the door for those that want more details than I've provided here. I wasn't very busy, but I got there early (10 am) and was the 2nd person in line.

This is my 2nd application, they said if all goes well I should receive it in 4-6 months. My first one took 5 months and was good for one year.

Hope this helps!

@Tim Excellent, thank you for sharing. Transcribed to text below:

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CBP 1-192 WAIVER CHECKLIST

APPLICANT MUST BRING ORIGINAL AND A COPY OF A GOVERNMENT ISSUED I.D-PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP IN THEIR PACKET. Example: Passport, Birth Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate.
LANDED IMMIGRANTS OR CITIZEN OF COUNTRY OTHER THAN CANADA MUST APPLY AT U.S. CONSULATE.

TWO ORIGINAL FORM 1-192 (http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/admission-forms) or ( Google:I-192 APPLICATION) -BE SURE TO SIGN • DATE, & ANSWER QUESTIONS 14 - 17

TWO ORIGINAL FORM G-325 (http://www.chp.gov/travel/international-visitors/admission-forms) or (Google: G-325 Application Biographic information). - BE SIRE TO SIGN & DATE

CERTIFIED COPY OF YOUR NATIONAL CRIMINAL HISTORY FROM OTTAWA. To do this you will file Form C216C and then you will get back forms P-PE-811 with attached criminal convictions on Form C-480-11. If you received a PARDON. you need to File a Privacy Act Request you do this by checking the box Privacy Act on the fingerprint Form C216C. You will have to Complete and sign a Privacy Act, INFO SOURCE, and personal information request TB350-58. Clearly state on this form that you require: Copy of RCMP Criminal Record Data holding including active Criminal History, Pardon record and Archived records. CAN'T BE OLDER THAN IS MONTHS .

COPY OF ORIGINAL U.S. ENTRY (1-192) WAIVER. (If applicable)

EMPLOYMENT REFERENCE LETTER. If you are not working, indicate it on the G-325. If self-employed submit Last year's tax return summary. -THIS IS REQUIRED WHETHER THE INTENDED TRIP WILL BE FOR BUSINESS OR PLEASURE.

PERSONAL LETTER. Include a personally written letter explaining the circumstances of the arrest(s) and reason for acquiring this waiver. - THIS IS REQUIRED ••• This is your opportunity to tell the reviewing Officer what circumstances led you to commit The crimes and why you would be unlikely to commit any crimes in the future.

THREE REFERENCE LETTERS. Character references from individuals that can attest to the kind of person you are now. They DO NOT have to know of or address what it is that made you inadmissible. NO RELATIVES

INCLUDE ALL COURT RECORDS. You should obtain the court disposition from the court where the conviction(s) took Place. This would include court records from any other countries. Copy of court records are sufficient keep originals for yourself. • • • If the court has no record. then get a signed letter on court letter head stating why they cannot locate your record.••••

PARDON. If you received a pardon from the Canadian or any other government. You must include a copy of the Pardon paperwork.

FEE IS $585.00 U.S. DOLLARS. ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED, Cash or Money Order, (we do not except Money Orders from the Canada Post office). If a check is approved by the Supervisor it cannot be older than 6 months. The money order or Check must be payable to US Customs and Border Protection.

The Calgary, Alberta airport public wicket office is open from 1200 to 1600 on Tuesdays and Saturday, (Subject to change - notices available). Please call ahead for any changes at 403-221-1632.

EMAIL: inquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov OR WRITE TO U.S. CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION, ATTN: ADMISSIBILITY REVIEW OFFICE, 12825 WORLDGATE DRIVE, HERNDON, VA 20170