Best of luck... hope it works out for you.

Did you have significant reasons to get into the US? Did you use a waiver company or do the packet yourself?

My charges were very unique
I got into someone’s email and played a series of practical jokes (Facebook, Instagram pranks etc.)
The person is a celebrity

I was convinced in 2013 and the crimes occurred in 2012

This may be my second denial if it is in fact denied. I applied right after probation and was denied a couple years ago

ChrisD - what was your charges and how long did you wait post conviction to apply?

#1299 What kind of punishment did you get with the Obstruction conviction? Would be interested to know what happened. I only ask because we actually recently got a September Letter for an Obstruction conviction. Sometimes Obstruction/Resisting Arrest/Assaulting Police Officer crimes have a 50/50 chance of being cleared without needing a waiver/for life. The DUI offences are nothing. The weapon offence is nothing.

Sorry*** they only send approvals by regular mail is what I meant to say

K Scott
I have a solid feeling it’s a decline and not an approval. I found out from the people at my old address that it was a post office slip... this means decline.... again!
They never send approvals by regular mail, declines are always by registered mail

@Mike 41644
Fourth waiver.

1989- Driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol, driving while disqualified ( prohibted driving 3 months)
1990- obstruct peace officer, posession of a weapon ( Fine and probation)
1997- driving with more than 80 mgs of alcohol. (3 mos and prohibited driving)

#1297 This is a very good question.

@waiver four
was this your first one? what were your charges?

Received a 5 year waiver on august 29, 2018 dated august 20, 2018.
Applied April 23, 2018 so approved in 119 days and received in 128 days. so relieved

ChrisD if you got a 1 year waiver, it may be smarter to just reapply. Assuming it follows the guidelines you would be likely to get a 5 year next time and its $585.00 and another 5 years.

If its a one year waiver, to replace it is $465 USD....not worth it.

If its a 5 year, then bite the bullet and get the replacement.

#1293 One thing that we do Michelle is have people update their address at inquiry.waivewr.aro@dhs.gov. The post office is good too but it is better if they can not change their address while the waiver is pending.

They will update an address this way and will save a headache down the road.

They do make a lot mistakes at the ARO though and not surprised that they mailed his decision to the old address.

There is a separate process to get a replacement copy of the approved waiver but it is better if you know if you are approved or not.

#1292, Chris D, you have brought up a good point, and worth mentioning to everyone. I advise my clients if you move, make sure you do a address change at the post office and renew it until you get your waiver. It is expensive I know, but rarely do the USA update their file and mail to the new address. And to replace your waiver may cost you a considerable amount of money. Good luck...

Small Vent...

Applied February of 2017.
followed up every month after the 6 months.
Moved since I applied and in February of 2018 they confirmed my address change

Today I get an email that they mailed a decision to my old address and that they didn't receive my update. Not their responsibility and so on.... beyond frustrated!

day 126 and nothing in todays mail. very worried now.

My waiver took just over 3months to arrive

I'm pleased to announce that I received my 3rd waiver today it is dated August 6/18 took 122 days from the date I filed. Good luck everyone

Well, that is your experience and it is fine. I see the opposite and our cases tend to average around the 5-9 month mark.

Also, a reapplication does not mean anything since each waiver application is always considered a new application under CBP policy. Also, this has been stated in their email responce to people inquiring. So just because a person has had a prior waiver, does not necessarily mean that they will go through smooth sailing.

I would say about 75% of our people get their waivers back in the 5-9 month mark.

I am not seeing anyone getting it in between recently at all. Its either 90-110 days, or much much longer. I haven't had a 6-9 month waiver for months. Now I am not just referencing my clients. I get tons of people I met at the airport, that either did the waiver themselves or used other companies.

Don't forget Ken, I have a lot of re-applications. (waivers since 1996) Those people would be multiple waiver holders and would be on the shorter end of adjudication. Also, almost 1/3 of my applicants have no criminal record. So my sample could be much larger (not just my clients) and may also not be made up of the same "type" of clients as yourself. Can you quantify how many you are seeing that are coming back from 6-9 months?

Glad to hear about others receiving their waivers in fairly good time. I believe mine will be here very soon. Same situation as others minor charges from 1984 and nothing since.