One of the biggest fears clients have is receiving a letter stating “US Entry Waiver denied.” A US Entry Waiver takes a lot of time and expense to process. It’s no wonder that clients worry that it could happen to them.
The possibility that a waiver could be denied stops many in their tracks. This is unfortunate because they give up on their dreams of work or travel. This means they won’t compete in the office incentive for a trip to Vegas. They won’t take that cruise. They won’t visit relatives they haven’t seen in years. Fear of an unsuccessful waiver holds many people back.
The reality is most clients have a very good chance of receiving the waiver. Most clients have minor charges that are well in the past. In fact, we have seen an increase in the number of waivers being issued for the maximum period of five years. However, it is true that a successful Waiver application is not guaranteed. The result is up to the officials at the US Department of Homeland Security.
US Entry Waiver denied reasons
Being a high risk to reoffend: Very recent, serious offences may convince officials that you are a high risk to reoffend. Also, not being able to show insight into the seriousness of past actions will also raise a red flag. Drug trafficking and sexual offences are especially of concern to border officials. Remember that border agencies spend a large percentage of time and energy looking for illegal drugs.
Health conditions: Sometimes people with addictions are more likely to have negative police interactions, such as arrests and convictions. If there is evidence in your police records of addiction, and you have not received treatment, you could be denied as being a potential burden on the United States’ health and social systems.
Concerns about why the person wants to enter the US: If border officials perceive that you plan to live or work illegally in the US you could be denied. Past overstays or having been caught working illegally in the United States could cause this.
Lack of significant ties to Canada: No fixed address? No job? Little or no income? Moving every six months? These are all indications to border officials that you might not leave if admitted or that you may not have the income to fund a trip to the United States.
Evidence of lying or leaving out information: Providing confusing and contradictory information can cause officials to question your credibility. Not providing all the documents necessary can also cause your application to be denied. You may not intend to mislead; however, a waiver application is a complex document. It’s important to be clear and thorough.
Consequences of denial
The biggest hurdle most people face is the application fee. The application fee of $585 will not be refunded if you are denied.
The other big problem is waiting for your next opportunity. You can apply again, but you will have to redo most of the effort.
What can you do
Don’t get denied! If you have recent serious charges call us for a frank discussion about your chances of success. We cannot guarantee success, but we can arm you with a realistic view of your application. Mention any problems you may have had in the past, such as being deported or overstaying a tourist visa.
Put together the best application possible. A thorough and complete application is a must for everyone, but for those with serious, recent charges it is even more important. Our experts will compile your application and review all your letters to ensure that you haven’t missed anything. Evidence of rehabilitation may be appropriate in some circumstances. Also showing positive ties to the community is a good idea.Don’t risk a US Entry Waiver denied result.
File an appeal. If you are denied you will have 30 days to file an appeal.
Apply again. There is no waiting period to apply again. Your circumstances may change during the period since your application was submitted. You may have found a full-time job, sought addiction treatment or participated in rehabilitation programs. You will have put more time between you and the offence that you committed. Call us to discuss your particular situation.
Summary
To sum up, most people will not receive a US Entry Waiver denied letter. If you have a minor charge in the past and have since kept a clean record, you have a good chance of a granted US Waiver. Don’t let fear hold you back from doing the things you want to do. We can help you prepare a compelling application that is thorough and complete.
If you have a more complicated situation, such as recent trafficking charges, give us a call to discuss your chances of entering the United States with a waiver at 1-866-972-7366.