After you file your application at a US border crossing you may start to wonder about the US Entry Waiver review process.
First you will take your compiled application to a border or international airport. We will supply you with a list of places. They will fingerprint you and take your payment and application, but they will not be responsible for determining the application. They will forward it to the Admissibility Review Office (ARO) in Virginia, which is an office of the Department of Homeland Security.
It can take some time for the ARO to consider your application and make its decision. This can take three to eight months, or longer depending on the application. This can be a stressful waiting period for a lot of applicants.
Can you contact the US Entry Waiver review office?
Yes, you can contact the Admissibility Review Office about the US Entry Waiver review. However, you must wait at least 150 days. If you attempt to contact them before this time you will get a terse email response implying that inquiries before this time period will contribute to delays. If you don’t want delays, wait for the 150-day period to pass before contacting them.
It is not possible to phone the office. The email address to inquire about the status of your application is [email protected].
During the review period, the DHS may try to contact you. They may want additional information. They may have questions about your documents. They may find missing information. If you move, change your phone number or email or go on vacation, you may miss these questions, which could cause delays, or could even cause your application to be denied. It is important for you to keep the DHS updated on your contact information and make arrangements if you are going to be away.
To change your contact information, you should write a letter to the DHS.
What does the DHS review?
The Department of Homeland Security will base their decision on a lot of different criteria:
- The length of time since the offence
- The seriousness of the offence
- Number of offences
- The quality of your references
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Ties to Canada
- Income to afford a trip to the United States
The ARO has the discretion to deny your application, but they also have the discretion to give you a shorter waiver or a longer waiver. US Entry Waivers can be six months to five years in duration. Because of the wide discretion, it is important to put together the best application possible.
If you have already received a waiver, you might get a longer waiver on your next attempt and it may also take less time to receive it. We have also seen many first-time applicants receive five-year waivers.
If you are considering applying for a US Entry Waiver, contact AllCleared for a free consultation on your circumstances at 1-866-972-7366.