Fingerprint Pardon Services

Quoted from U.S. Consular Services in Canada - Criminal Ineligibility: "If you have any criminal record, no matter how minor or how long ago the offense, you may be refused entry to the U.S. Under U.S. law, a pardon issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized for purposes of entry into the U.S. Even though you may have entered the U.S. without hindrance in the past, you may be denied entry at a future date based upon discovery of your criminality."

"Not all criminal convictions create an ineligibility to enter the U.S., but any past criminal record must be declared. Attempting to gain entry without declaring that you had been arrested could result in a permanent ineligibility and /or detention at a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforcement facility while a CBP officer determines your admissibility."

"Drunk Driving (DUI) for Canadian Citizens: If there have been any convictions, take a copy of your convictions with you to present to a Customs and Border Protection officer at the border. If the convictions are for driving under the influence, with no aggravating factors, there should be no problems with your travel to the U.S. However, the CBP Officials make all final determinations regarding entry into the United States." Quoted from U.S. Consular Services in Canada - Criminal Ineligibility.

The acceptable copy of your convictions is a certified copy of the C216C from the RCMP including your fingerprints. The result documents are Form P-PE-811 which will have your photo and fingerprints and Form C-480-11 which will have your conviction(s). Form C-480-11 will be sealed and certified by the RCMP.

Note: other documents showing a copy of your conviction may not be acceptable.

U.S. Travel Waiver Definition:

An approved legal document from US Department of Homeland Security/Custom Border Protection allowing you access into the U.S. for a limited amount of time.

U.S. Travel Waiver Benefits:

Enter the U.S. without denial or refusal based on your past history. Able to travel or conduct business without worry of denial or refusal at U.S. border crossings.

U.S. Travel Waiver Limitations:

Time limits of 1, 3 or 5 years,

Renewal process time and costs,

Tracing waiver yourself.

Applying for a U.S. Travel Waiver:

1. Hire FPS to handle all documents, provide on-site fingerprint service, and to ensure that your application is done correct. We keep the process of a U.S. travel waiver simple, fast and convenient for you. We provide a complete service package and usually with 6-10 months* you will received your waiver granted from the

2. Apply yourself - A U.S. travel waiver is not free- there are costs associated even if you do it yourself.

Completion time:

1. Usually 6-10 months, however, *time lines are dependant on eligibility, RCMP, various Agencies, court houses and US Department of Homeland Security/Custom Border Protection. Currently, there is a backlog with the RCMP and some court houses.

2. Do it yourself - 1-5 years (The process of applying for a travel waiver is time consuming. If not done right, your paperwork may not be accepted for review or approval by U.S. Customs, therefore, resulting in extra costs, time delays and frustration. This leads many individuals to stop trying on their own.)

FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not offer legal advice, if you require legal assistance, please contact the appropriate lawyer or legal representative.