Denied Entry to the United States From Canada

Every year, thousands of Canadian travelers are refused entry to the United States at land border crossings and airport pre-clearance locations.

Being denied entry does not always mean a permanent ban, but it usually indicates that a traveler has been found inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.

In many cases, Canadians who have been denied entry may need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) before they can officially travel to the United States again.

If you have been denied entry at the border, you may still be able to travel after addressing your inadmissibility. Learn more about entering the United States with a criminal record.

Why Canadians Are Denied Entry to the United States

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have broad authority to determine whether a traveler is admissible under U.S. immigration law.

Even Canadian citizens who have previously traveled to the United States without problems may be refused entry if a border officer discovers information that suggests the traveler may be inadmissible.

This can occur during routine inspection, background database checks, or after reviewing criminal or immigration records.

Canadian Pardons (Record Suspensions) and U.S. Travel

Canadian record suspensions are administered by the Parole Board of Canada. Individuals seeking to clear their criminal record within Canada should review the official government guidance provided by the Parole Board of Canada and the RCMP.

US Entry Waiver Services Ltd focuses on U.S. entry waivers and cross-border admissibility issues. Our work involves assisting individuals who may be inadmissible to the United States because of a past criminal conviction.

Common Reasons Canadians Are Refused Entry at the Border

Some of the most common reasons Canadian citizens are denied entry include:

• Criminal convictions
• Certain DUI or impaired driving offences
• Drug-related offences
• Assault or domestic violence convictions
• Theft or fraud convictions
• Immigration violations
• Misrepresentation at the border
• Attempting to work in the United States without authorization

Even older convictions from many years ago may still affect admissibility under U.S. immigration law.

What Happens When You Are Denied Entry to the United States

If a border officer believes a traveler may be inadmissible, the individual may be referred to secondary inspection.

During secondary inspection, officers may review:

• criminal history records
• court documents
• previous immigration records
• travel history

If the officer determines that the traveler is inadmissible, the individual may be refused entry and required to return to Canada.

Can You Try to Enter the United States Again After Being Denied?

Some individuals attempt to cross the border again after being refused entry.

However, if the refusal was based on a criminal conviction or other inadmissibility issue, the same problem will usually occur again.

Attempting to enter repeatedly without resolving the issue can sometimes create additional complications.

When a U.S. Entry Waiver May Be Required

If a Canadian citizen is considered inadmissible under U.S. immigration law, they may need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192).

A U.S. Entry Waiver allows an individual who is otherwise inadmissible to legally enter the United States for temporary purposes such as:

• tourism
• business travel
• family visits

Applications are reviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Admissibility Review Office.

How Long a U.S. Entry Waiver Is Valid

If approved, a U.S. Entry Waiver may be issued for periods ranging from:

• six months
• one year
• three years
• up to five years

The length of approval depends on the circumstances of the case and the applicant’s history.

What Happens If You Try to Enter Without a Waiver

If a traveler attempts to enter the United States while inadmissible and without a waiver, they may be denied entry again.

Repeated refusals may complicate future waiver applications.

For this reason, many individuals resolve the issue by applying for a U.S. Entry Waiver before attempting to travel again.

Assistance With U.S. Entry Waiver Applications

US Entry Waiver Services Ltd focuses specifically on assisting individuals who may be inadmissible to the United States because of a past criminal conviction.

Our work involves helping clients prepare complete U.S. Entry Waiver applications for submission to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Each case is different, and eligibility depends on the individual circumstances surrounding the inadmissibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Being Denied Entry to the United States

1. Can a DUI cause me to be denied entry to the United States?

In some situations, impaired driving offences may lead to inadmissibility depending on the circumstances and the traveler’s history.

2. If I was denied entry once, will I always be denied?

Not necessarily. Some individuals may be able to resolve the issue by obtaining a U.S. Entry Waiver.

3. How long does it take to get a U.S. Entry Waiver?

Processing times vary, but many waiver applications take several months to be reviewed.

4. Can Canadians apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver?

Yes. Canadian citizens may apply for waivers through designated U.S. ports of entry or pre-clearance locations.

Need Help After Being Denied Entry to the United States?

If you have been refused entry to the United States because of a criminal record, you may need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) before you can travel.

US Entry Waiver Services Ltd assists individuals in preparing waiver applications and navigating U.S. cross-border admissibility issues.