PAC-Logo2025
Schedule Free Consultation
Login

U.S. Waiver Costs

If you have a Canadian criminal record and plan to visit the U.S., you’ll likely need a U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192). While the process comes with fees, it’s an investment in crossing the border freely and without stress. This section explains all waiver-related costs and how Pardon Applications of Canada (PAC) simplifies the process. Our goal is to eliminate financial surprises and make securing legal entry into the U.S. as straightforward, affordable, and hassle-free as possible.
Apply Now

What is a U.S. Entry Waiver and Why Isn’t a Pardon Enough?

What Is An I-192 U.S. Entry Waiver?

A U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) allows Canadians with criminal records to enter the U.S. A Canadian pardon does not replace it, as U.S. border officials still see the original record. Without a waiver, travelers risk being refused entry or even detained at the border.

Why Isn’t A Canadian Pardon Enough?

A Canadian pardon clears your record domestically, while a U.S. waiver secures legal entry into America. Both serve different purposes: one improves life in Canada, the other ensures border freedom. PAC assists with both, offering discounted bundles. Below, we break down the specific costs of obtaining a U.S. waiver.

U.S. Waiver Fees and Expenses

Acquiring a U.S. Entry Waiver involves a combination of U.S. government fees and service fees if you use an application assistance service.
Find Out If You Qualify

U.S. Government Filing Fee

This is the fee you must pay to the U.S. government when submitting your waiver application. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) filing fee is $1,100 USD for each waiver application. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied, and is paid through the online system or at a CBP point of entry when you submit your documents.

eSAFE Submission Service Fee

The U.S. has moved much of the waiver application process to an electronic system called eSAFE. The total government-related fees come to about $1,475 USD (which includes the $1,100 filing fee + $375 eSAFE fee). PAC will guide you through these payments, but it’s important to know they exist.

Fingerprinting and Documentation Costs

A U.S. waiver application requires fingerprints, court documents, and sometimes police or incident reports. Fingerprints cost about $75, court documents around $150 per courthouse, and reports $25–$50. These third-party costs aren’t U.S. government fees but are necessary. PAC guides the process, while you cover the document charges.

PAC Service Fee (Optional)

Many apply for a U.S. waiver themselves, but PAC’s full-service program ensures accuracy, strong waiver letters, and complete applications. For $80/month ($960 yearly, or $920 upfront), PAC handles documents, forms, and follow-ups. This valuable service reduces denial risks, offers ongoing support, and guarantees full completion with high success.

Additional Considerations and Cost Factors

Just as with pardons, there are some factors that can influence the overall cost or success of your U.S. waiver application.
Find Out If You Qualify
Additional Considerations and Cost Factors

Travel Frequency & Waiver Duration

First-time waivers last 1–5 years, with costs the same regardless of length. Frequent travelers benefit from longer terms, and PAC advocates for the maximum duration possible to avoid early renewals and added fees. Once expired, waivers must be renewed, so securing a longer initial term saves money.

Multiple Offenses or Serious Crimes

Complex records—multiple or serious convictions—don’t increase government or PAC fees. Instead, PAC invests more effort in narratives, references, and rehabilitation evidence to strengthen your case. While additional supporting documents may be required, costs are usually time and effort, not extra charges. Flat service fees stay consistent, regardless of complexity.

Urgency (Priority Processing)

PAC offers Priority processing for faster preparation—$95 for waiver-only or $150 bundled with a pardon. While this doesn’t shorten U.S. government timelines, it speeds PAC’s work by months. Ideal for urgent travel needs, this optional upgrade ensures documents and submissions are completed as quickly as possible. Many clients find it invaluable.

Bundling with a Pardon

Bundling a Canadian Pardon with a U.S. Waiver saves money, effort, and stress. For $20/month extra, PAC offers a discounted package. Shared documents like fingerprints and court records reduce duplication. If both are needed eventually, handling them together streamlines the process, saving time and improving efficiency overall.
Without a waiver, you risk being turned away at the border, missing out on job opportunities, family visits, vacations, or emergencies in the U.S. That peace of mind and freedom is often worth far more than the dollars spent on the application.
PAC’s mission is to make navigating this process as straightforward and supportive as possible. We understand that finances might be a concern, so we offer flexible payment plans, transparency in all fees, and expert guidance to ensure your money is well spent.

Pardon Only

$80 /Month

Features:

  • Clear Your Criminal Record
  • FREE Pardon Employment Letter
  • RCMP Fingerprint Instructions
  • 100% Guaranteed Processing
  • Dedicated Client Care Support
  • Free Email, Phone & Text Updates
  • Unlimited Entry into the U.S.
  • Priority Option
  • 100% Confidential
  • Nationwide Privacy Policy
  • Accredited via BBB
Apply Now

+ Add U.s. Waiver

$100 /Month

Features:

  • Clear Your Criminal Record
  • FREE Pardon Employment Letter
  • RCMP Fingerprint Instructions
  • 100% Guaranteed Processing
  • Dedicated Client Care Support
  • Free Email, Phone & Text Updates
  • Unlimited Entry into the U.S.
  • Priority Option
  • 100% Confidential
  • Nationwide Privacy Policy
  • Accredited via BBB
Apply Now

Additional Costs

  • Fingerprints approx $75 per set
  • Court Disposition $150 per
  • Criminal Conviction/Charge $25-$50 per
  • Local Police Record Check $150 per (Pardon only)
  • Government of Canada Filing Fee $50 (Pardon only)
  • Customs & Border Protection Filing Fee $1100 USD (Waiver only)
  • E-Safe Electronic Submission Service $375 (Waiver only)

Pardon Only

saves $60

$900 /Annualy

Features:

  • Clear Your Criminal Record
  • FREE Pardon Employment Letter
  • RCMP Fingerprint Instructions
  • 100% Guaranteed Processing
  • Dedicated Client Care Support
  • Free Email, Phone & Text Updates
  • Unlimited Entry into the U.S.
  • Priority Option
  • 100% Confidential
  • Nationwide Privacy Policy
  • Accredited via BBB
Apply Now

+ Add U.s. Waiver

saves $60

$1140 /Annualy

Features:

  • Clear Your Criminal Record
  • FREE Pardon Employment Letter
  • RCMP Fingerprint Instructions
  • 100% Guaranteed Processing
  • Dedicated Client Care Support
  • Free Email, Phone & Text Updates
  • Unlimited Entry into the U.S.
  • Priority Option
  • 100% Confidential
  • Nationwide Privacy Policy
  • Accredited via BBB
Apply Now

Additional Costs

  • Fingerprints approx $75 per set
  • Court Disposition $150 per
  • Criminal Conviction/Charge $25-$50 per
  • Local Police Record Check $150 per (Pardon only)
  • Government of Canada Filing Fee $50 (Pardon only)
  • Customs & Border Protection Filing Fee $1100 USD (Waiver only)
  • E-Safe Electronic Submission Service $375 (Waiver only)

Regain Your U.S. Travel Freedom

If you’re ready to move forward, or even if you just have questions about what your specific case might cost, PAC is here to help with warm, understanding service. We know this process can be intimidating, so from your first call through to approval, we stand by you.

Schedule a free consultation or apply now to get started. Our accredited officers will clearly outline all expected fees for your situation and work with you on a payment plan if needed. With the finances figured out, you can focus on the end goal: enjoying your trips to the United States with confidence and peace of mind!

Schedule A Free Consultation

Frequently Asked Question

What is a U.S. Entry Waiver, and why do I need one?

A U.S. Entry Waiver (Form I-192) is official permission from U.S. Customs & Border Protection that allows Canadians with a criminal record to legally enter the U.S. Without it, you risk denial, detention, or even property seizure at the border. Many convictions, including DUI or minor assault, can make you “inadmissible.” If you’ve been refused entry or told by officers you need a waiver, this document is essential. Approved waivers act as advance forgiveness, valid for multiple trips over several years, ensuring you can cross without problems.
A Canadian pardon seals your record within Canada, helping with jobs, housing, and background checks at home. However, it has no effect on U.S. entry. A U.S. Entry Waiver comes from American authorities and is strictly about crossing the border. It doesn’t erase your Canadian record but gives you legal permission to enter despite it. Think of it this way: the pardon clears things in Canada; the waiver clears things in the U.S. For full mobility, many people pursue both—pardon for Canadian life, waiver for U.S. travel. Neither guarantees entry into other countries.
Yes. The U.S. does not honor Canadian pardons. Even if your record is sealed in Canada, U.S. border officials still see the original conviction and can deny you entry. Many people mistakenly think a pardon allows them to travel, only to be refused at the border. A pardon is valuable for Canadian employment and peace of mind, but it has no bearing on U.S. admissibility. Only a U.S. Entry Waiver ensures border officers will legally admit you. If travel to the U.S. is part of your plans, you must apply for a waiver.
The U.S. government charges about $1,470 USD in mandatory fees ($1,100 for the application, plus $370 via eSAFE). Canadians also pay for fingerprints ($75 CAD) and court records ($25–$150 CAD). If you hire a professional service like Pardon Applications of Canada, add around $920 CAD (with payment plan options). In total, expect $2,000–$2,500 CAD depending on exchange rates and documentation. While costly, waivers last multiple years and cover unlimited trips. Considering the consequences of being turned back at the border, many find the expense worthwhile for secure, hassle-free travel.
Yes. Pardons and waivers are independent processes. Many people choose to first clear their Canadian record, then pursue a waiver when travel arises. Having a pardon doesn’t make U.S. approval easier, but it can give peace of mind. Both applications take time: a pardon often a year or more, waivers 6–12 months. Some apply simultaneously; others stagger to manage costs. If you anticipate travel soon, start your waiver immediately, regardless of the pardon status. Timing is key—apply early to secure freedom to cross when needed.
Yes. Even for brief transits—changing planes or driving through—you must clear U.S. Customs, meaning inadmissibility rules still apply. Airlines may deny boarding if your record blocks U.S. entry. Driving through U.S. territory without a waiver can also lead to detention or refusal. Records are flagged instantly when passports are scanned. Without a waiver, even a short layover can derail your trip. The safe approach is to secure a waiver, ensuring confidence when booking flights or road routes that pass through the U.S.
A waiver greatly reduces risk but isn’t an absolute guarantee. U.S. border officers always have final authority. You could still be denied if you commit new offenses, misuse your waiver (e.g., attempt unauthorized work), or fail to comply with immigration rules. However, for normal travel, denials are rare. Over 99% of waiver holders cross without issue. Always carry your waiver with your passport and stay law-abiding. The waiver exists to resolve inadmissibility, so when used correctly, it almost always ensures smooth entry.
Yes. Waivers are for anyone with a record seeking U.S. entry, regardless of citizenship. Permanent residents, work permit holders, or students in Canada can apply. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa alongside the waiver. In these cases, you’ll handle both: waiver with Homeland Security and visa with the State Department. Applicants must show strong ties to Canada or their home country to prove they’re not trying to immigrate unlawfully. Professional services can guide non-Canadians through the process.
Yes. The U.S. and Canada share criminal data. When border agents scan your passport, your record is visible—even if pardoned in Canada. A pardon only “suspends” the record domestically; the U.S. still treats the conviction as valid. In fact, U.S. systems may have stored your conviction long before the pardon. Post-9/11 information sharing has expanded to include arrests and charges. This is why travelers are often surprised when denied despite having a pardon. The waiver exists to formally resolve these issues. Lying about your record can result in a permanent ban.
When applying through eSAFE, you have 45 days after paying online to complete biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a U.S. port of entry or pre-clearance site. Missing this window cancels your application, with no fee refund, requiring you to start over. Similarly, failing to respond to U.S. requests for more documents by the given deadline jeopardizes approval. Once biometrics are submitted, there’s no timeline limit on the decision itself. Success depends on timely follow-through. Applying before you’re ready risks wasted money, so plan carefully and meet all deadlines.