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Travel to the U.S.Updated October 23, 2026 6 min

Pardon vs. U.S. Entry Waiver: Which One Do You Need?

General information, not legal advice.

The short answer: It mostly comes down to one question: have you ever been refused entry at the U.S. border? If you haven't, a pardon (record suspension) combined with a Canadian expungement may be the better route, because it can take your record out of the database U.S. officers check. If you have been refused before, or part of your record will stay visible, a U.S. entry waiver (Form I-192) is usually the route that gives you permission on paper.

Updated October 23, 2026 · General information, not legal advice

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Why an old record can still matter at the border

The Government of Canada's travel advice is blunt: if you have a criminal record, no matter the severity or the date of the offence, you may be refused entry to the United States.

It also notes that U.S. ports of entry are computerized and connected to a central database, and that information on criminal convictions in both Canada and the U.S. is readily available. Crossing without trouble in the past doesn't mean you will next time.

Why it matters: most people find out at the booth, with a trip already paid for. Picking the right route before you book avoids that.

Pardon vs. waiver at a glance

Pardon + Canadian expungement

  • Who decides: the Parole Board of Canada (pardon) and Canadian police services (records)
  • What it does: takes the conviction out of CPIC and removes related Canadian police records
  • Best fit: you've never been refused at the U.S. border
  • How long it lasts: ongoing in Canada, unless revoked
  • Also helps with: jobs, volunteering and housing in Canada

U.S. entry waiver (Form I-192)

  • Who decides: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • What it does: gives you written permission to enter despite the record
  • Best fit: you've been refused before, or part of your record stays visible
  • How long it lasts: temporary, renewed for as long as you travel
  • Also helps with: U.S. travel only

Route 1: a pardon plus a Canadian expungement

A pardon is officially called a record suspension, granted by the Parole Board of Canada. Once granted, the conviction record is kept apart and removed from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), the database police use.

A Canadian expungement deals with other traces in Canada: for example, police records tied to withdrawn or stayed charges, fingerprints and photos. We're only talking about Canadian records here.

Together, the two can mean the information isn't there when a U.S. officer runs a check. It's a route most people have never heard of.

It often fits when:

  • you've never been refused at the U.S. border;
  • you've never disclosed your record to a U.S. officer;
  • your waiting period for a pardon is over, or nearly over.

The Government of Canada points out that a Canadian pardon isn't recognized under U.S. law. If your record is already in U.S. systems, a pardon doesn't remove it from theirs. That's why this route works best for people who have never been refused.

Route 2: a U.S. entry waiver (Form I-192)

A waiver gives you permission to enter the U.S. as a visitor even though you're inadmissible. According to the Government of Canada, you apply directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Canadian citizens may also apply at land borders.

It often fits when:

  • you've been refused at the border before;
  • you've told a U.S. officer about your record;
  • part of your record will stay in CPIC even after a pardon (for example, some lifetime prohibitions);
  • you aren't eligible for a pardon yet and need to travel soon.

Know this before you choose a waiver:

  • the Government of Canada calls it a temporary waiver;
  • it has to be renewed for as long as you travel, for whatever period U.S. authorities set;
  • an application can be refused.

The same travel advice warns that trying to enter without a waiver when you need one could lead to detention and a permanent ban.

Why it matters: if you've never been refused, starting with a waiver can mean renewals for life. A pardon and expungement often settle things for longer.

Not sure which fits?

The RSC Eligibility Check™ is private, online and takes a few minutes. An FPWS (Federal Pardons And Waiver Services) specialist then reviews your answers and tells you which route fits your record. There's no obligation.

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Three examples

For illustration only. Every record is different.

  • Mike, impaired driving 12 years ago, never refused at the border. Route 1, a pardon plus expungement, is often the logical choice.
  • Sarah, refused at the Peace Bridge last summer. Her record is now known to U.S. authorities. Route 2, a waiver, is usually needed to travel.
  • Dave, sentence finished 2 years ago, work trip planned for spring. He isn't eligible for a pardon yet. A waiver can cover the short term, and a pardon can follow once his waiting period ends.

Pardon waiting periods

For offences committed on or after March 13, 2012, the Parole Board of Canada sets:

  • 5 years for a summary conviction;
  • 10 years for an indictable conviction.

Older rules with shorter waits may apply to older convictions. The clock starts only once your whole sentence is complete: fines paid, jail, probation.

Try our waiting period calculator for a first idea, and see how long does a pardon take in Canada? for processing times.

What about fingerprints?

Hold off for now. The type of check you need, how it's done and how it should be labelled all depend on the route you take. You'll get those instructions once your file is opened.

Quick FAQ

Is a Canadian pardon enough to enter the U.S.?

Not always. U.S. law doesn't recognize Canadian pardons. But if you've never been refused, a pardon plus a Canadian expungement can take the information out of CPIC, which is what U.S. officers check.

I've been refused before. Can a pardon still help?

It can help in Canada, for jobs and volunteering. To enter the U.S., a waiver is usually the route, since your record is already known to U.S. authorities.

Is a U.S. waiver permanent?

No. The Government of Canada describes it as temporary. It has to be renewed for as long as you travel.

Can I do both?

Yes, and many people do. For example, a waiver for a trip coming up soon, then a pardon once the waiting period is over.

Should I get my fingerprints done now?

No. Wait until you've chosen your route and registered. You'll then know exactly which check to get and how to label it.

Does the eligibility check commit me to anything?

No. It's private and there's no obligation. An FPWS specialist replies by email.

Know where to start

A pardon and expungement, or a waiver: the right answer depends on your border history, your record and your travel plans.

Private • Online • No phone call required • No obligation

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Related reading: can an old criminal record get you turned away at the U.S. border? · En français : Pardon ou dérogation américaine : laquelle vous faut-il ?

Record Support Canada is an independent educational and referral resource. It is not affiliated with any government. This article is general information, not legal advice, and no outcome, timeline or approval is guaranteed.

Sources

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