Understanding U.S. Inadmissibility
If you’ve been denied entry to the United States or are concerned about your admissibility due to past legal or immigration issues, there may still be solutions available. U.S. immigration law allows foreign nationals to request waivers of inadmissibility, depending on the type and severity of the issue.
Our experienced U.S. Immigration Lawyers can help you understand your options and prepare a strong waiver application tailored to your situation.
Common Reasons for Inadmissibility to the U.S.
You may be considered inadmissible if you:
- Have a criminal conviction (including DUI, drug offences, or theft)
- Have violated previous immigration rules (e.g., overstayed a visa or worked without authorization)
- Were previously deported or removed
- Have misrepresented facts in a past visa application
- Are suspected of being a security or health risk
Even minor or decades-old offences can result in denial at the border or during visa processing.
U.S. Waivers of Inadmissibility
A U.S. Waiver of Inadmissibility allows certain individuals to overcome legal grounds that would otherwise bar them from entering the United States. There are different types of waivers depending on your specific case, including:
- I-192 Waiver – for non-immigrants (e.g., tourists, business visitors, temporary workers)
- I-601 Waiver – for immigrants (green card applicants) who have grounds of inadmissibility
- I-212 Waiver – for individuals previously deported or removed who are seeking re-entry
Each waiver type has unique eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and processing timelines. U.S. immigration officers will assess:
- The seriousness of the offence or violation
- Time elapsed since the incident
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Purpose of your visit
- Risks posed to U.S. society
Need a waiver to enter the U.S.? Our U.S. Immigration Lawyers will help you choose the right type of waiver and prepare a persuasive application backed by strong supporting evidence.
What If You're Denied Entry at the Border?
If you’ve already been turned away at the U.S. border or airport, it’s important to understand your rights and how to avoid repeat issues. In many cases, a waiver or special permission must be granted before your next attempt to enter the country.
We can help you:
- Determine the specific grounds for your inadmissibility
- Request relevant records from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Prepare a waiver or other legal strategy for re-entry
Waiver Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success:
- Be honest about your history and fully disclose past incidents
- Include legal arguments, character references, and supporting documents
- Ensure all forms are correctly completed and submitted to the right jurisdiction
We have helped clients across Canada and internationally resolve complex U.S. entry issues.
Unsure If You Qualify for a Waiver?
Whether you’re seeking entry for a family visit, business trip, or permanent immigration, it’s crucial to get legal advice if you’ve been deemed inadmissible or suspect you might be.
Need help overcoming inadmissibility to the United States? Speak with our U.S. Immigration Lawyers today to explore your options and protect your ability to travel.