A Comparison of Canada’s Waiver Program vs USA Waiver Program
Below is a summary of the differences between Canada’s Waiver Program and the USA’s Waiver program. DescriptionInadmissible to CanadaInadmissible to the USAName of Application to overcome inadmissibilityApplication for Criminal RehabilitationApplication for Waiver of InadmissibilityFees$155 (CAD) for minor criminality$1000 (CAD) for serious criminality$585 (USD) current$1415 (USD) proposed fee increaseDurationIf approved, valid for life provided the Applicant does not re-offend.6 months to 5 yearsTypes of Crimes Resulting in InadmissibilityAlmost every single type of conviction makes a person inadmissible to Canada. However, for offences punishable by a maximum term of fewer than 10 years in jail, the Applicant is automatically deemed[...]
Proposal to Increase USA I-192 Waiver Fee from $585 (USD) to $1,415 (USD)
Every two years, Homeland Security considers a fee increase. Currently, the I-192 Waiver Application fee is: $585 USD when filed by Canadians with United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). $930 USD when submitted by non-Canadians or Canadians abroad with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). There is a proposal in place to increase both USCIS and CBP I-192 Fees to $1,415 USD. Homeland Security accepted public comments on the proposed fee increase until 12/16/2019 and now is considering that information. I don’t know if the proposed fee increase will be passed or when it will take effect. Public[...]
A Rise in Denials of USA Travel Waivers under Trump Administration
Donald Trump wants to keep ‘undesirables’ out of the United States. As a result, soon after becoming President on January 20, 2017, we experienced an increase in Waiver denials even though rules affecting them had not changed. Most Waivers were granted following appeal because the applications were not being adjudicated properly. The Adjudicator ignored evidence, failed to consider all of the criteria, set forth conclusions that were speculative or misapplied its criteria. Examples of files won on appeal include: No Reasons for Refusal Denial letters must provide specific reasons outlining why the application failed to meet various criteria.[...]
The Divorce Survival Guide
Divorce is a challenge, especially when the decision to divorce is one-sided. Even if the decision is mutual, the range of emotions that come with it can still be intense. Anger. Anxiety. Denial. Depression. Guilt. Resentment. Sadness. Shock. For some, there might even be joy and happiness. Here are a few simple strategies to help you not only survive, but even thrive after divorce. I want you to be open to the idea that even if divorce is the worst possible thing you can imagine right now that things will become much better.Take a Deep BreathWhen a relationship ends,[...]
Creating New Traditions with Children After Divorce
Create new traditions with children on the cheap. Chances are finances are now tighter now. So, here are a few suggestions for you and your children. Feel free to share some other traditions at the bottom of this blog.Christmas CardGoogle “Merry Christmas Coloring Page”. Encourage your children to create a card for Christmas for the other parent. First, its fun and cheap. Secondly, children generally identify with both parents.When you encourage them to do something nice for the other parent it makes your children feel extra special.It helps them to know both of their parents can still be[...]
Dangerous Trends Your Children Face
Children have many challenges in today’s connected world. This is compounded when dealing with divorcing parents, stepparents, step-siblings, moving, changing schools, split parenting arrangements and more. More frequently, I am hearing about teenage children having extreme anxiety and outright refusing to go to school. I sense that the trend is becoming a chronic problem—that it continues to get worse. I have googled “Alberta High School Drop Out Rates” and it appears the drop-out rates are declining. Though I hope the statistics are correct, I seriously doubt that they are. To help educate parents with the challenges their children face,[...]
