I'm a Canadian citizen living in Japan. Went for a trip to Hawaii a couple of years ago and passing through immigration I was asked if I had a waiver. I thought that canadians didnt need a waiver so I told him I didnt have one. The officer directed to a back room where I sat for more than an hour. they checked out my background and found a pot possession charge I got in Canada in 1996 where I was caught with a gram of pot and fined 80 dollars.
They asked me a whole bunch of questions and then processed me, telling me I was inadmissable because of my criminal record. they decided to give me a probationary visa and allow me into the country. they told me however that in order to come back to the states i would need to get a waiver which would cost me 500 dollars and take almost a year to process.
were they in the wrong here firstly because I was not supposed to be pulled aside for not having a waiver because canadians dont need one, and secondly because my crime was a petty one, took place over 15 years ago and involved no jail time?
Anyway, I want to travel to the US again. I will be crossing the border from British Columbia into Washington. If I am stopped there without a waiver, what will the consequences be?
Is there any way to appeal the decision by Homeland Security, or is there anything I can do to make my future travels to the US easier without having to apply 6 to 12 months in advance and have to pay a 500 application fee?
Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
They asked me a whole bunch of questions and then processed me, telling me I was inadmissable because of my criminal record. they decided to give me a probationary visa and allow me into the country. they told me however that in order to come back to the states i would need to get a waiver which would cost me 500 dollars and take almost a year to process.
were they in the wrong here firstly because I was not supposed to be pulled aside for not having a waiver because canadians dont need one, and secondly because my crime was a petty one, took place over 15 years ago and involved no jail time?
Anyway, I want to travel to the US again. I will be crossing the border from British Columbia into Washington. If I am stopped there without a waiver, what will the consequences be?
Is there any way to appeal the decision by Homeland Security, or is there anything I can do to make my future travels to the US easier without having to apply 6 to 12 months in advance and have to pay a 500 application fee?
Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks