Connecting flight in the US?

[cofn42]

Hello all,

Brand new to the forum, and looking for some info.

My wife and I am planning a 5 year anniversary trip next year, and all the flights stop in California to switch planes and I am concerned.

When I was 18 I was convicted or break, enter, theft over $5000, I have had the conviction pardoned (for work reasons in Canada).

3 years ago (12 years after the offense) we were taking a road trip down to Fargo for the weekend, and I was denied access, they took my prints, tons of info and sent me packing back to Canada. I asked if this was permanent, and they said they suggest I do not try and enter again for at LEAST 5 years....

So now I am worried that if we plan a trip and have a connection in the US, will I be screwed? We are looking at a very expensive vacation, and I do not want to lose out because I am turned away at the gate...

Is there any way I can guarantee passage into the US?

Any help or suggestions would be great.

[axolotl]

It sounds like you were banned from re-entry into the US for 5 years. The US does not recognize Canadian pardons so they still have access to your criminal record even if you were pardoned in Canada for work-related reasons. That being said, you need to apply for a waiver from USCIS to allow you to travel to the US despite your criminal record. It's costly and there's no guarantee they will approve it. The form you need is an I-192.

[Reba]

The waiver will need to be processed at a US consulate in Canada I believe, and can take several months.

Make an appointment at the consulate nearest you to talk to an official about what you will need.

http://www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/

[axolotl]

The waiver will need to be processed at a US consulate in Canada I believe, and can take several months.

You can put in your application at some POEs. The list is here.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_vi ... n_info.xml

For most of them you need to make an appointment. I think if you apply at the POE they give you a temporary waiver, but the actual waiver process is lengthy as Reba mentioned.

[Steven]

It's not clear if you were denied and they gave you a warning or if you were formally banned. If you banned from entry you need a waiver. If you were denied you can re-try.

A simple thing to do is to apply for a B-2 visa and then the consular officer can explain to you what your next step is if you get denied.