Canadian Citizen Has I-212 Waiver Approved
/Background: Client, a Canadian citizen, approached SRW about two years after he was issued an Expedited Removal Order (ERO) while applying to renew his TN status. During the adjudication of his TN application, Client was questioned in detail about his employment history in the U.S. and more particularly, about whether he had ever done anything outside of the scope of his non-immigrant status. While Client had honestly believed that he had never participated in any activities outside of the scope of his non-immigrant status, it was revealed that Client had inadvertently engaged in impermissible activities in connection with his wife’s prospective E-2 business.
Grounds of Inadmissibility: INA § 212(a)(9)(A)(i) - Alien previously removed pursuant to an Order of Expedited Removal under INA §235, solely under INA §212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) [Immigrant Intent]
Consequence of ERO: As a result of the ERO, the Client was barred from reentering the U.S. for a five (5) year period – from March 2012 to March 2017. Notably, the Client and his family had been living in the U.S. since 2007 (in valid non-immigrant status), but due to the ERO, were required to return to Canada and re-establish their ties.
After returning to Canada, Client started an independent technical consulting business that served clients in both Canada and the U.S. Unfortunately, Client had lost many potential clients because he could not travel to the U.S. for meetings. Client’s biggest U.S. client had also expressed serious concerns regarding Client’s inability to travel to the U.S. for upcoming projects.
Options: After consulting with Client, we advised him that his options were to either serve out his bar of five (5) years or apply for permission to reapply for admission. We explained after the five (5) year bar was over he would not require a waiver since §212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) is not a permanent bar. Ultimately, Client chose the latter.
SRW Waiver Strategy: Evidence of Rehabilitation (demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation and compliance with U.S. removal order); Established strong ties to Canada; Compelling reasons for entry (Inability to travel to the U.S. limiting ability to perform consulting services for current and prospective U.S. clients; U.S. travel ban impacting ability to look after U.S. investment properties; Lack of any criminal history); Nearly half of the removal bar was served at the time of filing.
Application Type: I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the United States After Deportation or Removal
Adjudicating Agency: Admissibility Review Office (Filed @][2] Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, New York)
Purpose of Entry into U.S.: Business and Pleasure Visits [B-1/B-2] or Employment in TN, H-1B or L-1
Adjudication Time: 77 Days