US entry waiver

With very few exceptions, if you have a criminal record, the only way to enter the United States legally is to obtain a US entry waiver.

The US Department of Homeland Security has access to the Canadian criminal records database, and they do not recognize Canadian pardons. If you have a criminal record and are caught trying to cross the border without a US waiver, you risk being detained, deported and/or having your vehicle confiscated. This includes stopovers at US airports and even passage through US waters.

American customs officials take this very seriously – if you're caught trying to enter the U.S. illegally with a criminal record, they WILL make your life miserable. We've heard of people being detained for several hours even being banned for life from entering the U.S.