A pardon is an application to remove your Canadian criminal record from all searchable systems. A Waiver is an application to the United States of America for permission to re-enter the US if you have been denied entry for any reason.
Unfortunately, the Unites States does not recognize a pardon, so you will also need to obtain a U.S. Entry Waiver if you wish to enter the U.S. after having been denied entry.
If the U.S. is not yet aware of your criminal record, you might choose to only apply for a pardon, as the U.S. cannot subsequently access your criminal record. However, the United States does not condone this practice and considers it an attempt to circumvent their laws. Express Pardons recommends applying for both a waiver and a pardon if you have a criminal record in Canada and you wish to enter the U.S. Getting both a Canadian pardon and U.S. Entry Waiver is the only way to ensure that your criminal record is sealed in Canada and that you can entry to U.S. when you want to.
For more information see Pardon FAQ
