Crossing the Border while Visa App Pending

[jenmac75 1]

yeah my husband crossed a few months ago while Mtl had his passport. it wasn't really a problem. Just as a reminder-you can't fly without a passport, but driving across the border with just a bc is still ok.

Hi Thermophile,

Just wondering how long MTL had your husband's passport for? I can't seem to find anything (other than my constant worrying brain) that tells me that I can't cross into the U.S. while MTL is completing the process. As long as I'm not dishonest at the border, can prove my ties to Canada and have acceptable ID I think I should be ok to visit over Christmas for a week and get back to the North.

####### this sucks!!!! I'm going crazy with options and scenarios and it's not a far trip right now!

Any reassurances or personal experiences would be very much appreciated!

[Krikit 1,164]

yeah my husband crossed a few months ago while Mtl had his passport. it wasn't really a problem. Just as a reminder-you can't fly without a passport, but driving across the border with just a bc is still ok.

Hi Thermophile,

Just wondering how long MTL had your husband's passport for? I can't seem to find anything (other than my constant worrying brain) that tells me that I can't cross into the U.S. while MTL is completing the process. As long as I'm not dishonest at the border, can prove my ties to Canada and have acceptable ID I think I should be ok to visit over Christmas for a week and get back to the North.

####### this sucks!!!! I'm going crazy with options and scenarios and it's not a far trip right now!

Any reassurances or personal experiences would be very much appreciated!

Montreal still has your passport? Wow. Guess there's a story in there somewhere. You'll be okay at the border. Just have two pieces of ID (one with pic) with something that proves your citizenship. (And the ties.)

[thermophile 0]

how long have they had your passport? I wasn't there so can't really remember (he crossed while Mtl had his passport because he was driving me down to MT to the friends house where I left my piece of shite car-it's licensed in the US so I couldn't drive it into Canada). I don't think they had it much more than a week. You really should be ok crossing with your bc and dl, but you might want to call MTL anyway just to see why you haven't gotten your passport back yet.

[jenmac75 1]

how long have they had your passport? I wasn't there so can't really remember (he crossed while Mtl had his passport because he was driving me down to MT to the friends house where I left my piece of shite car-it's licensed in the US so I couldn't drive it into Canada). I don't think they had it much more than a week. You really should be ok crossing with your bc and dl, but you might want to call MTL anyway just to see why you haven't gotten your passport back yet.

Thanks!

They've had the passport since November 28th. Apparently, it takes between 7 - 10 business days to review the file and we're on day 8 right now. I'm trying to be patient but it's so hard with all of this waiting and not knowing. I did get a response from my friend, Operator 6, in MTL today that "It shouldn't be too long now" and that crossing with my BC will in no way jeopordize my application. So, that's something...

[djc 0]

However, after Jan 31, no documents.. no entry... period...

Hey Zyggy? So what if you go to Canada and get robbed of all your stuff, ID and all.... how would you get back home?

[thermophile 0]

However, after Jan 31, no documents.. no entry... period...

Hey Zyggy? So what if you go to Canada and get robbed of all your stuff, ID and all.... how would you get back home?

I'm not zyggy but... A friend (Canadian) was robbed when he was in Mexico a few years ago. he reported the theft to the Canadian embassy and had his dad fax a copy of his passport to the embassy. I'm not sure if they generated him another passport right then or if he got something else from the embassy that allowed him to get back to Canada. When we travel, I have a copy of the hubby's passport and he has a copy of mine. Also, both my grandma and mom have copies of our passports. That way if we do get robbed and both of us loose our passports and the copies we have 2 people that could possibly fax copies of them.

but the real question is, What are you planning on doing in Canada that is going to result in you getting robbed? wild woman

[djc 0]

That's a great idea. You just copied the front pages of your passport? The thought never even crossed my mind!

I go to Canada pretty much every weekend (and will continue to do so after hubby moves here). I spend almost half my time there. You never really PLAN on getting robbed but since people get robbed and I'm there a lot, gotta cover my bases!

Thanks for the idea!

[djc 0]

Oh, back on topic. Jenmac, I wouldn't worry about crossing with your bc and driver's license over the holidays. Just bring all the usual ties and stuff, you'll probably be fine! If you get an extra cranky border guard, tell him to shove it Just kiddin, of course.

We also had to give stuff to MTL after the interview. They took their full 10 days, then a few more, then after an email and mailing time, we got our stuff. It took about 3 weeks total. You should have it back before the holidays

[Caladan 19]

However, after Jan 31, no documents.. no entry... period...

Hey Zyggy? So what if you go to Canada and get robbed of all your stuff, ID and all.... how would you get back home?

You'd follow the procedure like anyone would when in, say, the UK: go to the embassy and make it their problem.

C. flew down here last holiday season with no problems; I got the impression that they're really not picky over Christmas.

[karenkaye 1]

This is a rather delayed response to your post but just wanted to tell you.....I am Cdn, husband is American - I cross the border every 10 days or so using only my Cdn drivers license - have never used my passport - date that they will be required has been pushed back til next summer and who knows it will no doubt be pushed back again then. Best of luck on your journey!