Best Ontario-NY border crossing for K-1

[bauser 0]

Does anyone have input on which border crossing to use for the smoothest K-1 activation?

Choices:

-Queenston-Lewiston

-Niagara Falls (Rainbow Bridge)

-Ft.Erie-Buffalo (Peace Bridge)

Details:

-We plan to arrive at the border around 5:30-6:00 AM.

-I'll be traveling in my Father's car but he is driving it back to Toronto afterward so no paperwork required for the vehicle.

-I will have my personal belongings (a few suitcases and boxes) in the car.

It seems like most people activated at the Peace Bridge between Fort Erie and Buffalo. I have the most crossing experience using the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, but I have never been to secondary there.

Also, if you can think of any special considerations because my Father is accompanying me with his car, please let me know. He'll have his passport, work ID, and business cards with him.

Thanks again for all your help! Last week of work and 12 more days till the move... crazy times.

[JillA 2]

Hi Bauser,

I always cross at Queenston, never had a problem there. (Oakville-Philly) I activated my K-1 there at around 5am on a Saturday, it was a good time because no one else was there. I had to also import my car so it took a bit, but I find the staff there experienced in visa stuff since it's a busy border. Then I used my AP there last week, also went really well. So that is the one I would recommend, only because it's the only one I've crossed and also it went well for me.

As for your Dad, there shouldn't be a problem. To_Hope had her father also join her and she said it was no issue, Southern Canadian also had her father come with her and she said it was fine. You should have nothing to worry about!

Best of luck and look forward to hearing from you on the other side!

[Krikit 1,164]

Never never never cross at Rainbow. You're good to go at either Queenston or Fort Erie at that hour. I used the Peace Bridge. Good luck!

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Rainbow is always a pain! Its just to small to accommodate the traffic, imp. I always use the Peace Bridge whenever I go over and i've never had a problem or been to secondary... But I've never activated a visa either! Use your best judgment, I think Queenston and Ft. Erie are fairly similar.

[SapphireDreams 71]

I personally prefer the Fort Erie bridge because it tends to be a bit more organized/bigger, but either bridge should be fine at that hour. I'd go with whatever bridge is quicker when driving.

[antda 13]

Hi Bauser,

I live close to the border in NYS and go to back to Canada sometimes, and have travelled a lot between these three land crossings. So here are my thoughts, based on my border crossing experiences:

Here is the breakdown, based on border/customs checkpoint booths:

Rainbow Bridge - 2-5 booths

Queenston Lewiston Bridge - 5-10 booths

Peace Bridge - 10-20 booths

I would definitely not recommend the Rainbow Bridge, at Niagara Falls, unless you want to be harassed at the border for 2hrs or so...lol...(as that's what happened to me at my POE there...what a nightmare!...see my VJ timeline for more information).

From my experience, I would highly recommend for the Peace Bridge for you to cross at, as the many times I have crossed there and I've had no problems crossing there between the USA and Canada, and vice versa. They also have a lot of booth/checkpoint lanes there, and experience the least amount of delays. In and out in 10 mins, with a few minor questions (ID, country of citizenship, reason for going, anything to declare...just be truthful there when being asked, and have all of your paperwork ready beforehand)....then simple and easy in and out between the two countries...

Before you cross the border, just in case, you should also look at the following website too, to double-check on the traffic conditions on the day you are crossing over:

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp

Hope this helps. Happy POE crossing! Good luck on your immigration journey and your upcoming move!

Ant (Still waiting for I-751, Still waiting for Baby...)

P.S. Once you are in the USA, don't forget to drive in Miles, instead of Kilometres....lol....as you don't want to get a ticket for driving at the wrong speed!

Does anyone have input on which border crossing to use for the smoothest K-1 activation?

Choices:

-Queenston-Lewiston

-Niagara Falls (Rainbow Bridge)

-Ft.Erie-Buffalo (Peace Bridge)

Details:

-We plan to arrive at the border around 5:30-6:00 AM.

-I'll be traveling in my Father's car but he is driving it back to Toronto afterward so no paperwork required for the vehicle.

-I will have my personal belongings (a few suitcases and boxes) in the car.

It seems like most people activated at the Peace Bridge between Fort Erie and Buffalo. I have the most crossing experience using the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, but I have never been to secondary there.

Also, if you can think of any special considerations because my Father is accompanying me with his car, please let me know. He'll have his passport, work ID, and business cards with him.

Thanks again for all your help! Last week of work and 12 more days till the move... crazy times.

Edited April 14, 2009 by AntandD

[chadlaure 2]

What about

the Ambassador Bridge (Detroit- Windsor)

Port Huron

[Krikit 1,164]

What about

the Ambassador Bridge (Detroit- Windsor)

Port Huron

Are you asking or suggesting? lol

[chadlaure 2]

Yes sorry

What do you guys think?

I used the ambassador's bridge when I came in Canada but apparently most people use Port Huron.

WHich one would be the best?

It's about the same driving time to destination for both of them so according to your suggestion, I might change

[Krikit 1,164]

Personally, I do not like the Ambassador bridge. Bad memories.

[FormelyCA 0]

Do they go through your stuff at these POEs?

I am probably doing the Peace Bridge. Will they go through your belongings through your computer and all that.

NOT THAT I AM hiding anything Just wanna know what protocol is.

[bauser 0]

Thanks for all your advice. I'll plan for the Peace Bridge and divert to Queenston if the wait times are too long. I doubt that will happen but we have a blackberry to check their website.

carrieandadrian: from what I read in the POE reviews, they do not go through your personal belongings. I'll post my POE experience next weekend after I've settled into my new place!

[Krikit 1,164]

Do they go through your stuff at these POEs?

I am probably doing the Peace Bridge. Will they go through your belongings through your computer and all that.

NOT THAT I AM hiding anything Just wanna know what protocol is.

Do you mean when you cross using your visa? No. They don't go through your stuff.

[FormelyCA 0]

^ yah, when activating your K1.

Just wondering if they are going to wanna look through my stuff.

Good to hear they don't! Thanks Krikit

[JillA 2]

Do they go through your stuff at these POEs?

I am probably doing the Peace Bridge. Will they go through your belongings through your computer and all that.

NOT THAT I AM hiding anything Just wanna know what protocol is.

Well considering I had a 17 foot Uhaul stuffed full and my car loaded to the roof as well, they didn't even glance at my 20 page packing list or even ask what I was bringing with me