Crossing the Border- No Ties

[Hugglebuggles 60]

My finace is coming to visit me next weekend so we can go up to Montreal for my visa interview on the 29th. We were talking about making a trip across the border to go shopping. We want to take my little sister, and a bridesmaid in our wedding, to David's Bridal to get a bridesmaid dress since she doesn't have one yet. I have all my stuff through DB in Colorado and unfortunately there are no stores in Ontario! So it requires a trip to New York state.

Problems...

Unfortunately, I really have no significant ties left to Canada. I will be out of school on the 23rd, my letter of enrollment from the university will be no good anymore. I don't have a mortgage or rent contract, I live with my parents. I have a part time job, but my employer doesn't know I'm leaving yet, so I really don't want to get a letter from her confirming my return (not that I would consider a part time job at Tim Hortons as a significant tie...) To make it better, we are crossing using a rental car.

But...

I'm going to have my mother to me, who is so obviously not intending on living in the US. So it will be a car with my American fiance, me, my mother, and my 15 year old sister. Also, I'm not bringing any luggage or anything with me, just my purse.

I'm thinking about just going and taking my chances. My mom isn't a very confident driver so she doesn't want to take my sister to DB herself, so this is pretty much our only window of opportunity. I'd really like to go and help my sister pick her dress, and after the 29th I won't be able to go at all. Do you think this is a terrible idea? I don't want to get thrown into secondary and questioned to no end, especially a couple days before my visa interview in Montreal. Any ideas on any evidence I may have that would help my case?

Thanks everyone!!

Amanda

[minnew 4]

I think your interview letter for Montreal might be a sufficient proof of tie, plus you aren't bringing any luggage with you, as it will just be a shopping trip. I know what you mean about no DB near! The closest one is almost 7 hours away in ND for me! If I don't get something ordered by April 30th I will be up the creek to allow 6 weeks for alterations!

[Texanadian 10]

I never brought anything that showed residential ties to Canada on any of my visits to the US.

[rexalite 0]

i can't imagine what could be better proof of a tie to Canada than your Montreal interview letter. Who would have immigrant intent 2 weeks before the end of a two year process? Actually one of my roommates in college had to serve 2 years in the military because he was a citizen of the Bahamas, and two weeks before he was finished he went AWOL and ended up going to jail then had to restart his 2 years again!

[beans 7]

I don't know if this is allowed but I did it. Granted they didn't ask to see my proof of ties. I simply typed up a rental contract between my dad and I (since I moved back home once my lease was up). He signed it, I signed it *shrugs* But as mentioned above, you aren't showing much intentions to immigrate.

[Emancipation 2]

If you are doing it by land. I'd try it. If it's a shopping trip they probably won't ask too many questions and wave you through. I did a few trips over the border during the K-1 process and never had any ties with me (a road trip with my BFF etc), and they never asked for any.

[Sprailenes 47]

I never brought anything that showed residential ties to Canada on any of my visits to the US.

See me either! I guess we were always just lucky.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I brought them, but never was asked to produce them!!

[DeadPoolX 9]

I brought them, but never was asked to produce them!!

I often think U.S. Customs is less demanding than Canadian Customs.

My wife was rarely asked for any proof (although she had it on her) when entering the U.S., while I had to produce ties (in numerous forms) on a regular basis when visiting Canada. Maybe she has an honest face.

[JillA 2]

I think that fact that you'll have no luggage, have an interview letter, and have a car full of people (why would they go with you) if you're planning on sneaking in. I'm sure you'll be fine! I myself have to go to DB soon, I heard they have really good prices on dresses....

[Reba 2]

If you're driving across and say you're there to go shopping, most likley they'll just waive you thru no questions asked. But if they ask for ties, bring your interview letter.

[minnew 4]

I think that fact that you'll have no luggage, have an interview letter, and have a car full of people (why would they go with you) if you're planning on sneaking in. I'm sure you'll be fine! I myself have to go to DB soon, I heard they have really good prices on dresses....

Indeed they do! I got my dress, bra, slip, veil and tiara all for under $1000.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I think that fact that you'll have no luggage, have an interview letter, and have a car full of people (why would they go with you) if you're planning on sneaking in. I'm sure you'll be fine! I myself have to go to DB soon, I heard they have really good prices on dresses....

Indeed they do! I got my dress, bra, slip, veil and tiara all for under $1000.

Yep! My dress was about $650 and with all the extras it was about $900... But I still don't have a tiara/headpiece, I'm being indecisive! I went to a little bridal shop first thinking they would have better selection but no... I ended up buying everything at DB.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll bring my interview letter along with me. I don't think it will seem very suspicious at all. I've never been asked to produce ties before either, I just make sure I bring them just in case (well, since i've been a member of VJ and was aware I might need them)

[Bern. 3]

Just be honest! And try not to volunteer information.

Haha, DeadPoolX! My husband had the same problem, except the first time he had no ties, so they gave him #######, and he got pretty much escorted out to where I was. I guess me waiting was proof that he wasn't hopping the country. o_o

And OMGG. Go to Davids Bridal!! They are AMAZING. And the ladies that help you, are godly. And I had 2 flowers in my hair. o.o

Edited April 19, 2009 by Ber + Ter

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

I visited Nick in Jersey just before my interview in Montreal last June (wow time flies!) and I brought a bunch of documentation, bank statements, all my USCIS stuff, interview stuff etc. and didn't have to show any of it.

If you are honest and straightforward you probably won't have to show proof.

Bring whatever you have though, even if it's little just in case but you should be fine.

Enjoy your visit!!!