One way flight to US for long visit questions ...

[srdriggers 0]

Hi I am a Canadian citizen going to the US for an extended visit (approximately 5-6 months) and I have a few questions. I have a 1 way ticket because I am flying over and driving back with a family member.

1. What type of paperwork will be required at the border into the US?

2. What information should I be ready to present? Person's name I am visiting, etc.?

3. Will this type of travel be cause for detention and lots of questions? If so I need to leave home earlier so I don't miss my flight.

Thanks!

[Inky 1,111]

Its going to cause a lot of questions, they may not even let you into america.

You need things like lease for your appartment/place of residence. Bills that need to be payed, you need all information of who and where your staying. You need proof you are coming back, which a 1 way ticket really doesnt help you.

You need a lot of proof of ties to canada and that you will be returning.

[trailmix 77]

Exactly. The question is - since you are visiting for 5-6 months, what proof do you have. Do you have an employer? Are you expected back at work?

If you don't have strong proof of ties they may not let you in - or they may let you in but limit your stay by issuing you a document with a defined return date, ie: they may only let you stay a month, for instance.

If you intend to go ahead, without strong proof, just be prepared to be denied entry - ensure you buy a refundable type of ticket (i'm not saying that to make you paranoid, just want you to be prepared and not waste your money)

Good luck!

This recent thread posted in the Canada forum might be of interest to you:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=231336

Edited December 18, 2009 by trailmix

[Nik+Heather 121]

Here's the visiting FAQ.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1visit

You don't need everything on this list, but without a return ticket, you'll want a lot of the others to show that you'll come back. Perhaps it might be worth your money to buy a return ticket - even if you don't intend to use it.

[Rob and Jill 82]

How are you staying for 5-6 months without a specific Visa for it? My understanding is even in "swap" countries where you don't have to have a tourist visa you can only stay 90 days.

Furthermore, if you are going to go and visit a fiance DO NOT TELL THEM THAT. Just say "friends". When I flew into Manchester I had all kinds of long winded questions when I said I was staying with my fiance. I did not have my return flight booked, but it was already purchased, because I was flying stand by and wasn't sure what day I would be leaving. After 13 hours of travel at this point I thought the guy at the airport was not going to let me in. He wanted to know where I worked, what the phone number was, when I had to be back to work, how I was getting home, why didn't I know what exact date I was leaving, what if the flights got canceled or were full how I would get home, who would pay for it, how much money was in my accounts, and the list when on and on. I finally looked at him and said "I AM NOT GETTING MARRIED WHILE I AM HERE." Very bluntly and he gave me a dirty look and let me in.

They WILL harass (do their jobs) you over this...be prepared. I was not.

. What information should I be ready to present? Person's name I am visiting, etc.?

You should know the name and address from memory. They will ask this and they will write it down. Be prepared for any of the questions I stated above.

Edited December 18, 2009 by Rob and Jill

[trailmix 77]

How are you staying for 5-6 months without a specific Visa for it? My understanding is even in "swap" countries where you don't have to have a tourist visa you can only stay 90 days.

Canadians do not require a visa to enter the U.S., nor are we part of the VWP - Canadians can stay up to 180 days per visit - ie they can stay 180 days, cross the border and head back for another 180 days (now in practice they would probably think you are taking up residence and deny you - but that's another story)