Blue Water Bridge

[stephiejoyce 0]

Does anyone know any details regarding the Blue Water Bridge. From what I got on the internet, this is the bridge that "connects" Toronto to Detroit. This is also the bridge that my husband and I are hoping to use for his POE at the end of August [provided everything at our interview goes well].

Can this bridge be used as his POE?

Anything we should be concerned or warned about regarding this bridge?

Thanks guys. I appreciate everyone's help!

Stephanie

[KiminON 0]

Bluewater connects Sarnia & Port Huron. It's a smaller crossing which usually means less traffic. It's my understanding that every POE is able to process visas, although, it seems some are more familiar with them than others. (read - less confused) I was thinking of using this POE when I go down, but the fact that it's smaller is making me re-think things.

If you do go thru there, please post a report!

k

[reddiablo 0]

Bluewater connects Sarnia & Port Huron. It's a smaller crossing which usually means less traffic. It's my understanding that every POE is able to process visas, although, it seems some are more familiar with them than others. (read - less confused) I was thinking of using this POE when I go down, but the fact that it's smaller is making me re-think things.

If you do go thru there, please post a report!

k

we too are using that crossing

should be fine , cos will do my poe at pearson next week,

will come back to canada , do our euro cruise.

come back aug 29 then hit thev road on 30th aug.

great mate just moved from mississauga to grand bend.

so will spend last night in canada @grand bend

cheers red

[stephiejoyce 0]

The Blue Water bridge connects 402 to I69 [towards Flint]

The Ambassador bridge connects 401 to I94 [Detroit area]

I got the two of them mixed up. So... has anyone had any problems at the Ambassador bridge? I think this one is more common than the BWB so maybe my hubby and I will take this one.

[zyggy 9]

The Blue Water bridge connects 402 to I69 [towards Flint]

The Ambassador bridge connects 401 to I94 [Detroit area]

I got the two of them mixed up. So... has anyone had any problems at the Ambassador bridge? I think this one is more common than the BWB so maybe my hubby and I will take this one.

The Ambassador Bridge is a very busy crossing and is known for being of bad temperment... If I were you I would use the tunnel if you want to go through in Detroit...

[Buttons 0]

I agree with zyggy also depends on what time of day you cross , morning rush hour or evening would not be a good time as there are many people who commute back and forth for job purposes.

[bobo 2]

I agree with zyggy also depends on what time of day you cross , morning rush hour or evening would not be a good time as there are many people who commute back and forth for job purposes.

If you want to have work authorization from the very first day in the USA (that will be useful also if you want to claim EI benefits from Canada - read the pinned thread about EI) than go through Ambassador Bridge, they are the only ones from Ontario crossings to issue temp. EAD stamps, at least they were last fall.

My experience there was OK, nothing unusual, no questions asked about the over-loaded SUV that we had. It was about 7 pm, on a Wednesday.

[bobo 2]

I agree with zyggy also depends on what time of day you cross , morning rush hour or evening would not be a good time as there are many people who commute back and forth for job purposes.

If you want to have work authorization from the very first day in the USA (that will be useful also if you want to claim EI benefits from Canada - read the pinned thread about EI) than go through Ambassador Bridge, they are the only ones from Ontario crossings to issue temp. EAD stamps, at least they were last fall.

My experience there was OK, nothing unusual, no questions asked about the over-loaded SUV that we had. It was about 7 pm, on a Wednesday.

Sorry, I just saw you don't need EAD since you cross as a CR-1/IR-1.

[jen&darcy 0]

That is good to know Bobo about the Ambassador Bridge and EAD stamps. I wasn't aware of this. This could be an option for us this Fall.

Sorry

[Joey559 1]

I live in Michigan and Paul and I used the Blue Water bridge when we went for a 3 day stay in Toronto while he was here. We went thru on a thursday mid day and there was maybe 3 other cars - it was dead! She looked at both our passports, asked Paul what he did for a living and when we'd be coming back through. The way back in was just as easy. I know this is very different, with it being the POE for your visa, but for general kindness and efficiency they were top notch.

Port Huron isn't that much of a drive away from Detroit, so for less hassle it could be worth the extra time in the car to cross with less disgruntled/busy officers.

All the best!

Joey

Edited July 27, 2006 by Joey559

[stephiejoyce 0]

Thanks for the replies and the thoughts/experiences. After reviewing the options and locations, I think we're going to use the Blue Water Bridge. I just hope they're ready for us and for a over-packed car we're importing!

I'll letcha all know how it goes... although this won't happen until the end of Aug.

Thanks again

[bebop + rocksteady 0]

I have a theory (just a theory) that the smaller POEs get bored and therefore are a little more meticulous and....skeptical. We went through at Grand Portage, Minnesota. TINY POE. We were there for 2 hours and saw one other car come through. BUT we get grilled and Craig wasn't allowed to cross into the country for a visit. I just think they wanted some company.

Definitely we Craigy crosses on the K1 we'll try and get a more busy and knowledgable POE.

Cass (bebop the great)

[thermophile 0]

I'm with you on your small POE theory. My parents came up to visit and to meet my hubby's mum. We crossed back into the US at the world's tiniest POE on a backroad in BC/ID. Mom and Dad had forgot their passports (which aren't required anyway). the customs officer questioned us for 10 minutes on that, saying over and over that they didn't need their passports to get back in the US but had to have them to get into Canada-so why did it matter then? I'm sure she was bored though because after that she wanted to search the trunk but had all 3 of us back pulling things out of the trunk for her. Very strange, I thought she was going to make me demonstrate my backpacking stove. Oh well at least she let us through.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

We entered at the Blue Water Bridge joining Sarnia and Port Huron. It is a busy crossing even though it is smaller than Detroit. There is a lot of commercial traffic and a lot of visitor traffic crossing there. Customs and immigration are well versed in how to handle different visas. We had no problems activating my K-1 visa there and the whole process took about 15 minutes. The border guard was very concerned that I made sure I knew about Advance Parole if I planned to return to Canada before my Green Card was processed and said every day they have the disheartening experience of having to turn back a Canadian married to an American on a K-1 who neglected to get the AP.

We did try to cross originally at Marine City on the ferry after first verifying that they would and could process a K1. Well, that was a big mistake because the woman who was there when we did cross refused to process us and said we needed to use Port Huron or Detroit and made us go back - that with 6 unhappy cats in the car and adding 4 - 5 additional hours of travel time to our already 16 hour journey. What really sucked is that Port Huron was surprised that Marine City refused to process us and said they certainly could have done so if they had wanted to!

So, a yes vote for Port Huron and the Blue Water Bridge as a POE.

[Officer's Fiance 0]

Has anyone ever used Hill Island (near Kingston, ON) as a POE? That's where I'll be crossing to activate my K-1...