Travelling to Canada

[AmberOctober 25]

Guys,

I need to get to Canada next week but I'm still unsure if my GC is going to be here in time. It was approved but still somewhere on its way to me.

My citizenship doesn't allow me to enter Canada without visa, however, it is too late to apply for it now.

Do I need visa to enter the country with my AP?

If I get my GC in time, do I need to have any application forms to show at the Canadian border? Or I just need to have my GC (parole?) and passport?

I've been reading their Embassy's website but it is so confusing. You're my only hope

Edited January 11, 2010 by Dusseldorf

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Guys,

I need to get to Canada next week but I'm still unsure if my GC is going to be here in time. It was approved but still somewhere on its way to me.

If your Green card doesn't arrive in time, are you able to make a quick Infopass appointment at your local USCIS office - you may need to go right to the office and use the kiosk in the lobby or see if you can get an emergency apointment while there. They can stamp your passport with the I-551 stamp that is the same as the green card and is sufficient for letting you enter Canada as a green card holder. Bring your proof of need to travel to Canada and you should be able to get the stamp.

My citizenship doesn't allow me to enter Canada without visa, however, it is too late to apply for it now.

Do I need visa to enter the country with my AP?

If your country normally requires a visa to enter Canada, then you would still require a visa to enter Canada and your AP to return to the US. The AP isn't for entering another country, it is for returning to the US.

If I get my GC in time, do I need to have any application forms to show at the Canadian border? Or I just need to have my GC (parole?) and passport?

Your greencard is sufficient. Your passport is an excellent idea to bring as well as it is another form of identification as well as identifying you as a citizen of that country if you run into problems and require assistance from your Embassy while in Canada. Your green card is supposed to be sufficient for your return to the US as well, but many green card holders have also been asked for their passport. Canada treats permanent residents of the US the same as US citizens.

I've been reading their Embassy's website but it is so confusing. You're my only hope

[AmberOctober 25]

Kathryn,

thank you so so much for your reply!

I was thinking that maybe Canada considers AP as a proof of my legal residence here in the US and that AP might show them that my case is in the system. Anyway, it is a great idea to go schedule an infopass appt.

I referred back to this website Embassy site and got confused by the list of application forms. "REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA APPLICANTS". There is an application form that needs to be submitted. Do you think I need to fill it in?

[Krikit 1,165]

This is a helpful site: Visitors to Canada

Call and ask someone at the Port of Entry you are using. The above site says there are visitor visa exemptions for:

• persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in possession of their alien registration card (Green card) or can provide other evidence of permanent residence;
  

The AP and your AOS NOA may be included in "other evidence".

[AmberOctober 25]

This is a helpful site: Visitors to Canada

Call and ask someone at the Port of Entry you are using. The above site says there are visitor visa exemptions for:

• persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in possession of their alien registration card (Green card) or can provide other evidence of permanent residence;
  

The AP and your AOS NOA may be included in "other evidence".

Hi,

yes, that's what I was concerned about - if AP or welcome letter can be considered as proof of permanent residence. By port of entry you mean the airport I'm flying to?

[Krikit 1,165]

Hi,

yes, that's what I was concerned about - if AP or welcome letter can be considered as proof of permanent residence. By port of entry you mean the airport I'm flying to?

The POE is the Customs area you will enter prior to being admitted to Canada. So, for example, if you are going by land you would call whichever crossing you were using. Since you are going by air you can call that airport's CBSA office. Alternatively you can use this:

Canada Border Services Agency - General Enquiries

[AmberOctober 25]

Ahhh, guys, I can't believe it, I got my GC on the mail today!! :dance:

So the only question left is, do I need to fill any application forms to show at the border or GC and my passport are the only things I need.

I'm so happy

[Krikit 1,165]

Congratulations! You'll fill out the regular Customs form (you'll either receive it on the plane or pick one up in the Customs area). When you get to the Customs officer you will hand them the form along with your passport and greencard.