travel between US and Canada

[languageladki 0]

Hi. I just want to ask all of you that have had your I-130 approved this. After approval did you travel back and

forth between the US and Canada. I am in the US and have a medical issue for which my husband needs

to be here and he is also in the middle of a MBA program at Wayne State in Detroit and needs to go to classes

but an attorney told us he shouldn't cross the border anymore until he gets his visa. Did any of you travel across and if so, were there problems? Also....once we get the visa...the 551 stamp or whatever, can he still go back to Canada and visit his mom? Will my husband have to move all of his belongings the first time he crosses or can he come in for a while and then go back and get the move taken care of? Thanks to you all.

[QC2CO 1]

If your husband is Canadian, and plans to visit the US, he will need to have proof of ties to Canada to show that he will be coming back.

I travelled to the US the other week, and all I have left is my interview date for my K3. I brought all my paperwork with me to prove this, I had a letter of employement from work to prove that I have a job here (Canada), phone bills and other stuff. He believed that I would not try to jeoperdize my visa application, since I am so close to having it. So there was no problem.

But at the end... there is no guarantees of crossing. It all depends on the agent at the border, and if he believes you or not.

Edited August 14, 2006 by QC2CO

[Buttons 0]

You can travel back and forth throughout the process but he needs to show ties back to Canada -- lease, job, bills etc etc. Also I just got my visa and will be moving my stuff next week -- the very nice border guard at Thousand Island Bridge said it is a one time free pass to bring over all your stuff. He said there is a special form but you need no to use it just a itemized list of your belongings in each box. I will be crossing through Fort Erie.

[Flames9_RN 358]

As A cr-1 (once given visa at Interview in Montreal) One can go back and forth to the USA as he wishes, its not a 1 time entry as the K1 is. Zyggy posted awhil eback stating how long one has to bring in personel items from Canada, I can't recall how long it is, so I wont guess, I'm sure he will pop in with an answer or send him a PM. Cheers

[46]

Hi. I just want to ask all of you that have had your I-130 approved this. After approval did you travel back and

forth between the US and Canada. I am in the US and have a medical issue for which my husband needs

to be here and he is also in the middle of a MBA program at Wayne State in Detroit and needs to go to classes

but an attorney told us he shouldn't cross the border anymore until he gets his visa. Did any of you travel across and if so, were there problems? Also....once we get the visa...the 551 stamp or whatever, can he still go back to Canada and visit his mom? Will my husband have to move all of his belongings the first time he crosses or can he come in for a while and then go back and get the move taken care of? Thanks to you all.

If you have a medical reason for expediting the processing, submit it.

As for crossings, given the frequency, it is very likely that at some point a border guard will decide that enough is enough and tell your husband not to come back until the case is done. I would hope that showing proof of attendance at the US University would avoid this, but it seems doubtful. Perhaps he should debate takin some time of from the degree in advance or speak with the Wayne State international students office.

As long as the trips abroad do not last longer than 6 months at a time nor occupy 50% of the total time holding the greencard at a renewal/citizenship point

He can move his belongings at his leisure once his I-551 is stamped in his passport.

[girl 37 7]

I know everyone says you need to bring proof of ties to Canada, and I do carry them, but I just came to the US for a week-long visit on Saturday and the officer didn't ask to see anything. I did show her the I-130 NOAs 1 & 2 and the K-3 NOA 1 though, and told her I was only visiting for a week because I have to back at work next Monday.

Zyggy says: this:

As a new immigrant you have up to ten years to bring your personal effects over without duty. It's not like Canada where you have to give them a list that includes everything but the kitchen sink when you activate the visa, and anything not on that list is dutiable.... you can make a declaration of your accompanying goods each time that you enter the US.

If they ask you if you have anything, you can freely tell them not at this time and they will accompany you at a later daye while you settle your affiars in Canada.

[bcmcfish 0]

My wife and I have been back and forth while in process for the CR-1. The first time we tried to cross we were both really nervous about getting turned away...

When we arrived at the immigration desk, my wife filled out the visa waiver (since she's British). Then nothing happened. They didn't ask to see any documentation, even though we brought almost everything we would need (bills, lease, etc). We even voluntarily told the lady that we were in the green card process... and she then shrugged her shoulders and let us go...

So, inherently there is no problem. If you have other complications it might matter. But we've traveled a couple times during the process and have had no difficulty...

Just take your documentation and proof that you have ties to Canada, and it should be fine.

[Meliss 0]

I've gone back and forth at least once a month since the immigration K1 Visa has started, never any problems at all, I use the peace bridge. I also had all the items listed above- but besides maybe once with looking in the trunk, that's it- and remember honesty is the best policy.