Crossing the Border for XMas Vacation

[Abike 0]

Hi There!

I have posted to this forum earlier this year and have found you all to be a very helpful community. I would really welcome some insight from anyone out there in a similar situation or if you know of anyone in my boat, please help me, your advice or anecdotes would be helpful.

I am a Canadian Citizen and my husband is an American Citezen currently living in Minneapolis.

We have filed my I-130 on my behalf in Vancouver where we both lived for the last four years. He moved back to Minneapolis to establish a US Domicile.

I am in a professional development program (a participant in a Nationally Recognized program that finishes in Feburary 2011). After which I would like to emigrate to the US.

On Sept 28 2010 we obtained our Visa packet from the NVC advising us to gather our paperwork, schedule my doctor's examination & Visa Interview at the Montreal Consulate. My husband wants to come to the interview with me so we are saving money and trying to time our interview for Jan 30 2011.

My question is this: Can I travel on land From Toronto to Minneapolis for visit my husband for Xmas? Would anyone out there advise this? If I am turned away at the Border will any record of this on my Canadian Passport affect my Visa application? I took a shopping trip to Seattle this year and was not turned away on land. And when I called the NVC with this question the operator told me that I was travelling at my own expense and it was at the discretion of the BPS officer whether or not they wanted to turn me away. I thought if I bring with me my travel itinerary [return plane ticket] a letter from my organization and proof of my Toronto address that this will be enough to satisfy that I am returning to my country and not planning to immigrate illegally.

Please Help. Thank You

[Heather&Matt 0]

I travel to the US (by land) to visit my husband at least 2 times a week. I carry proof of residency in Canada with me at all times...rent receipts, utility bills, pay stubs from work, as well as copies of our NOA1 and NOA2. A copy of the plane itinerary is a good plan too, I would photocopy your interview letter as well. I have never had a problem crossing the border and I have never been denied entry.

Usually they just ask who is moving where then I tell them what stage we are in of immigration.....I have been crossing the border for 5 years to see him, and again, I have never been denied entry.

Good luck!

Edited November 9, 2010 by Heather&Matt

[Krikit 1,165]

Hi Abike. The operator is correct in that it is completely up to the CBP Officer but a denial won't affect the visa approval. They'll ask you about it at the interview so you just need to be truthful about it. Make sure you bring a copy of your NOA(s) so the CBP Officer can see you're doing this the legal way should you get sent to secondary. Here is a helpful link. It mentions fiance(e) visas but it pertains to all.

Visitation FAQ's

Moving from IR-1/CR-1 Process to the Canada Regional forum as that is where you will receive the most pertinent advice.

[Canadiandggal 49]

agreed again, It is up to the cbp But bringing lots of proof to return should help. I have never been denied as well and I do know that even being denied entry will not affect you upcoming visa. Just be honest and smile. CBP's are people too and in most cases they are doing the same thing as you at some point (visiting family). I wish you luck!

[Brandi n Michael 8]

You shouldn't have any problems (every trip was nerve wracking though because they don't need an iron clad reason to say no) I carried the NOA and return plane tickets (never had to show the NOA)and only had packed what I needed no over packing. I went back and forth for 6 months through Pembina crossing. I'm so glad that is over though :)If you do get denied at some point it doesn't affect your application at all, you just be honest in the interview and tell them CBP denied you because they thought .fill in blank.

Brandi

[Abike 0]

Thank You all for the replies! You've all helped to reinforce my confidence and quell my need to panic.

I should know this i guess : what do all of you mean by N0A documents?

Cheers Again.

Abike

[Inky 1,111]

NOA = notice of action

NOA 1 - them accepting your petition and saying they have it and are starting to work on it.

NOA 2 - Approval notice saying your petition has been aprooved and is being forwarded to the NVC/embassy.

Edited November 9, 2010 by Inky

[Tim and Erin 3]

I wasn't denied entry either while my K-1 was being processed. I crossed in July for a visit and had all my proof and paperwork with me. My story is here if you'd like to read it:

My link

Good luck, and have a great Christmas!