**Buffalo Airport or Toronto Pearson to Visit Fiance**

[NinoniAndBoosBoos 6]

why would it be rude? I read the word "boarder" in the original message several times, and as a non native English speaker I was sincerely wondering if the OP meant something other than the line between two countries. I've never been to Buffalo, what do I know if there is something called "Buffalo boarder" over there?

now you do sound really rude: "chi non mi vuole non mi marita" or something to that effect...

now you do sound really rude: "chi non mi vuole non mi marita" or something to that effect...

than you were best to not have replied at all..

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I always used the airport in Buffalo and I still do! It's much cheaper and it was much closer to my home in Canada than going up to Toronto. I would always have my dad drive me across the border with a return ticket, and I never had a single problem. My husband and I dated long distance for 4 years, so I did this dozens and dozens of times, including 4 times while our K-1 was pending.

As far as what would be easier, I'm not sure, because I never used Pearson. I don't think one system would be any easier than the other- you will still need to go through customs, and you will still face the same questions.

[NinoniAndBoosBoos 6]

I always used the airport in Buffalo and I still do! It's much cheaper and it was much closer to my home in Canada than going up to Toronto. I would always have my dad drive me across the border with a return ticket, and I never had a single problem. My husband and I dated long distance for 4 years, so I did this dozens and dozens of times, including 4 times while our K-1 was pending.

As far as what would be easier, I'm not sure, because I never used Pearson. I don't think one system would be any easier than the other- you will still need to go through customs, and you will still face the same questions.

Hi Higglebuggles, thank you sounds so encouraging..I am in the midst of looking at airline flights and your reply has helped me alot thanks

[Colleens 40]

I have never crossed at Buffalo, but crossed many times at the 1000 Islands. I was in a similar situation to you...I had just been laid off and wanted to go down for an extended period (I was at the point I was just waiting for an interview to be scheduled). I was driving down, and not flying, so I didn't have a return ticket. I explained my situation to the CBP that I had been laid off and wanted to spend an extended time here. I told him I was in the final stages of getting my K1 Visa and was just waiting for my interview to be scheduled. I had brought with me my mortgage documents showing that I had a residence in Canada (eventhough I had already sold my house...it just hadn't closed yet!!) and all my K1 documents. He asked me more questions than usual, but once he determined that we were going about the process legally and I still had ties to Canada (which he said he would have refused me if I didn't have) I was good to go.

When I drove to syracuse and flew from there(it saves tons of $$ doing it this way), I never had an issue crossing the border with my return ticket. They never asked to see one piece of documentaion. My fiance was in the army at that time, so sometimes that made it a bit easier for me.

Good luck!!

[NinoniAndBoosBoos 6]

I have never crossed at Buffalo, but crossed many times at the 1000 Islands. I was in a similar situation to you...I had just been laid off and wanted to go down for an extended period (I was at the point I was just waiting for an interview to be scheduled). I was driving down, and not flying, so I didn't have a return ticket. I explained my situation to the CBP that I had been laid off and wanted to spend an extended time here. I told him I was in the final stages of getting my K1 Visa and was just waiting for my interview to be scheduled. I had brought with me my mortgage documents showing that I had a residence in Canada (eventhough I had already sold my house...it just hadn't closed yet!!) and all my K1 documents. He asked me more questions than usual, but once he determined that we were going about the process legally and I still had ties to Canada (which he said he would have refused me if I didn't have) I was good to go.

When I drove to syracuse and flew from there(it saves tons of $$ doing it this way), I never had an issue crossing the border with my return ticket. They never asked to see one piece of documentaion. My fiance was in the army at that time, so sometimes that made it a bit easier for me.

Good luck!!

thank you so much....you have no idea how I need to see my fiance now...appreciate your help..

[Eric n Christina 1]

Hey There...

I fly out of Buffalo every 3 or 4 weeks to see my fiancee, Some officers ask more questions than others, but for the most part they are pretty good. i've never had an issue. I've been doing this since October. Just be honest tell them where you're going and when you'll return. Have a copy of your flight schedule accessable as they will probably ask for it. I bring a copy of my NOA1, my banking information and my schedule from work to show ties to Canada...

Hope this helps

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I never flew through Buffalo but I used to drive to Detroit from Chatham and fly out from there. I carried with me a file folder that had whatever recent documents I could lay my hands on to show I was coming back (paid up car and apartment insurance; phone bill showing paid up service for the month, utility bills; paycheque; doctors or veterinary appointments scheduled for after my return, etc.) along with a copy of the K-1/I129f package and the NOA1. I always had a return ticket and when I pulled up at the border and they asked where I was going would say 'Detroit airport'. They would ask why and I would say "I am flying to Atlanta to visit with my fiance for XXX days and will be returning on XXX date. I was sent into secondary inspection twice where they went through my file folder (and my purse) and once they got to the I-129f application and the NOA1 they would close the file folder up, hand every thing back to me and tell me I was free to continue on my way.

So, put together a package with any sort of documents you have, including a letter from your parents since you live at home stating that you will be returning on XXX date and they will be picking you up at the airport. Include your I-129f package and make sure you have a round trip ticket. The obvious reason for flying out of the US is the cost - it is definitely cheaper!

Follow Flames9_RN's instructions in his signature and you will give yourself the best chance for a successful entry. It is the border authority's job to let only 'safe' people into the US (safe from immigration risk, safe from terrorism, safe from disease, etc.). Recognizing that this is their job makes it easier for you to recognize that your job is to convince them that you are 'safe' - in this case, NOT an immigration risk and by showing you know the proper procedure and have already started it and are in the process of obtaining the proper visa, you will go a long way to reassuring them they can trust you.

Good luck.

PS - allow extra time for the border crossing to make sure you reach the airport in plenty of time for your scheduled flight. It is better to wait a few hours at the airport than miss your flight by half an hour. I generally allowed 2 hours for the border itself in addition to the travel time. I never needed that amount of time but many times it did take between 1/2 to 1 hour to get through.

Edited February 14, 2011 by Kathryn41

[Allie 5]

I've never gone through Buffalo but have gone through Pearson on 3 previous occasions.

Over the years I've been through about 15 different Customs points entering the U.S. via air travel.

I can tell you this, the 3 times I went through Pearson I experienced the sourest Customs people I have

ever dealt with. I know they don't get paid to smile or make small talk but they are just plain out rude

at Pearson

[Krikit 1,164]

I've flown out of Pearson and I've flown out of Buffalo. Tons. Buffalo is by far my preference. Just make sure you have a return ticket (confirmation) to show them in case they ask. Pearson CBP personnel are arrogant and rude. Some of the Buffalo border CBP are, too, but the Fort Erie Peace Bridge ones have more experience with Canadian travellers using the Buffalo airport. Don't ever cross at the Rainbow Bridge. That's for tourists.

[iampatricias 17]

I can tell you this, the 3 times I went through Pearson I experienced the sourest Customs people I have

ever dealt with. I know they don't get paid to smile or make small talk but they are just plain out rude

at Pearson

I second that.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I went thru pearson many times back in 2003/2004 and never had a problem.

[NinoniAndBoosBoos 6]

my only concern is having my sister and husband drive me to buffalo, and then to have been denied entry it is an inconvenience to them should I not be allowed in, I may have to take the Pearson route now and hope for the best. Thanks everyone for the replies most helpful....

[shawna7 4]

I used Buffalo ALL the time while my K-1 was processing..never had a problem(except the cuban cigar incident! haha but even then they only asked about the cigars!) Even now I use Buffalo most of the time..Pearson STILL makes me nervous even though I have my 10 year card..as a few others have said..not the cheeriest border gaurds you will encounter! just be prepared and honest..and you'll do just fine!

good luck and have a great visit!

S

[NinoniAndBoosBoos 6]

I used Buffalo ALL the time while my K-1 was processing..never had a problem(except the cuban cigar incident! haha but even then they only asked about the cigars!) Even now I use Buffalo most of the time..Pearson STILL makes me nervous even though I have my 10 year card..as a few others have said..not the cheeriest border gaurds you will encounter! just be prepared and honest..and you'll do just fine!

good luck and have a great visit!

S

Ok you have finally convinced me to book ahead.....too funny about the cuban cigar incident....I will miss being able to go to CUBA once I am finally in the States with my sweetie...Thanks Shawna7

[Krikit 1,164]

Ok you have finally convinced me to book ahead.....[snip]...Thanks Shawna7