Does Crossing US Customs at Pearson Count as "in America"?

[Buttertart 0]

Last July, I was denied entry at Pearson because I spent too much time in the US over 2009/2010. I was given a copy of the form, which said that I withdrew my request to enter. The border officer said not to try and cross for 6 months, and when I do to show strong ties to Canada.

I have a conference I'm speaking at in July in Vegas, which is very important and I don't want to miss out on it.

I was thinking that this weekend, heading to the Toronto airport, purchasing a refundable ticket to a US destination, and attempting to get through customs with a bank statement showing I have $1000, a letter from my MP stating I'll be volunteering on May 2, election day, and a doctor's appointment.

I'm wondering if I cross customs, then turn around and come back if that will count as a successful crossing and improve my chances of being let through in July for Vegas (when I'll also have a letter from the conference taking responsibility for me).

Any thoughts?

[JeroenAndMichelle 28]

My thought: see if you can get a visa, that way it is more likely you are able to enter the country.

[Canadiandggal 49]

Not sure if thats a great idea to be honest. You should definitely work on more ties for sure, like apartment/house lease, letter from employer saying what day you are expected back,bank statement,anything you can possibly think of. Some people have no problems after a denial but others can get the harsh treatment. Personally I would probably wait till July and try at that time but thats just me.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

My thought: see if you can get a visa, that way it is more likely you are able to enter the country.

Canadians don't have to get visitor's VISAs.

[Buttertart 0]

My thought: see if you can get a visa, that way it is more likely you are able to enter the country.

Even though Canadians don't need tourist visas?

[Flames9_RN 358]

As usual it comes down to the POE officer--simple as that! You stated that you really want to goto that Conference in July! So if I were you--that would be my next visit to the USA. Why? Because you should be able to dig up evidence that you are going down for the conference. Maybe your even listed on a brochure or some type of paperwork as a speaker--bring that with you!! As well have at the ready return airfare, apartment lease, anything with ties to Canada and of course the Conference!! My other suggestions is in my signature. Best of luck

[Buttertart 0]

Okay, thanks. Yes, there will be evidence I'm a guest, and I'm going to get the conference to write a letter stating that they are picking me up/taking me back to the airport, taking care of my accommodations, etc.,.

The problem with my strong ties is that I'm a freelancer who lives with her parents So I don't have rent, I don't own a car, I don't have an employer. I work from home and my "office" is an Alienware, a Cintiq, and a drafting table in my bedroom

I am a pseudo-celebrity in my town, so I was thinking of having my MP and the Mayor sign letters each stating that I'm a valued citizen and they can vouch that I'm returning--if that would be helpful...I'm not sure. I was also going to schedule my yearly checkup for sometime after the conference.

[iampatricias 17]

If you are really wanting to attempt a border crossing, and it has been six months, you could try the letter from your MP and your other evidence and take a friend shopping at the Walden Galleria or the Outlet Malls on the American side in Niagara Falls (if you're living in Toronto anyway). Driving across may be easier, having a friend along may ease suspicion, and a shopping trip is short term...

It might allow you a chance to chat with a border guard too, ask some questions about your previous 'denial'.

But I do think the safer bet is to wait until July, bring proof of the conference expecting you and your intentions to return to Canada right away and leave the border alone as much as possible.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Okay, thanks. Yes, there will be evidence I'm a guest, and I'm going to get the conference to write a letter stating that they are picking me up/taking me back to the airport, taking care of my accommodations, etc.,.

The problem with my strong ties is that I'm a freelancer who lives with her parents So I don't have rent, I don't own a car, I don't have an employer. I work from home and my "office" is an Alienware, a Cintiq, and a drafting table in my bedroom

I am a pseudo-celebrity in my town, so I was thinking of having my MP and the Mayor sign letters each stating that I'm a valued citizen and they can vouch that I'm returning--if that would be helpful...I'm not sure. I was also going to schedule my yearly checkup for sometime after the conference.

If they will write a letter for you why not get them to do it!! Just keep in mind you can have 100% concrete evidence that you will be returning to Canada, and that the POE officer can still deny you entry into the USA! So if they do deny you entry again, remain calm, be polite--your not going to win the argument!! If you become a huge jerk (not saying you would,lol) they then can make your life truly miserable!! Politeness gets one far!! People have to remember these POE officers see 100's, 1000's of people a day and they have to make a judgement call! And I would think the longer their shift goes, the more stressed/frustrated they can get! Cheers