Crossing border as a teacher during summer

[VeeNDee 44]

As a teacher I don't have any income or job in the summer -- I am worried about this will affect my crossing the border since they always ask if I have a job and what job it is. The last time I crossed (last week), the customs officer asked if teachers had the summer off and I said yes. (But really, why ask that question? It seems obvious). She went on to ask a few more questions after that and eventually let me pass. At any rate I am wondering if that was some sort of veiled warning about trying to cross during the summer. I can't get a letter saying I am expected back due to my circumstances with the contract but will be continuing to work in the fall automatically. There are only about three weeks of school left here before I will face this situation.

Does anyone have experience crossing the border as a teacher during the summer??

[canadian_wife 1,827]

When I taught in Canada and the CPB asked if I had a job I said "yes, I teach - I will be returning to ________ school board in the fall"

what's wrong with that answer? It is the truth. If asked for proof tell them the situation regarding your contract.

Good luck

[Rob & Monika 87]

I don't think it will be an issue, they are just asking questions. My fiancee is unemployed, they asked her what she did before and stuff. As long as they don't get the feeling like you plan on staying longer than you say you are staying, it shouldn't be an issue.

[darkchilde794 5]

Border patrol may also just be curious about you being a teacher. When I crossed the border, I was a grad student doing bacteria genetics, and they always had questions about it -- mostly just what I do and what I have to take, etc.

I also found it helpful to bring documents such as mortgage or work contract, in case they want to see proof that you are returning back.

[HeatDeath 430]

For 4 years prior to getting engaged to MY USC now-wife, I drove down to Salt Lake City from Winnipeg every summer and spent at least a month there. The only time it was even close to trouble was the last time prior to starting the K-1 process, and my wife was with me. The officer was very gruff and "doing things RIGHT", and I think he wasn't going to let me in until we stated an intent to do a fiance visa.

When I was alone, it was no problem. I just told them I was visiting friends/girlfriend for 4-6 weeks, and that I was a teacher and had to be back by late-August/whenever to start school.

[Veronik 19]

While waiting for our K1 Visa, I visited Chris for a month and I left in June, right after school ended. I had the secretary at the school write a simple letter explaining that I was expected back at work for the new school year in August (our interview was in early August anyways, but I figured better safe than sorry). Just like any other border crossing, tell the truth and you'll be fine.

[toocool 0]

I am a teacher too. I've been doing this border crossing gig for 8 years now and not once have I been questioned at the border. I have always flown but return tickets have never been asked for. And since starting the process with the K1 visa I have carried the necessary papers and still have not been questioned. I usually spend close to 5-6 weeks with my man. I travel both via YYZ and through BUF. You should have a problem.

[VeeNDee 44]

Just thought I would update my own post. It's been most of a summer and I've crossed the border multiple times since this post. I was only sent to Secondary once which had nothing to do with being a teacher. While in Secondary I got asked what my job was and answered teacher. No one ever asked me for more information (I never had to show proof of my job or ID or anything although I had it with me). On the last crossing, for the first time ever, when I said I was a teacher the guard asked me what kind of teacher I was to which I responded and then he waved me through. They asked a few times if as a teacher I had the summer off to which I responded yes. So thankful.

Thanks everyone for your replies back then and just wanted to assure others that it apparently isn't an issue.

Edited August 20, 2012 by VeeNDee