A Question About Customs

[Teddy B 17,252]

I've only visited her once before, And that was during April when I was over there for 3 weeks. Like I said in my previous post I plan on going back this july. I was pulled into secondary on my first trip "The one in April" And that trip has been my only time in the US. I guess that might be my only option then, I might try going for 4 weeks and see how that turns out. I plan on bringing stronger ties when I go and I probably will since i've most likely been flagged. Do they usually tell you if you've been flagged or not?

Ok, I mistook the following as 2 visits: I stayed for 3 weeks, I also went to visit her last april "Went on the 3rd, returned on the 24th".

I was told by a CBP Officer on the Canadian side that I was flagged, I was also given the Canadian equivalent of the US I-94 on one trip(I'm not sure what it's called in Canada), but it's a piece of paper with a mandatory leave by date stamped on it. My wife was also told that she was flagged on the US side, but others are flagged without knowing it.

If you do not receive an I-94 upon crossing the border, you are allowed a sixth month stay legally, so there's nothing stopping you from changing your plans accordingly. However the longer you stay in the US, the longer you will probably need to stay in Canada. And by all means, do not overstay the 6 months(183 days).

Just remember to always tell the truth to the POE officers, even if it means a not so good outcome for you. Getting caught in a lie can bring a world of hurt down on you in the immigration world.

Good Luck!

[Clegane 0]

I wasn't given any piece of paper or anything to do with that. The officer told me to have a nice day and that was really it. So should I try for a 2 month stay? I know it's a pretty big risk but I think I might be able to pull it off with the right ties.. Or alteast I hope i can!

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

I was definitely flagged but never told - and when I tentatively questioned whether there was something wrong, well let me put it this way, me asking did not put the officer in a very good mood lol. Also, take it from someone who was turned away from entering the US and "advised" not to try again for (at minimum) six months - avoid getting on their bad side if you can.

In my opinion, your lack of strong ties to show you'll return to Canada, the length of time you want to stay in the US AND the fact they put you in secondary the last time, may cause them to turn you back or to only allow you in for a short time. Of course, it's totally up to the border guard but I'd try to get much stronger ties to Canada if I were you.

Good luck!

[Teddy B 17,252]

I wasn't given any piece of paper or anything to do with that. The officer told me to have a nice day and that was really it. So should I try for a 2 month stay? I know it's a pretty big risk but I think I might be able to pull it off with the right ties.. Or alteast I hope i can!

That decision is totally up to you. I've already told you what I would do and I also explained to you the 6 month rule should your plans maybe change while you're in the states. Maybe you go visit your girl for 2 weeks but then decide to stay a bit longer, it's up to you.

[Clegane 0]

So wait, I can say I want to visit for 2 weeks but I can actually stay for longer? "As long as it's not more than 6 months?"

Also what are strong ties that I can bring with me? I don't own a house but I currently stay at my parents place. I don't drive since I live in Montreal and just pretty much take the metro everywhere I need to go. What would strong ties be for someone like me?

Edited May 8, 2013 by Clegane

[NikLR 13,227]

So wait, I can say I want to visit for 2 weeks but I can actually stay for longer? "As long as it's not more than 6 months?"

Also what are strong ties that I can bring with me? I don't own a house but I currently stay at my parents place. I don't drive since I live in Montreal and just pretty much take the metro everywhere I need to go. What would strong ties be for someone like me?

paying rent at your parents? you don't have a job so I'm assuming not

A really good bank balance?

Bills?

You really have no financial ties.

[Clegane 0]

Would a letter from her parents inviting me over help? Stating that I was going to be a guest at there place and that they would cover my financial situation for my stay?

[NikLR 13,227]

Not really. If anything, why wouldn't you just stay right? After all someone is paying your bills, buying your food... etc... see how this looks?

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Strong ties would include (but not limited to)

• Letter from employer
• Proof of enrollment in school
• Recurring monthly payment obligation (ie car loan)
• monthly bills (credit card, utilities)
• apartment lease
• bank statements

Look at it from the border patrol guard's perception. You really have no reason to come back to Canada that you can prove. And to them (the CBP) every visitor has a presumption of not returning to their home country. Ultimately, it's up to whatever guard you happen to get the day you try to cross.

[Clegane 0]

Gotcha, I totally understand why they would see me as someone who would probably overstay. I'm wondering if telling them i've enrolled for school at a certain date and showing proof, along with my bank statement and phone bills would be enough, I always buy a return ticket so I hope that'll help me out too. Thanks guys

So if you were me, would you try going for 2 months under my circumstances? What would I possibly need to do too be able to stay for 2 months without the guards giving me a hard time? Or is traveling for long periods of time pretty much impossible if you aren't employed or in school?

Edited May 8, 2013 by Clegane

[NikLR 13,227]

Have a job, enroll in school that has a start date, get an appt lease, buy/lease a car...

No in your circumstances I would not be trying to stay for 2 months. But that's me.

[Clegane 0]

What about 4 weeks?

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

No one can tell you for sure. As I said before, it's on YOU to prove to the border guard that you're not going to overstay (or immigrate). And (in my opinion) your proof is rather weak.

Every time anyone from another country crosses into the USA it's a gamble on whether or not you'll be allowed in.

[Clegane 0]

So what would be the strongest tie I could bring? Would a school enrollment help?

[Clegane 0]

I'm going to try and get a school enrollment for after my trip, Along with my cellphone bills and proof of living with my parents, Along with my previous tickets from my last visit showing that I returned on time. How much should one pack for a 2 month stay without looking suspicious I was given a hard time because I brought a bunch of luggage..