Canadian Mom visiting USA

[herestoUS 5]

So my mom is coming for an extended stay of about 3 months here in the USA as my wife and I recently had a kid! She is not planning on buying the return flight right now. Will my mom likely be questioned when crossing?
Her ties to Canada are fairly limited as she is retired. She does rent a house, and have savings based in Canada. I'm not sure what else she could reference as something that would "tie" her back to Canada. Any ideas?

 

[Roel 7,192]

She should get a return ticket. It is very possible she will be asked about it. She might also be asked if she's not coming to US in order to babysit or help with the baby. 

Edited March 9, 2018 by Roel

[canadian_wife 1,822]

I'm a dual Canadian/American citizen.  Although I do not need a return ticket to the Untied States (as I can legally stay in Canada for any amount of time I want) I have been questioned by the airlines to provide proof of a return ticket to America.  Not even the CBP agents, the airline wants to see a return ticket. 

 

Why not book one and change it if you need to?

 

Good luck 

[herestoUS 5]

I agree, this will be something to think about (buying return ticket)- the reason she didn't want to buy one is that the depart date might be variable. I think she has already purchased the tickets, I'm not sure if it is the type where you can change stuff but worth asking her.
Also an interesting thought that she might be questioned on coming to "work" in the US!

Edited March 10, 2018 by herestoUS

[NikLR 13,227]

When asked about the purpose of her visit she should be sure to say she is visiting.  If they ask her directly she is not looking after, caring for, helping with or babysitting her grandchild, she is just visiting. 

[Flames9_RN 358]

If it were I..I would say visiting my son who is a brand new father and seeing my new grandchild......nothing wrong with that.  I dont believe by the books a Cdn needs a return ticket, but it sure does look better and builds a stronger case that 1 is returning.  In her favor, I'm sure POE officers are used to older Cdns heading to the USA as many spend the winters in the warmer climates

[Peot 161]

Buy a return ticket 4 months out (if she's staying for roughly 3 months) as this avoids overstay on visitor visa. Get it refundable, which is usually more expensive, but much much easier to change on the fly so you're not paying twice for a return flight.

 

When being questioned, if she admits that she's going to help care for a baby or give care to the mother, etc, that could be seen as work and she may get denied entry without work permit. It's silly, but often the case.

Not suggesting she lies either, but she should be honest that she's not going there to be employed as a care giver and that it's for vacation / visiting.

Edited March 26, 2018 by Peot

[mrs thb 331]

She's visiting and is a new grandma.  Just because she is retired and rents has no baring on visiting.  Many snow birds are in the same situation.  If she has no past incidences with border crossings there should be nothing to worry about.  I flew stateside many times with a one way ticket.  CBP was fine with that every time, flying or driving.