Application for Admission Withdrawn

[GarthVader 0]

I was denied entry into the United States from The Bahamas two days ago. The Customs officer stamped WD2 and 7A1 on one of the back pages of my passport. I made this post because oddly enough I saw one made from a fellow Bahamian. We share eerily similar stories however I do possess a tourist visa. I gave an address where my girlfriend (also Bahamian) stays with a return ticket with thousands in the bank. I was turned around due to, "Many people staying due to corona, and you don't have a job or own a house, so you have *nothing* to return to The Bahamas to." - Customs Officer. 

The trouble begins because while my trip was obviously parts pleasure, I had intended to take an IELTS test to legally immigrate to Canada for work. There were no official test dates when I tried to travel, but of course as of yesterday, there is now going to be testing in October. I admit it was brash of me to think I could wait it out until a testing center opened with COVID-19 being rampant, but that mistake is already made. I need advice on how to go about this new situation seeing as I HAVE to take this test to gain entry to Canada, but I was just turned around at the border. Its almost impossible for me to own a house in a month, and very hard to get a job seeing as the Bahamas is also still recovering from COVID economy-wise. And, oh, I need to pay for the IELTS test by today or I risk losing my seat in October and have to wait another round. What should I do? 

 

[SalishSea 17,827]

14 minutes ago, GarthVader said:

I was denied entry into the United States from The Bahamas two days ago. The Customs officer stamped WD2 and 7A1 on one of the back pages of my passport. I made this post because oddly enough I saw one made from a fellow Bahamian. We share eerily similar stories however I do possess a tourist visa. I gave an address where my girlfriend (also Bahamian) stays with a return ticket with thousands in the bank. I was turned around due to, "Many people staying due to corona, and you don't have a job or own a house, so you have *nothing* to return to The Bahamas to." - Customs Officer. 

The trouble begins because while my trip was obviously parts pleasure, I had intended to take an IELTS test to legally immigrate to Canada for work. There were no official test dates when I tried to travel, but of course as of yesterday, there is now going to be testing in October. I admit it was brash of me to think I could wait it out until a testing center opened with COVID-19 being rampant, but that mistake is already made. I need advice on how to go about this new situation seeing as I HAVE to take this test to gain entry to Canada, but I was just turned around at the border. Its almost impossible for me to own a house in a month, and very hard to get a job seeing as the Bahamas is also still recovering from COVID economy-wise. And, oh, I need to pay for the IELTS test by today or I risk losing my seat in October and have to wait another round. What should I do? 

 

Maybe look into taking the test in Canada?  

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

38 minutes ago, GarthVader said:

We share eerily similar stories however I do possess a tourist visa.

With a WD2 and 7A1 annotation,  you have to reapply for a new visa, correct?

Edited September 12, 2020 by Lucky Cat

[GarthVader 0]

32 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Maybe look into taking the test in Canada?  

Its probably my best option, will more strongly consider.

Edited September 12, 2020 by GarthVader
New info

[GarthVader 0]

2 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

With a WD2 and 7A1 annotation,  you have to reapply for a new visa, correct?

The officer said that his stamp was "Informal denial" and to try travelling again when i get a job, which I thought meant no. I have tried contacting the US office here to understand but to no avail. 

[ElisaM 0]

Did they cancel your tourist visa? They usually write “Revoked” on top of your visa page. If so, you’ll have to reapply.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

2 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

With a WD2 and 7A1 annotation,  you have to reapply for a new visa, correct?

 

2 hours ago, GarthVader said:

The officer said that his stamp was "Informal denial" and to try travelling again when i get a job, which I thought meant no. I have tried contacting the US office here to understand but to no avail. 

It appears to depend on the circumstances rather than be automatic. I’m assuming the CBP Officer would have told him if he needed to apply for a new visa before traveling again.

Edited September 12, 2020 by SusieQQQ

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

With 7A1 aka immigrant intention, I don't  think you would have a chance for another tourist visa anytime soon. You can try to have a te st in Canada, but US  and Canada share same database so good luck.

 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

14 minutes ago, NancyNguyen said:

With 7A1 aka immigrant intention, I don't  think you would have a chance for another tourist visa anytime soon. You can try to have a te st in Canada, but US  and Canada share same database so good luck.

 

He is planning to immigrate to Canada though ...

 

OP,  I see there are testing centers in other Caribbean countries. Isn’t Jamaica closer than Canada?

 

 

[U2k 34]

Canadian customs most likely will not let you in the country  just to take the test. They do not let anyone in, except families of Canadians( fiances cant even go visit their fiance in Canada) . The border is closed for non essential travel.

[HRQX 4,145]

12 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

Maybe look into taking the test in Canada?  

Taking a test is not considered essential for Canada Border Services Agency: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/travel-restrictions-exemptions.html