Canadians living in border cities- USA visit during process

[Canada21 19]

This question is directed mainly to my fellow Canadians who live in border cities. How is your experience visiting the USA using your car during the I-130 process? What type of documents do you bring with you, how often do you cross? How long do you stay? This is my first time visiting after sending I-130 so I am a little stressed. 

[mam521 2,062]

Bring ties to show that you will return home - letter of employment, lease/mortgage agreement, vehicle insurance in Canada.  Most people are fine and have no issues as long as they bring sufficient evidence to indicate their plans to return to Canada.

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures to the Canada regional forum, as the topic is country-specific ***

 

[Canada21 19]

2 minutes ago, mam521 said:

Bring ties to show that you will return home - letter of employment, lease/mortgage agreement, vehicle insurance in Canada.  Most people are fine and have no issues as long as they bring sufficient evidence to indicate their plans to return to Canada.

Thanks. Do I have to bring anything pertains to the I-130?

[mam521 2,062]

No. They can see it all in the online systems.  If your initial application hasn't been approved by USCIS yet, there probably won't even be any questions.  If you're asked about it, just be honest and say you and your spouse have applied.  Don't lie because that can cause issues further down the line. 

 

If CBP ask and decide that you don't have sufficient evidence for ties to Canada, you can withdraw your application to visit (ie/ you can politely say that's ok, I'll go home and turn around and go home without visiting) and not have a visa denial on your record.  I mention this because further along in the process, you'll be asked if you've ever been denied entry into the US.  A Withdrawal is NOT a denial.  It's important once you interview and the advanced checks are being completed.  

[Canada21 19]

2 minutes ago, mam521 said:

No. They can see it all in the online systems.  If your initial application hasn't been approved by USCIS yet, there probably won't even be any questions.  If you're asked about it, just be honest and say you and your spouse have applied.  Don't lie because that can cause issues further down the line. 

 

If CBP ask and decide that you don't have sufficient evidence for ties to Canada, you can withdraw your application to visit (ie/ you can politely say that's ok, I'll go home and turn around and go home without visiting) and not have a visa denial on your record.  I mention this because further along in the process, you'll be asked if you've ever been denied entry into the US.  A Withdrawal is NOT a denial.  It's important once you interview and the advanced checks are being completed.  

Thank you for the insight and good advice

[JlovesA 109]

Hi there, I lived in two different border cities while my husband and I dated and while I waited for my CR-1. We dated for 5 years and then I moved after we had been married for 2 years, so I was crossing for 7 years!! I never had a single issue. I always printed out my most recent pay stub, along with something from our HR software that showed I was actively employed (and later, it also showed my husband's name as my spouse). I was always up front about my situation. Later when I was renting my own apartment, I would bring proof of my lease. I never once had to show any of this stuff, but it made me feel less nervous about the possibility of being hassled. 

 

Over the course of those 7 years, I would cross approximately every other weekend, with some longer vacations occasionally.

Edited November 10, 2021 by JlovesA
fixed typo

[mam521 2,062]

If you like, fill out your timeline, check out the FAQ's in my signature and come follow this thread.  We're all going through  or have gone through the CR/IR-1 process.  LOTS of information.  

 

[Canada21 19]

3 minutes ago, JlovesA said:

Hi there, I lived in two different border cities while my husband and I dated and while I waited for my CR-1. We dated for 5 years and then I moved after we had been married for 2 years, so I was crossing for 7 years!! I never had a single issue. I always printed out my most recent pay stub, along with something from our HR software that showed I was actively employed (and later, it also showed my husband's name as my spouse). I was always up front about my situation. Later when I was renting my own apartment, I would bring proof of my lease. I never once had to show any of this stuff, but it made me feel less nervous about the possibility of being hassled. 

 

Over the course of those 7 years, I would cross approximately every other weekend, with some longer vacations occasionally.

 That is very comforting. I should be able to provide all these ties and more. Thank you for taking the time to reply

[JlovesA 109]

1 minute ago, Canada21 said:

 That is very comforting. I should be able to provide all these ties and more. Thank you for taking the time to reply

It's so common for people in border cities to have a cross-border relationships. Just being up front and having proof you're doing things properly will go a long way. Good luck, but you will be fine!

[Kai G. Llewellyn 837]

4 hours ago, mam521 said:

No. They can see it all in the online systems.  If your initial application hasn't been approved by USCIS yet, there probably won't even be any questions.  If you're asked about it, just be honest and say you and your spouse have applied.  Don't lie because that can cause issues further down the line. 

 

If CBP ask and decide that you don't have sufficient evidence for ties to Canada, you can withdraw your application to visit (ie/ you can politely say that's ok, I'll go home and turn around and go home without visiting) and not have a visa denial on your record.  I mention this because further along in the process, you'll be asked if you've ever been denied entry into the US.  A Withdrawal is NOT a denial.  It's important once you interview and the advanced checks are being completed.  

I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure on visa applications it asks whether you have been 'refused entry or have withdrawn your application for admission'. There is an onus to report to any withdrawals as well as denials. For Canadian citizens withdrawing your application for admission has lesser impacts than those with nonimmigrant visas or ESTA (withdrawals will revoke ESTA/visa).

 

If you're denied entry, one of two things can happen, you either get hit with an expedited removal OR more likely you'll be asked to withdraw your application for admission. An ER carries a 5 year inadmissibility bar.

Edited November 10, 2021 by Kai G. Llewellyn

[Canada21 19]

6 minutes ago, Kai G. Llewellyn said:

If you're denied entry, one of two things can happen, you either get hit with an expedited removal OR more likely you'll be asked to withdraw your application for admission. An ER carries a 5 year inadmissibility bar.

I hope this never happens 😕

[Kai G. Llewellyn 837]

1 minute ago, Canada21 said:

I hope this never happens 😕

If you are well prepared and have proof of ties to Canada it shouldn't.

[Canada21 19]

1 minute ago, Kai G. Llewellyn said:

If you are well prepared and have proof of ties to Canada it shouldn't.

I wonder if there is an actual list for ties. I read people sometimes are given a document at the border with the list they should bring to prove ties but I never seen the actual document 

[Kai G. Llewellyn 837]

2 minutes ago, Canada21 said:

I wonder if there is an actual list for ties. I read people sometimes are given a document at the border with the list they should bring to prove ties but I never seen the actual document 

Some examples:

Recent Paystubs from Canadian employer

Letter from employer confirming travel plans and when you are expected back.

Recent Document showing lease or mortgage in Canada

Recent Canadian Utility Bills

 

Anything really that shows that you have responsibilities and obligations in Canada will help.