Canadians applying and driving to US with pending K-1

[MRJ9987 31]

Hi Everyone, 

This is a question for fellow Canadians who are visiting their partner by car while awaiting their k1. 

 

What do you take with you to prove you are not going to blindly abandon your whole life and leave your free healthcare behind?  Do you get grilled by the border agents more than usual?  

 

We submitted our request beginning on February and I was planning on going down in couple of weeks.   I just want to make sure they let me in. 

 

[Mike E 11,742]

A full tank of gas in case you are denied entry. 

[WeekendPizzaiolo 47]

33 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

Hi Everyone, 

This is a question for fellow Canadians who are visiting their partner by car while awaiting their k1. 

 

What do you take with you to prove you are not going to blindly abandon your whole life and leave your free healthcare behind?  Do you get grilled by the border agents more than usual?  

 

We submitted our request beginning on February and I was planning on going down in couple of weeks.   I just want to make sure they let me in. 

 

Though not required, it is always good to have printed documentation showing obligations back in Canada right after your trip, e.g. a dental appointment or work presentation. Of course, when you fly, you have a return ticket, which you do not have when you drive.

 

[WeekendPizzaiolo 47]

51 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

Hi Everyone, 

This is a question for fellow Canadians who are visiting their partner by car while awaiting their k1. 

 

What do you take with you to prove you are not going to blindly abandon your whole life and leave your free healthcare behind?  Do you get grilled by the border agents more than usual?  

 

We submitted our request beginning on February and I was planning on going down in couple of weeks.   I just want to make sure they let me in. 

 

Moreover, holding a job and being on the schedule shortly after your intended date of return is even better.

 

If one is salaried without a set schedule, one can also print an e-mail from one's boss saying that the boss has plans for you upon your return. Hypothetically speaking, a boss might write something like "We are looking forward to your return to Toronto after some R&R in the USA. On the week of X, I will need you to continue to help Y with their efforts getting Project Z across the finish line. Please be ready to hit the ground running on that Monday as there is a lot we need to finish to make this project a reality." A message such as this conveys the urgency of one's return and it also evidences the date one is expected to be back, but one should only consider sharing such e-mails if they do not violate confidentiality agreements signed with the employer.

[MRJ9987 31]

1 hour ago, Mike E said:

A full tank of gas in case you are denied entry. 

Always haha!  

[MRJ9987 31]

40 minutes ago, DE CS said:

Though not required, it is always good to have printed documentation showing obligations back in Canada right after your trip, e.g. a dental appointment or work presentation. Of course, when you fly, you have a return ticket, which you do not have when you drive.

 

Okay, that sounds good!  Is it okay if I bring my work phone and show my schedule?  

[WeekendPizzaiolo 47]

2 hours ago, MRJ9987 said:

Okay, that sounds good!  Is it okay if I bring my work phone and show my schedule?  

Yeah, that sounds like documentation that can help prove your return. It's not a guarantee. During my university days, I used to suggest to visitors coming for a talk or conference to prepare as much evidence as is practicable showing ties to their home country in case they encounter a very strict officer.

 

Again, it's never a guarantee, but I've only had one person refused over many years. If the POE officer does not believe that you met the burden of proof that you plan to return, they have the discretion to deny. Also, land border officers sometimes look for different red flags than airport border officers. Most of my familiarity is with POEs at airports.

 

There is a very famous 1000+ post thread on this topic entitled "Yes, you can visit!" that you may find of use: