Don't want to be hassled at the airport

[mrs.schmoe 0]

This July will be my second time this year going to visit my bf in Ohio.

I will only be staying a week as I did in January but I am afraid of getting harassed again and denied entry.

The first time I went out last year was smooth sailing, but I think I got flagged because I mentioned it was my bf I was meeting for the FIRST time ( eek, silly naive girl I am.). I got stopped the second time for about 10 mins at customs and almost missed my flight as the lady asked me all these ridiculous questions ( still being naive, it never occurred to me she was checking my story's facts.).

So I know for a fact that I will be hassled again and I want to avoid missing my flight like I have come close to in previous occasions because Toronto/Pearson airport is a gong-show; they basically asked me " What do you want your luggage or your flight?" I chose my flight and didn't see my luggage til the third day into my visit.

How can I arm myself to prove I have to come home and that I am not intending on staying there longer than planned? What do I bring for proof?

Am I EVER glad I found this site... I can see it now : silly naive Canadian girl going ape-nuts pulling a hockey fight on the yankee customs official.

[Boiler 45,514]

What have you got that shows yopu need to return to Canada?

Job?

Property?

Other commitments?

Nothing is proof absolute, you just have to show a reasonable case.

[David and Karen 0]

I agree with the previous post. Bring a few items that reflect that you plan to return for work, you own property, have upcoming appts etc.

Most of all approach customs with confidence in yourself and the motive for the trip. There isn't anything wrong with you wanting to travel to visit your boyfriend. Prepare yourself for whatever questions they throw your way and answer them open and honestly. They should breeze you through.

Since applying for the K-1 I have started travelling with a letter from my employer saying I am currently employed and when she expects me to return, with her contact info. I also brought a few utility bills and a letter that states my obligations where I live. Finally, I carry a letter from my mother stating that she too expects me back and in the meantime is caring for my children (if it happens to be a trip they aren't coming on with me).

I can happily say that even with all of this information I have never been asked for anything. I show my passport, answer the few often basic questions and off I go.

Maybe I'm just lucky.

[mrs.schmoe 0]

OK, thanks you guys.

Out of those I can probably only have my boss write out a statement saying I am required to come back to work, and maybe before I go I can make an appointment with my doctor and have them write out a note for me.

well it sounds like I shouldn't have any issues.

[shirlJ831 0]

Well sweeite let me tell you this from my OWN personal experience. It all comes down to WHO you get at the border and what kind of attitude they have. Been there done THAT..... I am convinced they do NOT like this back and forth thing and they are really afraid your going to get married here and not go back. I had my dealings with the border in Sk and they were jerks.... I WAS flagged and I am sure you are... you will remain flagged. I had such a awful time I reported the guy at the border. When I spoke to a head supervisor he told me "border patrol holds A LOT of power" uh huh I knew that. THEN he proceeds to tell me I was flagged why..... cause like you I came to visit 2 times.... then he told me I would be UNFLAGGED once in the USA and finally get my PR card.... and here we are. This June 12th will be 2 yrs I been here, and I got my PR card feb -06 I am off to Canada in May... yea sweetie I can sypmathize with border.... if your going to chance it get your hands on CONCRETE things that tie you to going back...

good luck hunnie I mean that sincerely,

[Flames9_RN 358]

As others have stated its up to the POE officer. I travvled montly to DC while the visa process was ongoing and never had 1 hassle. I think a lot has to do with the poe officer,plus how you handle yourself. if your a jerk in any fashion (not saying anyone here was) they are most likely going to dig further, that is sort of human nature, you treat some one like a jerk they wil bite back, especially if they hold something over you. Be patient, show them respect (yes sir, no sir, etc) answer thier questions honestly and have proof of ties to Canada. May not gaurentee success, but wont hinder it. Best of luck

[Jersey Girl 2]

mrs.schmoe: Put together a package of supporting documents to show you plan to return to Canada. The first thing is a non-refundable return airline ticket. Paystubs and letter from your employer are good but you should have more: recent mortgage and utility bills to show you're domicled in Canada. Bank and credit card statements. All the bits and pieces that prove you're a resident of Canada and have reasons to return. Always travel with this up-to-date package in your purse.

When asked the purpose of your visit, simply say you're visiting friends. Leave the boyfriend bit out because that's a red flag that you may plan to stay. As mentioned earlier, it's entirely up to the discretion of the immigration officier whether or not you can enter the U.S., so wear something nice and be on your best behaviour.

Canadians don't need visas for tourist-type trips to the States but still must pass an informal interview. If they smell anyone who may have illegal immigration in mind, you could be turned back or even denied entry for five years.

Edited April 17, 2006 by Jersey Girl

[bucknekkid 0]

if your a jerk in any fashion (not saying anyone here was)

You can go ahead and say it.....I'm a jerk at times....

[jen&darcy 0]

Well sweeite let me tell you this from my OWN personal experience. It all comes down to WHO you get at the border and what kind of attitude they have. Been there done THAT..... I am convinced they do NOT like this back and forth thing and they are really afraid your going to get married here and not go back. I had my dealings with the border in Sk and they were jerks.... I WAS flagged and I am sure you are... you will remain flagged. I had such a awful time I reported the guy at the border. When I spoke to a head supervisor he told me "border patrol holds A LOT of power" uh huh I knew that. THEN he proceeds to tell me I was flagged why..... cause like you I came to visit 2 times.... then he told me I would be UNFLAGGED once in the USA and finally get my PR card.... and here we are. This June 12th will be 2 yrs I been here, and I got my PR card feb -06 I am off to Canada in May... yea sweetie I can sypmathize with border.... if your going to chance it get your hands on CONCRETE things that tie you to going back...

good luck hunnie I mean that sincerely,

I totally agree with shirlJ831's post. My fiance was denied entry last May 05 and we hadn't even filed for the K-1 yet. He was denied at a land border. However, in June 05 he came to see me by plane and wasn't asked a single question.

He now wants to surprise me sometime during the wait time for the visa. I am trying discourage any way I can because of the fear of him being denied.

Just be honest and hope you get a really nice person that isn't having a bad day. Unfortunately, that is how it is.

[Reba 2]

mrs.schmoe: Put together a package of supporting documents to show you plan to return to Canada. The first thing is a non-refundable return airline ticket.

return tickets are not proof that you'll return to your home country. Even CBP knows that return tickets are often cheaper than one-way tickets

[Jersey Girl 2]

return tickets are not proof that you'll return

Right. Nothing is proof that you'll return. But the more evidence you have that it's highly likely, the easier it will be. Why not have everything on their checklist and more? A return ticket is at the top of their list. Why risk being denied entry, fingerprinted, and being on file as a possible problem, especially when you're about to emmbark on a complex, lengthy, but legal immigration process?

[Reba 2]

that's not what I was implying. I said a return ticket is not proof that you will return to your home country because I have been told again and again by CBP agents that they do not consider it as proof of return, no matter what the "list" says.

If you do plan to return to your home country, in all liklihood you'll have a return ticket anyway, so its sort of a moot point ain't it?

Edited April 20, 2006 by Reba

[jen&darcy 0]

<sigh>

As much as I have tried to discourage my fiance, he has me looking for plane fare for next month. I found $325.00 RT from Calgary which is a really good price. It will be a 5-day trip. He is going to get a letter from his employer but that is all he will have. He currently lives with his parents until the visa is final.

Just another thing for me to worry about!

[mrs.schmoe 0]

ok so I SHOULD NOT say I am going to visit my boyfriend in the US? I thought that if I have been flagged, they will know I am in a relationship already and if I say 'friend' won't that make them suspicious of me?

I figured, better to tell the truth because don't they have it all in front of them on the computer anyway?

Thanks for the responses I got so far, good stuff!

[jen&darcy 0]

I always say be honest but then again I am driving to Hamilton, ON next week to pick up my fiance. We shall see what happens when we try to cross back over.

Sorry I am not much help!