Land crossing - Toronto to Buffao

[misa 2]

What's the best land crossing frm Toronto to Buffalo? And by best, I mean least busy with nice and knowledgeable staff.

We'll have 4 animals in two (3 cats, 1 dog) so I'd prefer if they didn't have to sit around waiting forever when I *crosses fingers* activate my K3.

ETA: Ha! I spelled Buffalo wrong in the thread title!

Edited February 25, 2007 by misa

[antda 13]

Hi Misa,

Good luck on your immigration journey. In answer to the following question about Canada/USA land crossings from Buffalo to Toronto, from my experience:

I would go with the Peace Bridge (Ft.Erie/Buffalo). In and out in 10 minutes, is all it took for me.

As for the Queenston/Lewston Bridge (Queenston/Lewiston), I haven't tried that one, but I'm pretty sure it's the same as the Peace Bridge.

Do not go with the Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls Ont/Niagara Falls NY), unless you want to be questioned for 2 hrs at the border..lol...

Hope this helps.

Ant

What's the best land crossing frm Toronto to Buffalo? And by best, I mean least busy with nice and knowledgeable staff.

We'll have 4 animals in two (3 cats, 1 dog) so I'd prefer if they didn't have to sit around waiting forever when I *crosses fingers* activate my K3.

ETA: Ha! I spelled Buffalo wrong in the thread title!

[misa 2]

Looks like the Peace Bridge it is!

[antda 13]

Hi Misa,

Lol..glad you made your decision about the Peace Bridge (by the way, the Peace Bridge is closest to Buffalo, so if that's where you're headed, then that's the best bridge as that will take you right there to Buffalo). But don't take my word for it, as the best way to find out is through experience. Good luck on your trip with your pets too and with your immigration journey.

By the way, you should also check out http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/ in case there are any delays on the day that you are travelling. It's also good to have a good Canada/USA road map too.

Ant

Looks like the Peace Bridge it is!

[misa 2]

Thanks for the link! I'll definitely be check that on the day we're moving. I don't drive (no license) so my husband (the USC) will have to map out our route.

[Buttons 0]

Peace Bridge all the way !

[Reba 2]

depends where you're headed once you cross the border. If Buffalo is your end destination then yeah, the Peace Bridge is best. But if you're headed somewhere else, a different bridge may be best, just to shorten your trip.

Rainbow bridge is always slow though, just because its a "tourist" bridge mainly.

[KiminON 0]

can't help you with which one is best, but when i crossed at Port Huron with my two hounds, they had an officer stand with my car so if they needed anything, he could call into the office and have me see to them.

good luck. i sure hope your cats travel better than my moms! LOL

k

[Chiroman 0]

Did the Peace bridge myself- took 1/2 a hour no problems and they were nice! Good luck

[Krikit 1,163]

I recommend the Peace Bridge. Try to get there prior to 4:00pm during the week as there is usually a bit of a wait after that.

[cuci 0]

what paperwork are you bringing to document your pets? We have two dogs . . .

[misa 2]

what paperwork are you bringing to document your pets? We have two dogs . . .

I'm bring proof of rabies shots (more than 30 days on entry as required by the CDC because it takes 30+ days for the vaccine to be effective) and health certificate from my vet. The cats technically don't need their vaccinations (not required) but I'm going to err on the side of caution and get them done too even though they're all indoors. I just don't want them to give me any reasons for delay.

We're probably going to hit the Peace Bridge between noon and 2 p.m. so hopefully it won't be busy then. But first, I need my visa!

[KiminON 0]

what paperwork are you bringing to document your pets? We have two dogs . . .

i had their proof of vaccinations and a note from my vet that they were in good health. didn't need either as i wasn't asked for any of it.

if you are importing your car, be sure you get the HSA form (forget the number) from the border guys...it's a big PITA to do it after.

k

[J&K 0]

I crossed at the Peace Bridge on Feb 5, got there at about 3pm and my fiance and I sat there for over an hour, when we did get into the room, the Border Patrol Officer (named Keeves), was so ignorant and rude that I ended up leaving there with my I-94 and very peeved at Keeves.

I knew that I probably wouldn't get the EAD but it couldn't hurt to ask. She says "No, you can get that at your local CIS office". I told her, no I can't. I said that they can issue me a 90 day temp EAD right here and now. I also mentioned that JFK was giving the stamp. She goes to her supervisior and says "Hey Jim, she says I have to give her an EAD stamp." To which I yelled at her, NO I DIDN'T SAY YOU HAD TO. Then Jim (?) says, no you have to file for the EAD, and no they are NOT giving them at JFK.

Then, Keeves says to me very rudely "I have been doing this for three years, I know what the procedures are" To which I almost said to her, "No I don't think you do"

Then, here's the kicker she says to me "Oh, and you can go and get your SSN and start working right away. Employers don't need you to have an EAD, that's only for us to have". I shouls have taken the I-94 and read to her what it says right on the back, "<b> Warning:</b> A nonimmigrant who accepts unauthorized employment is subject to deportation"

What a bunch of idiots.

Anyhoo...it's been a while since I've had a computer and time to write that out! Haha

Krystin

[kimmbo 0]

Misa good luck with your trip when you go! When our time comes we will also be travelling (Toronto to Las Vegas) with our 2 furbabies (cats) they are both older so not sure how they are going to handle it all... Would love to hear what your experience is like...

although we have never had to go inside, whenever we go to Buffalo weve always gone through the Queenston/Lewiston bridge and have never had a problem

again good luck to you!