Airline Check-In Issue (US Citizen)

[FizzyB]

When checking in for my flight on Delta today, I received this error message:

"Based on your itinerary, we cannot determine your eligibility to travel and remain in Canada. To complete check-in, please enter the date you will depart from Canada then select SUBMIT"

When I checked the "unknown" checkbox, I was told I couldn't check in and needed to talk to a gate agent at the airport. When I entered the date I thought I'd return to the US, it allowed me to check in.

I have been staying in Canada as a visitor a lot this year, and am worried that this is an indicator that I've been flagged by immigration/border control. Has anyone else ever seen this message or know what causes it? I haven't had any issues with Canadian border control in quite some time (several years, MANY entries/exits), have never been denied entry, and am enrolled in the NEXUS program.

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

Do you have a one way ticket or two way ticket?

 

[FizzyB]

Do you have a one way ticket or two way ticket?

My ticket for this trip is a "return". This itinerary began in Vancouver and returns to Vancouver.

I've done this in the past with no issue for 2-3 trips (in the last 6 months) and haven't seen this prompt before. I'm wondering if it's a new system Delta has implemented to try to gather immigration data (e.g. return date) or if there's a flag behind the scenes. I'm just a bit sketched out as I'm a long-term visitor to Canada right now.

 

[FizzyB]

Just wanted to provide more details on my situation.

I moved my car/possessions into Canada on 6/21. No issues at the driving border - I explained to the border agent that I planned to stay the summer in Canada as a long-term visitor. He asked to see my travel insurance, but didn't ask for any of the other evidence of ties to the US that I brought with me (proof of funds, lease, return flight).

Since then, I've taken two trips back to the US (July 2-15, Oct 10-13, Nov 18-Dec 1, current trip). I haven't had any issues clearing immigration in Vancouver, as the Nexus program has made border crossings very easy for me.

I plan to continue to stay in Canada for a majority of next 8 months, with similar travel frequency to the US/other countries.

At this time, I have no plans to apply for a work or student visa in Canada, or any permanent residence. I have funds to support my extended vacation and that's really all I intend my time in Canada to be. My best friends all live in Canada, and I'm enjoying my time with them (and not working!)...

My understanding is that a US passport is the equivalent of a 6-month-per-visit visitor visa.

Can anyone help me understand if I'm breaking a law unintentionally?

 

[scylla]

You're definitely not breaking the law. However you are insanely lucky you were able to move your car and possessions to Canada (technically you shouldn't have been able to do this and this is the kind of behaviour that can result in a refused entry / ban).

Since you seem to be spending more time in Canada than outside of Canada, you do place yourself at greater risk of running into issues entering the country. Genuine visitors typically spend more time outside of Canada than inside of Canada in any given year. A border official may feel what you are trying to do is effectively live in Canada as a visitor (which you're not allowed to do).

When you enter Canada in the future, I would ensure you carry proof (in case your asked) that demonstrates ties to the US and proves you are only visiting Canada temporarily (e.g. proof of employment, proof of property ownership/rental, etc.). Also make sure you can demonstrated (again, only if asked) that you have the funds required to support yourself during your stay here.

I don't think there's a red flag behind the scenes. However your pattern of visits is risky.

 

[FizzyB]

You're definitely not breaking the law. However you are insanely lucky you were able to move your car and possessions to Canada (technically you shouldn't have been able to do this and this is the kind of behaviour that can result in a refused entry / ban).

Since you seem to be spending more time in Canada than outside of Canada, you do place yourself at greater risk of running into issues entering the country. Genuine visitors typically spend more time outside of Canada than inside of Canada in any given year. A border official may feel what you are trying to do is effectively live in Canada as a visitor (which you're not allowed to do).

When you enter Canada in the future, I would ensure you carry proof (in case your asked) that demonstrates ties to the US and proves you are only visiting Canada temporarily (e.g. proof of employment, proof of property ownership/rental, etc.). Also make sure you can demonstrated (again, only if asked) that you have the funds required to support yourself during your stay here.

I don't think there's a red flag behind the scenes. However your pattern of visits is risky.

I was very surprised at how easily we got across the border. A Canadian friend of mine was transporting the goods. I was ready to effectively "sell" them to my friend and pay the import taxes. I don't plan to take the furniture out of Canada and will instead be giving it to my friends there when I leave.

I definitely spend significantly more time in Canada than outside of Canada and plan to do so through Summer '16. I wish there was an easy way to explain what I'm doing to immigration/border services and just travel with a letter than explains my situation, because it does seem suspicious even though I'm trying to be as law-abiding as possible (this is part of why I got Nexus, to earn Canada's trust!)...

Good advice to travel with proof of ties to the US. I'm not currently employed (taking a year between work and grad school), but I can travel with proof of rental, funds, travel insurance, and recent mail to my permanent address (sometimes - I won't always be returning to my permanent address in the US).

Thanks, Scylla. I just really hate feeling like I'm doing something suspicious, when I just want to hang out with my friends and have a relaxing year off. But, I don't qualify for any longer-term visitor/temporary residency visas as far as I know, so this is what I deal with.

 

[scylla]

The only thing I would add is to make sure you have a "plan B" in case you are ever refused entry and told you can't return immediately. This probably won't happen - but better to be prepared.