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lleahdoll said:
Wow... hope I never get him. Cause I'd be nervous regardless and probably stutter. :/

He's some white guy, heavy set, with a mustache... maybe in his 40s.

No need to be nervous. He doesn't really ask you anything hard (unless he suspects something). In fact he can't even confirm many of the answers (how is he going to confirm what high school I went to?). Just carefully listen and then answer.
 
danib said:
You can watch on Youtube!!

OK, I know I am technologically challenged but all I can find on You Tube is the Australian version and when I try the link that was posted earlier my computer flashes a security warning and says "are you sure you want to go there"
 
keesio said:
The key is to not get rattled and stay composed. I've traveled back and forth between the US and Canada hundreds of times and 99% of the time the officials (US and Canadian) are totally fine. Occasionally I'll encounter one that gives you a hard time. There is one US official at Pearson who is tough on everyone. When I first go him, he asked me about 30 rapid-fire questions with a blank expression. He asked what high school I went to. He asked me where I grew up. Why am I in Canada. Do I own a car. He was waiting for me to stumble and stutter and contradict myself. I calmly answered each question and then he gave my docs back and said have a nice day in a monotone voice. The second time I got him, I was prepared and it was actually quite amusing (though I didn't show any amusement). I didn't take it personally since he does it to everyone (and his line moves very slow).

I've always wondered how these officers act in real life towards their loved ones and friends........perhaps robotic/icy too, or perhaps the complete opposite.......lol......would be interesting to find out ;)
 
uskyoot said:
OK, I know I am technologically challenged but all I can find on You Tube is the Australian version and when I try the link that was posted earlier my computer flashes a security warning and says "are you sure you want to go there"

Alright here's everything for everyone

Australian

Border Security (another name: Nothing to Declare)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S74PcWn7cNw

AFP: Australian Federal Police (well, not exactly related to immigration/border services. But a very interesting show anyway ;))
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIqOev-vbKM&list=PL4C023F66D9FDCD53




Canadian

Border Security, Canada's Frontline
http://www.free-tv-video-online.me/internet/border_security_canada%27s_front_line/season_1.html




UK


Border Force
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMgfuM0Ylcs

Airport
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr5h3QvlK74



American

Border Protection (not what you think..... LOL... ;D )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnvVRc2q68


Homeland Security
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAl4Ae9YAYI


To Catch a Smuggler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIUbhTwkUOg


Airport 24/7 - Miami
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdcFzl7Mt_4
http://www.free-tv-video-online.me/internet/airport_24_7_miami/


Border Wars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh8ax0KnKPw&list=ELHYisRCYo7L0
http://www.free-tv-video-online.me/internet/border_wars/
 
I love the show, infact it gave me few pointers and I emailed them for clarification. When I took my folks for "flagpoling' at Peace Arch, I saw one lady officer who was on the show

The show does confirm one thing that it's not always rosy for Americans against contrary belief that they can just walk-in, infact most of the foks who are not allowed are from US ( mainly due to criminal convictions ) - and you do get the odd "I thought this was land of the free", "aren't you like american territory" and this was the best " Sir, you have any guns - the ole man replied " is that a serious question, I am an AMERICAN"

This is one of them

<a href="http://imgur.com/MmNomPV"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/MmNomPV.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>

I experienced better behavior from US IO's, CBSA officer seemed very rude ( I guess it's upto the person )
 
I've only been across the border a couple of times to the US and my Canadian bf got more questioning than I did. Infact the last time I went through my officer asked me if my Timmies was for him, laughed and then carried on chatting to his mate who was stood behind him on the next counter. Whereas my bf got "where are you going", "how long you going for" etc. etc. Then when I went to pay my $6 fee the officer looked at where I was from in England and started talking to me about his family who live nearby. Really nice people at the Douglas Land Crossing.

Never really had a problem crossing anywhere though.

Love that guy on the Canadian one, don't know where he's from as his accent throws me off. I just find him hilarious. "what's this?", "little bit beef", "not little bit beef, everything beef".
 
user828 said:
The show does confirm one thing that it's not always rosy for Americans against contrary belief that they can just walk-in,

if you are an American and have any clue, then border crossings are easy. It is Americans who have NO clue about Canada and just assume Canadian rules are the same as American or flat out disrespectful of Canadian rules that have problems. They treat crossing into Canada as if it is driving to another state in the US and do no research. You know, the ones that try to cross with using just a driver's license as their only "travel" documentation or don't know that they can't bring their guns across (or don't care).
 
keesio said:
if you are an American and have any clue, then border crossings are easy. It is Americans who have NO clue about Canada and just assume Canadian rules are the same as American or flat out disrespectful of Canadian rules that have problems. They treat crossing into Canada as if it is driving to another state in the US and do no research. You know, the ones that try to cross with using just a driver's license as their only "travel" documentation or don't know that they can't bring their guns across (or don't care).
That seems to be what it is mostly, yes. People just don't do their research. I don't know why they'd think it'd be any different than going to any other country. It's not like we have something with Canada similar to the EU. (Where it makes them easy to travel throughout the EU if they live there)

keesio said:
He's some white guy, heavy set, with a mustache... maybe in his 40s.

No need to be nervous. He doesn't really ask you anything hard (unless he suspects something). In fact he can't even confirm many of the answers (how is he going to confirm what high school I went to?). Just carefully listen and then answer.
I got asked similar questions when I visited Canada for the first time in 2011. It was a land crossing and the officer asked my then boyfriend, his friend, and me what we did (jobs, student, etc), where we went to school if we did. He asked what I was majoring in. How we knew each other.
I guess they just want to see if you stop to make something up.
 
keesio said:
if you are an American and have any clue, then border crossings are easy. It is Americans who have NO clue about Canada and just assume Canadian rules are the same as American or flat out disrespectful of Canadian rules that have problems. They treat crossing into Canada as if it is driving to another state in the US and do no research. You know, the ones that try to cross with using just a driver's license as their only "travel" documentation or don't know that they can't bring their guns across (or don't care).

well back in the day (prior to 9/11), all US citizens needed to cross the border was their driver's license. A lot of college kids would cross the border to go drinking, since the legal age is lower. (still do i imagine) Granted, that is nearly 15 years ago, though most Americans are surprised at how strict Canada is. Considering our borders are pretty easy to cross, we just think it's the same everywhere! Quite honestly, most people i tell our story to can't believe that we can't be living together even though we are married. Most just assume Canada has the same rules as the US. and as for the whole gun thing... that is not the standard belief... just the dumb few who take their right to bear arms a lot farther than it needs to be. don't even get me started on gun control... I live in CT, and i'm sure you all know about what happened at a little elementary school over a year ago. I will be quite happy to move to a country that has strict gun laws and minimal gun violence!
 
Pre-9/11, a traveler belong to a country which normally required VISA would be let in USA with a Canadian PR Card ( it was just a piece of paper back then ) and vice versa - after 9/11, while the same traveler holding a green card can enter Canada w/o a visa, it's not the same for Canadian PR card holder who does require a visa ( not fair but unfortunately Americans call the shots everywhere )
 
rhcohen2014 said:
well back in the day (prior to 9/11), all US citizens needed to cross the border was their driver's license. A lot of college kids would cross the border to go drinking, since the legal age is lower. (still do i imagine) Granted, that is nearly 15 years ago, though most Americans are surprised at how strict Canada is. Considering our borders are pretty easy to cross, we just think it's the same everywhere! Quite honestly, most people i tell our story to can't believe that we can't be living together even though we are married. Most just assume Canada has the same rules as the US. and as for the whole gun thing... that is not the standard belief... just the dumb few who take their right to bear arms a lot farther than it needs to be. don't even get me started on gun control... I live in CT, and i'm sure you all know about what happened at a little elementary school over a year ago. I will be quite happy to move to a country that has strict gun laws and minimal gun violence!
Ah ok. That is interesting. Makes sense as to any older folks who think crossing the border may still be easy. I was.. like 9 during 9/11 so I didn't know anything before about Canadian border crossing.
Yeah I am definitely looking forward to living somewhere with stricter gun control and minimal gun violence as well!!
 
jennfwa said:
Love that guy on the Canadian one, don't know where he's from as his accent throws me off. I just find him hilarious. "what's this?", "little bit beef", "not little bit beef, everything beef".

I've seen that episode too! The guy just cracks me up.

I'm a big fan of the shows, all of them. In fact, I must agree with the other members that the Australian one is a bit more entertaining. I've always wondered though, for all those who get denied entry and have little money on them, who pays for their plane tickets back home? I guess their government?
 
fandv said:
Alright here's everything for everyone

...

I've seen at least a few episodes of all of these shows, they are all good. Was just watching the Miami one last night actually, very fascinating as they go into detail of ALL of the airport stuff, not just CBP.
 
rhcohen2014 said:
well back in the day (prior to 9/11), all US citizens needed to cross the border was their driver's license. A lot of college kids would cross the border to go drinking, since the legal age is lower. (still do i imagine) Granted, that is nearly 15 years ago, though most Americans are surprised at how strict Canada is. Considering our borders are pretty easy to cross, we just think it's the same everywhere! Quite honestly, most people i tell our story to can't believe that we can't be living together even though we are married. Most just assume Canada has the same rules as the US. and as for the whole gun thing... that is not the standard belief... just the dumb few who take their right to bear arms a lot farther than it needs to be. don't even get me started on gun control... I live in CT, and i'm sure you all know about what happened at a little elementary school over a year ago. I will be quite happy to move to a country that has strict gun laws and minimal gun violence!

I remember those days.... I was one of those college kids! I went to school at the University of Buffalo and on the weekends we'd hope over to Niagara Falls Canada side to party (drinking age 19). Later when the new Casino Niagara opened, we'd go there too. But when security got tight after 9/11, it was pretty clearly broadcast that a driver's license doesn't cut it anymore. I guess many never bothered to pay attention. Anyway I always found the border easy to cross if you had your passport.
 
i Started watching the UKBA show intially and now i think i have watched most of border agencies show

its preatyy intresteing