Here is one of the earlier posts by 'ZT' on this forum.
I took the U-turn on December 16 to do my landing at Peace Bridge, so I can tell you that it's definitely open.
Here are some directions to do the U-turn:
- After passing the last Canadian highway exit, there will be a sign that says TO BUFFALO. The road speed will have signs to reduce speed from 90 km/hr to 50 km/hr. At this point, SWITCH OR REMAIN ON THE LEFT LANE
- You will see the Canadian Border Services building on your left hand side (a white building with a dome)
- BEFORE entering the Peace Bridge, there will be a small sign on your left that says RETURN TO CANADA (in English and French). The sign is quite small (about 4x3 feet). Follow this sign and make a U-turn to re-enter the Canadian side of the highway.
Here is what to expect after making the U-turn:
Your first point of contact is the border officer in the booth who will ask you why you're there. My friend who was driving explained that he was taking me to do my landing. The officer looked through our passports, asked how we knew each other, gave us a piece of yellow paper where she had written "landing" on it and and directed us to park our car and go inside the building. There was no question around whether I had gone to the US.
In the building, go to the Immigration counter where you'll deal with another border officer. I was asked what permanent residency stream I was landing for and for proof of funds (some have said that CEC applicants don't have to show this, but bring bank statements with you to be safe!). I also had to explain a little bit about my current status in Canada as I had recently lost my work permit and applied for restoration of status as a worker. Oh and I was also asked for a piece of ID or a document that shows my current address (this is the address to which they'll send your PR card). Good thing I had a pay stub with me.
After that the officer asked me to initial and sign the CoPR, explained to me that I have to be in Canada for 2 years out of 5 to retain my status, mentioned that I will receive the PR card in 4-6 weeks and congratulated me as a permanent resident.
The only odd thing about the whole thing was around customs. The officer asked me if I had any goods to follow. I answered no, because I've been living in Canada for the past 13 years. He then told me to go to the Customs counter to tell them that I don't have any goods to follow so they could stamp something. So I did exactly that: went to the Customs counter and told the officer that I just landed with no goods to follow. The customs officer looked at me like I had two heads and basically said that he didn't need to do anything for me. Weird.
This is a long reply, but I sure hope it helps. Good luck!
