Entering USA to cross into Canada - advice plz?

[jack grover]

Dear experts,

I am planning to enter USA to cross into Canada via land border.

(Background: I have USA b1/b2 visa; Canada PR expired in 2010 and been out of Canada for over 7 years; H&C grounds)

Any recommendation on the below areas:
1 way or return ticket (via USA or Canada)?
what to mention to USA border immigration officer when landing in USA?
what documents to show him that I am planning to go to Canada after entering USA OR is it better not to mention it at all and just say visiting friends and family in USA?

Any other advice on choosing airport? I have relatives/friends in Chicago.

Anybody successfully tried this?

regards

 

[steaky]

If there is H&C grounds, why not apply a PRTD at your local Canadian consulate and then fly directly to Canada?

 

[mats]

Dear experts,

I am planning to enter USA to cross into Canada via land border.

(Background: I have USA b1/b2 visa; Canada PR expired in 2010 and been out of Canada for over 7 years; H&C grounds)

Any recommendation on the below areas:
1 way or return ticket (via USA or Canada)?
what to mention to USA border immigration officer when landing in USA?
what documents to show him that I am planning to go to Canada after entering USA OR is it better not to mention it at all and just say visiting friends and family in USA?

Any other advice on choosing airport? I have relatives/friends in Chicago.

Anybody successfully tried this?

regards

Which port of entry in Canada are you planning to take?

 

[jack grover]

If there is H&C grounds, why not apply a PRTD at your local Canadian consulate and then fly directly to Canada?

Even though there are solid H&C grounds, less likely to get PRTD as it has been 7+ years since in Canada and applying from India. There is no definite timeline for getting PRTD as it may take 3-6 months. Also on appeal, wont get PRTD for appeal hearing. Another option is to apply for PRTD and if it is not successful, then travel to Canada via USA. Not sure whether one is allowed to enter Canada via USA when PRTD is denied.

 

[jack grover]

Which port of entry in Canada are you planning to take?

Anywhere close to Toronto - Niagara falls crossing most likely

 

[jack grover]

#bump. based on forum readings, it is better to fly to USA JFK and fly to Buffalo on a connecting flight if planning to enter via Niagara. Alternatively fly to Seattle and then travel to Vancouver. Showing onward tickets would be helpful when entering USA. Any idea what will happen if one were to spend a week in USA and then travel to Canada? Will the immigration officers allow entry without any issues?

 

[evdm]

Are you asking whether the US immigration officer will let you in without issues? You have a right to enter Canada as a PR, but you'll be assessed just like any visitor in the US. Therefore it's difficult to say with any certainty. do you have a residence in Canada? Can you show ties to Canada beyond just your PR status?

 

[jack grover]

Yes. I am concerned about how to convince USA immigration officer to let me into USA? How to show that I am travelling to Canada apart from showing a ticket to Buffalo, NY.? I have good idea about what to show the Canadian immigration officers on entering Canada.

 

[evdm]

Are you going back to Canada to live, permanently?

You could show that you have a place to stay in Canada, even if it's a hotel, or temporary accommodation. Anything that can show ties to Canada will go to help the officer in making a decision.

 

[jack grover]

Yes I am planning to move to Canada permanently. Okay I have bank accounts and place to stay.