PR Card just expired and I am in US but need to PU NEw Card next week in BC

[directedby]

Hi -

I live in Vancouver. For the last 5 years I have been out of the country for 325 days. I travel a lot between BC and LA.

I applied for renewal PR card and it was processed and approved....

But I am in Los Angeles and need to travel back to Vancouver next week on Jan 18th to pick up the new PR card.

My current PR card expired on January 9th.

I have the letter from Immigration Canada that shows I need to PU new PR card.

Do you think they will let me back into BC without a hassle?

Also, it says to PU new Card on Jan 18th. Bring all Old PR Card, Landing Docs, Passports and drivers license for Interview.

What is the interview process? Is it quick to verify who I am or are they going to drill me with questions?

I never got a BC license. Will this cause any red lights?

I traveled 35 times in 5 years. My passport has about 16 Canada stamps in it. Is this a red light?

Should I bring my 2007-2011 tax returns?

Can you please answer each question...

Thanks very much...

 

[Leon]

If you bring your old PR card and the letter, I think they will let you in without too much hassle.

When you go to pick up your PR card, bring a list of all your trips explaining all your passport stamps. Some visa officers seem to get nervous when they see a lot of stamps. You should also bring tax returns and pay slips, account statements showing you were paid and where you spend money. Utility bills maybe. Can you get a letter from your employer stating during what periods you have worked for them full time? That would help.

 

[directedby]

Thanks Leon.

I own and run a production company that is a BC Corp. Paid both Corp and personal taxes all 5 years, which I can bring. I also have pay stubs showing SIN.

When I applied I made a list of all my travel dates and they did approve my application.

I am curious if not having a BC drivers License or Health Card (I am covered by a Union in America for Health) will cause any red flags?

 

[Leon]

I am curious if not having a BC drivers License or Health Card (I am covered by a Union in America for Health) will cause any red flags?

Do you have a drivers license at all? If you tell them you don't have one, that is not really a red flag, just uncommon but if you have a valid US license, they will take it as a sign that you are really living in the US as if you were living in BC, you should have exchanged it for a BC license within 90 days of moving.

They didn't really ask you to bring a health card but if they ask for it, I do think it would raise a red flag if you don't have one as most people who live in the province would.

 

[directedby]

thanks for your info

yes i have a valid california DL...

Do you think I should go to consulate to get a travel document to enter?

My immigration attorney says no need, they will let me in -

Any thoughts?

 

[Leon]

If you want a travel document, you can get one but I don't think it is necessary. If you are visa exempt and have your expired card and letter, you should be ok.

 

[directedby]

UPDATE -

Went to pick up card.

Waiting room is modern and nice. The check in desk had very nice polite people -

They took my blue letter and asked for me to wait in the waiting section.

There were several windows like a bank. Only 2 windows were open. Both had very nice women working each window wearing street clothes (seemed very unofficial) -

They called my name. I went to window - she asked for passports, PR card and landing document.

She was very nice and handed me my new PR card. Singed a blue form and I was gone -

No hassle, nice folks, less than 5 minutes.