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Question About "Denied Entry into Canada" Question for Post-Graduation Work Perm

Veelia11

Star Member
Aug 8, 2014
62
1
Hey there, I have a question. I (US Citizen, female) just finished my studies here in Canada, and I have a question about the "post graduation work permit" application. There is a question that asks "Have you ever been denied entry into Canada?". Here is my story, and please tell me how to answer this question correctly so I don't "misrepresent" myself.

I'd been been dating a boy from Quebec for 1.5 years before deciding to move in with him and study French in Canada. It was the summer of 2013 and I wanted to have some fun experiencing the province before applying for my study permit. So after graduation I attached a small u-haul of things I thought I'd need for school to the back of my car and drove through to the St. Armand border in VT with him. I had not yet applied for a study permit (I was a little naive about the whole process of studying in Canada). Needless to say I was not allowed in with my u-haul, and was given a paper to give to the US customs people and asked to turn around and go back to the US. They told me I could come back tomorrow without the u-haul, so I put my stuff in a small storage unit, came back the following day, and was allowed entry to Quebec just fine. I have been across the same border many times since then, and even though they stop me, and ask me to come inside to check my passport at the border every time I pass, they allow me through every time without problem.

A few months later I finished my application for a study permit to study French for a year-long program at McGill University. I was accepted, received the study permit at the same border (St. Armand, we did some shopping in the US and got my study permit all at once) and had a wonderful time studying here in Quebec. I just finished the last exam of my program August 1st and passed the course with flying colors (yay!). My study permit is still valid until Jan. 31st.

I am now applying for a post-graduation work permit. There is a question on the application that is worrying me: "Have you ever been denied access into Canada?". I find this question tricky as I was not denied access, my belongings were. After putting them in a storage unit I was allowed back through the border less than 24 hours after the incident. Since then I have applied for and received a study permit, and have crossed the border many times since.

What should I check under this question? I want to answer correctly, but I don't want to hinder my chances at approval. Please help!!

Here is the TL;DR Version:
1. Was made to turn around at the border with u-haul before I had my study permit.
2. Was allowed in the very next day with no u-haul.
3. Applied for study permit few months later, accepted with no problems.
4. Crossed border since many times. Am asked to stop but ALWAYS let through.
5. Applying for Post-Graduation Work Permit and don't know what to say in regards to question "Have you ever been denied entry into Canada or another country?"


Thanks for any responses I get!!
-- Worried Student :-[
 

Josh21

Hero Member
Oct 27, 2012
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When in doubt, always go with the option that avoids any ambiguity.

Answer correctly that you were denied and explain the reason. There shouldn't be any problem.

By answering no, you might unintentionally make them think you're a lier.
 

mead

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May 4, 2012
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I would say no ..i think ur over thinking the situation. Did u get any stamp on ur passport or was there any official document given to u about ur denied entry?
 

scylla

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Jun 8, 2010
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mead said:
I would say no ..i think ur over thinking the situation. Did u get any stamp on ur passport or was there any official document given to u about ur denied entry?
Wrong.

She was given the option to withdraw her entry into Canada. This is all recorded in CIC's computers. The answer to the question is definitely yes.
 

Veelia11

Star Member
Aug 8, 2014
62
1
I did not get any stamp on my passport denying my entry, nor was I given any papers to keep (the only paper I was given was to give to the US Border Agent to allow me and my boyfriend back in with the u-haul).
 

Veelia11

Star Member
Aug 8, 2014
62
1
scylla said:
Wrong.

She was given the option to withdraw her entry into Canada. This is all recorded in CIC's computers. The answer to the question is definitely yes.
So if I answer yes: do you think this is a serious enough problem to deny my PGWP?
 

mead

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May 4, 2012
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Veelia11 said:
I did not get any stamp on my passport denying my entry, nor was I given any papers to keep (the only paper I was given was to give to the US Border Agent to allow me and my boyfriend back in with the u-haul).
i may be wrong follow what scylla says
 

pandehz

Star Member
May 11, 2014
65
0
When you were made to turn around with the U-Haul was there any official stamping or documentation provided to you that you have been denied entry?

Did anyone write down anything on any document on that day?
 

pandehz

Star Member
May 11, 2014
65
0
Veelia11 said:
I did not get any stamp on my passport denying my entry, nor was I given any papers to keep (the only paper I was given was to give to the US Border Agent to allow me and my boyfriend back in with the u-haul).

Yes you should mention this and provide details. Lying or hiding info can cause problems.

When I was doing my medicals the doctor asked me if I was a smoker. I said yes coz I knew it might show up in the creatine test or chest x ray somehow.

I asked the doctor if smoking would be an issue for the visa. He said stick with the truth.

Was worried about this for a while but got my visa yesterday.
 

Josh21

Hero Member
Oct 27, 2012
588
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New Delhi
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05-12-2012
Veelia11 said:
So if I answer yes: do you think this is a serious enough problem to deny my PGWP?
Look at this way,

You essentially have to say yes. No second option there.

People have got a PGWP with far worse problems then you so looking at that way you're as safe as can be.

And finally, honestly who is going to reject a pgwp application because your car wasn't allowed into the country a year back? That sounds ludicrous just saying it aloud.
 

Veelia11

Star Member
Aug 8, 2014
62
1
pandehz said:
When you were made to turn around with the U-Haul was there any official stamping or documentation provided to you that you have been denied entry?

Did anyone write down anything on any document on that day?
I have nothing on any of MY documents (nothing stamped on my passport). I was also given a paper to give to the US Border Agent (which he kept) I don't really know if they made any other official documentation of the visit. I am stopped every time I cross the border, however. I have to think it's on my file somewhere, my passport is flagged, I was told so by the agent when I asked why I'm stopped every time I try to enter Canada through the same border (St. Armand).
 

pandehz

Star Member
May 11, 2014
65
0
Veelia11 said:
I have nothing on any of MY documents (nothing stamped on my passport). I was also given a paper to give to the US Border Agent (which he kept) I don't really know if they made any other official documentation of the visit. I am stopped every time I cross the border, however. I have to think it's on my file somewhere, my passport is flagged, I was told so by the agent when I asked why I'm stopped every time I try to enter Canada through the same border (St. Armand).
I would advise to mention it.

In the forms there is usually space to mention details and as your passport is flagged I believe they have info about it.

The VO can read your info and match that you're saying makes sense.

If you don't mention it, this gives them the power to assume anything. That could go sideways.