Refused twice, now what if I'd just like to visit?

[sleddogs17]

Hello All,

I recently made two attempts to enter Canada as a visitor and was refused at the border each time.
I had planned on volunteering at a farm for a month and a half (only recieving room and board as compensation). The first time, they said I needed a work permit to volunteer.

I returned home and did some research; found out that by going as a volunteer through the WWOOF program (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), I should be able to volunteer at a number of farms in CA so long as I didn't stay longer than 4 weeks at a given one. I printed off supporting documents from their website, quotes from Canadian law that were provided as evidence, I got a letter of invitation from my host, proof of funds, etc...

Tried a different port of entry 2 days later (this was moreso out of convenience than thinking it would improve my chances). I ended up spending an hour at Immigration (having answered a SLEW of questions) before the IO told me he was going on lunch and would finish processing me when he got back in 40 mins. He comes back and it's another half hour or so before they even tell me (a different IO) that they aren't letting me through. I try to appeal but they don't care and tell me to go back.

SO, I've been refused twice. I've given up on the idea of volunteering on any farms in Canada but I still have a girlfriend who lives in Quebec, whom I'd like to visit. I've visited her approx. 7 or 8 times in the past without incident.

MY QUESTIONS:

What is the likelihood that I'll be refused again if I try to visit her only a month after being refused twice in a row?

Is the vehicle flagged or would it just be my passport?

 

[Baloo]

It sounds like there is an issue somewhere.
You are flagged, not the specific passport (changing it would make no difference), there may be a note about the car on your file.

You are a citizen from where?

Why did they refuse you entry on the second attempt?

Any criminal background?

Were the successful visits by air?

 

[sleddogs17]

I am a U.S. citizen, New York State

The reason they refused me the second time around was the same as the first; they wanted a work permit. The claim was that while I was going to be volunteering, even just for room and board, I would be depriving a Canadian of the same experience. They also said that their refusal came as a result of looking at the "whole picture", where they reminded me that I'd just been refused two days prior at a different point of entry.

I have a clean background.

My prior successful visits were all by land, though usually through Niagara Region ports of entry, whereas the most recent attempts (and several successful passages over the last year) were at different ports.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Baloo]

Ah ok, I get it,... in their view you are being "paid" in kind (room etc) so, as a visitor is not allowed to work - no entry.

The details of these visits are likely to be kept on file.

When you attempt to enter next time, take as much documentation as you can.
You need to prove that you can support yourself during your stay and that you will leave.
I also suggest that you document a full itinerary for your trip, make sure your girlfriend is fully aware of it.
They may call her to check your story.

Have you checked the CIC Web site about what you need to do when visiting Canada?

 

[sleddogs17]

I have checked the CIC website about visiting. Thanks for the suggestions, Baloo. I will definitely make a point to do an itinerary.

Any notions on whether the car would be recognized in any way (license, vin#) before I even say anything to the customs agent?

 

[Baloo]

I have checked the CIC website about visiting. Thanks for the suggestions, Baloo. I will definitely make a point to do an itinerary.

Any notions on whether the car would be recognized in any way (license, vin#) before I even say anything to the customs agent?

It is likely that a note (regarding the license plate) was made on your file, I do not know if ALPR (licence plate recognition) is used at all border locations, I doubt it, $$$
http://www.canadiansecuritymag.com/CCTV/News/Licence-plate-recognition-tool-used-for-auto-theft-recovery-and-border-security.html

Either way they can look it up, the main point is you may be flagged or have a note on your file. Plan to be pulled over for secondary, be calm and honest.
I guess you know this anyway.

 

[sleddogs17]

Thanks for the help!

 

[macthepak]

Re: student visa rejected,will apply again,,,good idea?

There is something to your story that just does not make sense. Prior to your last 2 refusals you had a good travel history into canada. What reason did you give in the past 7 visits when they asked you why you were visiting?

 

[Baloo]

Re: student visa rejected,will apply again,,,good idea?

There is something to your story that just does not make sense. Prior to your last 2 refusals you had a good travel history into canada. What reason did you give in the past 7 visits when they asked you why you were visiting?

OP stated that the last two visits were specifically to volunteer, the others were not.
Volunteering is sometimes seen as work, from the eyes of an IO.

 

[macthepak]

Re: student visa rejected,will apply again,,,good idea?

I am assuming you are from a visa free country. Why dont you just say you are visiting your girlfriend as per previous visits and than go and enjoy your unpaid study on a organic farm? Now i feel since you have been denied and flagged you have messed up your canadian travel history. From now on you will have to apply for a visa unfortunately.

 

[Baloo]

Re: student visa rejected,will apply again,,,good idea?

I am assuming you are from a visa free country. Why dont you just say you are visiting your girlfriend as per previous visits and than go and enjoy your unpaid study on a organic farm?

Because the OP would be in for a bad time if found out - misrepresentation.



Now i feel since you have been denied and flagged you have messed up your canadian travel history. From now on you will have to apply for a visa unfortunately.

Why would immigration demand that the OP (a person who is visa exempt country) to apply for a visa? Certainly they can ask for a WP, but a visa?