Have just done my landing at Cootes AB. Pleased to say was a very straight forward process which I shall recount here;
Rode, yes on Motorcycle taking advantage of unseasonally sunny weather the 250 odd K`s down to Cootes on the Montana border. There is a closer land border post to us , however after phoning CBSA they informed me that only certain posts could do landing, and Cootes was closest to us. Check if you are in a rural(ish) area is my advice before you set off.
Pulled up to American side of border, usual haughty stroppy yank in evidence, very offical. Explained why I was there, massive attitude change, couldn`t have been nicer and more helpful. Was directed into US Customs, where another officer took all my forms and after a few minutes he came back with a form saying I had been refused entry to the USA. On the form was the reason stating that I only wanted re enter Canada to sort out PR. This he said would mean that if I wanted to re enter USA, it would flag up I had been refused entry and this would record why so I wouldn`t have any issues in future. He then escorted me on my bike through US customs and back to Canada.
Once in Canada, explained to CBSA officer at booth what I was doing. Told me to park up outside office and go in, they would sort me out.
Handed passport and COPR Forms to officer, told to take a seat, they would call my name. After about an hour and a half, I was summoned. Officer asked me a few questions to which she obviously already had answers, satisfied whith me being who I said I was, checked COPR form, got me to sign it, produced more paperwork then stamped passport and clipped copy of COPR into it.
Was sent over to customs, ghoods to follow list copied and notated by officer, then got a welcome to Canada, hope your time here is good.
All in all very easy, just the kicking heels round, but we should all be used to waiting.
While I was waiting, two visitors from USA side were being delt with. Listening in on conversation, it went something like this;
CBSA Officer, 'Have you ever been in trouble with the law?"
Man, mummbles something.
CBSA, 'I ask you again, answer yes or no, have you been in trouble with the law?"
Man, mumbles something else.
CBSA, "Have you ever been in jail? Because if you lie to m,e again I will make sure you go back there!"
Needless to say he was refused admission to Canada, don`t ever be tempted to lie to CBSA
;D
