Traumatizing Experience!!

[Pharoh]

Greetings all,

I just arrived in Canada to visit my fiancee. This is probably my 8th or so visit. I've gotten down the normal routine of speaking with the border people, saying "I'm here to visit my girlfriend for xx days, she lives in Edmonton, she works here, I've taken a couple vacation days from work in the US, this is what I do, etc". The past seven times I've crossed the border (via YEG), there's been no issues. In fact, a couple of times, I didn't even get my passport stamped, they just waived me through.

That all changed a little bit ago. I landed, went to the border kiosk, the guy asked the normal questions "where you from, what are you doing here, for how long, what do you do for work, etc", and then, surprisingly, he said "go and talk to my friends at Immigration..." and pointed across the room, to the CIC office.

I went in to the office as directed, and was immediately drilled by one of the officers, asking a TON of questions, including all the previous questions asked, but also the full spelling of my fiancee's name, her birth date, her employer, when the wedding was, whether we were aware of the legal method of immigrating, how I manage to get so much time off of work, how much time I get per pay period, when the last time was I got paid, etc. I told him I had some of the immigration forms with me (I carry them in my bag), and he asked to see them. I pulled them out, and without even looking, he said "that's okay".

He stamped my passport with a blue stamp, that says Immigration Canada, and below, says V ----------- April 21 2011. I didn't realize it at first, but it would seem to be a 6-month Visa. The guy didn't say he was doing that, or anything. I was actually afraid I'd be denied entry for whatever reason. I was shaking with fear, and asked if I'd done anything wrong. He mumbled something about "they send people over here all the time..." and told me to go on my way...

So, that little blue stamp on the passport... am I correct it's a 6-month Visa? If so, will this make my future entries a bit easier, especially after getting married, and visiting during the immigration process?

I've attached a pic of the stamp, so everyone can see. I'm still feeling scared, like I said something wrong, and that's why the first guy sent me to CIC... but I guess I'm being paranoid? He typed up a bunch of stuff on his computer, too...

Thanks!!

 

[Love_Young]

I wouldn't be too concerned. You were probably just flagged into their records. Since they allowed you to stay, I doubt they typed anything bad in there. They probably just stamped it and interviewed because they were concerned that you would try to stay illegally or wouldn't go back home.

The first and only time I came to Canada I was interviewed the same way you were. This was my first time flying and also the first time flying to a different country. I had no idea about all the rules of borders and all so you can only imagine how scared I was. After begging separated from my husband (boyfriend at the time) for 45 minutes while in the immigration room they gave me a visitor record and a stamp in my passport valid for 3 1/2 months. If you are concerned about extending your stay, don't be. I was still able to be approved for 2 extensions both for 6 months each and now on implied status while waiting for my inland application to be done.

Come to think of it, they probably stamped it because they knew you were submitting a PR application and may need to extend your stay in the future. Most people coming from the US don't get a stamp or visitor record but having that stamp provides proof of your valid status and shows when you arrived when applying for an extension. It comes in handy.

Here is a picture of mine as well. Looks just the same as yours. By the way I am from the US as well. I don't know if that makes any difference to you but I thought I would share it.

 

[Leon]

They have given you a visitor record which will make it easy for you to extend your visit status if you decide to stay in Canada. Since you are working in the US, that is probably not your plan though so then it does not really matter. Next time you come to visit, bring something from your job. If you have to write vacation requests at your job, bring a copy so they see how long you requested vacation and bring your last 3 pay slips. If they know you have a job in the US, they are not so worried about you overstaying in Canada.

 

[robrod]

Welcome to Canada, Pharoh!.
You went through what it's called secondary inspection. That blue stamp they gave you, tells them of it. There are 2 kinds of stamps, that blue one and a black one that has no signature of the officer nor a V_____. With the black one, which is also good for 6 months even though they don't write V_____ nor the officer's signature, it tells them you did not go through secondary inspection.
From now on, you will have to go through secondary inspection all the time. That is what has happened to me. So my advise is next time you go through secondary, be cool, relax and you will be asked all kinds of questions again and more stuff will be input into your file. Like Leon says, it's a good thing because it makes it easier for you to have evidence of when you were allowed to and where, and if you decide to stay in the country for more than 6 months on this visit, they will have the basis to do so as it would be the oppossite if you weren't given one like it happened in the past.
Another positive sign is that after all the drilling, they gave it to you for 6 months. In the past I have been given it for only days, and also weeks. So 6 months is in good faith.
That is not a visitor record, by the way. A visitor record is totally different, it's a document that looks like the visa some nationalities need to enter the country. The visitor record gets stapled over the blue stamp in your passport and it has more restrictions and it's issued when the situation has gotten more complicated and the officers have doubts you will be leaving at the end of your blue stamp stay.
Best of luck!.

 

[potcakes]

It happens to us all, unfortunatly the whole immigration, border check expereince is not an exact science, it depends on the mood of the IO! hence its a different experience each time. The first time I came through I had 2 dogs and 5 suitcases and was evacuating into Canada after hurricane Ike. My fiancee was still in the T and C they couldn't have been nicer, the dogs got the royal treatment! Anyway, now I have to do the 2nd interview all the time, its really no big deal, just make sure you have every scrap of evidence on you, dress smart ( ie no ripped jeans or the grungy look) be humble and asnwer what they ask you (they dont like babbling!) Take a deep breath, you will be fine

 

[HoneyBird]

that happened to me too on my first visit. so no worries. i was scared and could not believe all the questions they asked me about my relationship and hubby (and i am terrible with dates too!) in fact i didnt even look at the passport until recently and noticed the valid date scribbed. Now though getting through to canada is a breeze. however i think that first experience scarred me for life.

 

[Pharoh]

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your responses!! I've given you all a good rating. If I could do more, I would!

So as I understand it, the blue stamp entitles me to a free interrogation from now on when I come up, and this is due to their documenting that I'm no longer just a visitor, but someone who is intending to immigrate in the near future and or in the process of immigrating. As long as I have the proper documentation showing that I will NOT be overstaying my newly granted 6-month visa, they'll let me through just fine?

I created another thread the other day regarding this, but if I end up leaving my job after new years, and decide to wait out the immigration process (outland) with my spouse, will telling the immigration officer that I've left my job cause a huge problem? As long as I show them copies of everything that's been sent to Mississauga/Buffalo, a copy of my latest eCAS, and the receipt for paying for the fees, along with a promise to either apply for a visa extension or leave the country if the process isn't done before my 6 month visa expires... I'll be just fine?

The guy last night wanted to see a copy of my time off request, my latest pay stub, etc, so obviously he wanted to see that I did in fact have a job waiting for me. I'm so afraid that once I don't, they won't allow me in in good faith that I'll renew my visa or leave, if my six months runs out...

 

[scylla]

Pharoh -

If you plan to travel between the US and Canada a number of times before your PR application is finalized, you might also want to look into getting a Nexus pass. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html

Having a Nexus pass means that you're able to by-pass humans at immigration completely and just deal with a computer that scans your retinas and asks you a few questions (then spits out a card). Once in a while you are sent to talk to a real human (randomly). However than happens very rarely. My husband (American) is now landed but spent almost 4 years traveling back and forth frequently between the US and Canada (10+ trips a year). Nexus made that easy. I also have one myself - mainly because I hate the immigration line ups and the airport. I am a huge fan...

Cost is $50 for five years and you can apply online here:

https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/

 

[YorkFactory]

Just so you know (and plan accordingly): a stamp in your passport is not a visa and does not guarantee you re-entry. If you leave Canada and come back, and they subsequently decide that you are a risk to overstay, you may end up being sent back to the U.S., even if it's before April 21, 2011.

 

[matthewc]

So as I understand it, the blue stamp entitles me to a free interrogation from now on when I come up, and this is due to their documenting that I'm no longer just a visitor, but someone who is intending to immigrate in the near future and or in the process of immigrating. As long as I have the proper documentation showing that I will NOT be overstaying my newly granted 6-month visa, they'll let me through just fine?

The stamp is not a visa. You should understand what it actually is, for next time. Citizens of some countries require a visa to enter Canada, which must be obtained before they travel to Canada (permission up front). Others - mostly from, for want of a better word - "rich" countries, do not require a visa. Citizens of these countries are said to be "visa exempt". See here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

Those who need a visa have to have it affixed to their passport before traveling to Canada. Those who are visa-exempt are still subject to the exact same requirements in terms of not working without permission, having a valid reason for visiting Canada, and sufficient funds to support themself for the duration of their stay, but whether they meet the requirements or not is assessed once they arrive at immigration, rather than up-front, at a Canadian visa office outside Canada.

Now, when they arrive, citizens from visa exempt countries have their passport stamped (usually at "primary inspection line") after they have satisified the immigration officer that they meet the requirements. The stamp records the date they entered Canada, and provides proof that they entered legally. That stamp also gives them the proof required of when they entered to extend their stay later should they wish to stay longer than 6 months.

Now, there's an exception which is that immigration officers as a general rule do not stamp the passports of US citizens. I'm not entirely sure, but I believe this stems from the fact that US citizens are the only foreign nationals who do not require a passport to enter Canada - other proof of US citizenship will suffice.

This leads to two interesting things: first, if a US citizen enters Canada completely legally, often they don't have proof of this. Typically this is not a problem, but if - for whatever reason - the US citizen needs to extend their stay in Canada, or change status (e.g. to a work permit) occasionally this causes issues as they cannot prove the date they originally entered Canada, and so cannot prove they haven't been here longer than permitted.

The second issue is the one here - when a US citizen does get their passport stamped, it's a very unusual thing and can cause concern if the immigration officer doesn't explain what it means.

Officers at primary inspection lines are instructed to refer anyone to immigration secondary ("my friend at immigration over there") if they can't complete an inspection quickly, or believe the person needs a more detailed examination. By telling the IO at primary that you are engaged to a Canadian, and plan to immigrate, you gave him an entirely reasonable reason to send you off to immigration secondary, which is what he did.

At secondary, while you may have felt traumatized from all the questions, everything actually went just fine. The main thing the IO wanted to see was that you understand the rules, mostly have everything in place to apply for permanent residency after you get married, and you're not planning to stay (as a visitor) longer than permitted. If he'd had any real concerns, he could have issued a "visitor record" (a piece of paper detailing the conditions of your stay in Canada) and/or also limited your stay to much less than 6 months.

All the IO at immigration secondary actually did - in the end - was record in your passport what is usually only implied, i.e. that US citizens entering as a visitor are permitted to stay up to 6 months. You showed him your PR paperwork, he was happy, he let you in to Canada under exactly the same conditions you're usually let in, and sent you on your way.

Now, the stamp in your passport, while allowing you to stay for up to 6 months, doesn't actually - in terms of the rules - mean anything after you leave Canada again. Next time you enter Canada it's back to square one, in that you're seeking a new entry to Canada as a visitor. However that said, what it may do (if the IO notices it) is alert them to the fact that you were examined in a bit more detail than most US citizens crossing the border last time you came in. It doesn't automatically guarantee you a grilling, but nor does it allow you in automatically. It's one of those things that sort of cuts both ways - it shows them that on a previous visit the IO had cause to question you in detail, but it also shows that you were allowed in just fine. It's possible that when you re-enter within the 6 months of that stamp they'll waive you through... but it's also possible they'll send you to secondary again.

My advice, for what it's worth, is to just treat the next time you enter for a short visit like you always have - carry proof you're getting married and plan to submit the PR application, and also carry proof you're still working back in the US, and intend to go back their after your short visit.

If, on the other hand, you are planning to wait out the PR application in Canada, you'd be wise to play things a little differently. In that case your entry gives them a little more reason to be concerned - you no longer have a job to go back to...

I created another thread the other day regarding this, but if I end up leaving my job after new years, and decide to wait out the immigration process (outland) with my spouse, will telling the immigration officer that I've left my job cause a huge problem? As long as I show them copies of everything that's been sent to Mississauga/Buffalo, a copy of my latest eCAS, and the receipt for paying for the fees, along with a promise to either apply for a visa extension or leave the country if the process isn't done before my 6 month visa expires... I'll be just fine?

Even if you have a PR application in progress, you're still allowed to visit Canada. You'd need to carry proof the application was in progress (e.g. copy of e-CAS and the fees receipt), but also you'll need proof of sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your visit. If you're planning to stay and wait out the PR application, you'll need to show you can support yourself for long enough for the PR app to be completed, e.g. 6 months, without working. If your wife is going to support you during that time, you should carry proof of her work, and a bank statement. It would also be ideal if she was there with you. If you're flying in, at a minimum make sure she's meeting you at the airport, and has a cell phone in case immigration want to talk to her. If all goes well, they will issue you with a visitor record good for a year, enabling you to stay while the PR application is completed. (It's possible they'll just stamp the passport again, and write a 6-month or longer expiry date under the stamp.) Either way, you can then extend your stay inland via CPC vegreville if the PR application isn't completed before your visitor status exprires. See here for more advice about that:

http://us2canada.com/visiting.php
http://us2canada.com/visitorrecord.php

 

[RobsLuv]

They have given you a visitor record which will make it easy for you to extend your visit status if you decide to stay in Canada. Since you are working in the US, that is probably not your plan though so then it does not really matter. Next time you come to visit, bring something from your job. If you have to write vacation requests at your job, bring a copy so they see how long you requested vacation and bring your last 3 pay slips. If they know you have a job in the US, they are not so worried about you overstaying in Canada.

They did not give you a Visitor Record - a VR is an actual document that says "Visitor Record" at the top and spells out all the conditions and terms of your stay, including an expiration date. What you got is a passport stamp - plain and simple. He noted the "expiration date" of the stamp - six months - just to be sure you understood that you're only allowed to stay for six months, and probably to let future officers know that you were made aware of the fact that you can only remain in Canada for six months.

Basically, what a VR, or that passport stamp, does is allows you to apply from within Canada to extend your status - if you're thinking you might want to stay once you're married and wait for your PR application to finalize. But when you leave Canada, that status in invalidated and it won't make it easier for you to enter Canada on subsequent visits - in fact, it could make it more difficult. Best thing you can do from now on is make sure you have "proof" of your ties to home - proof that you have a residence and a job to return to until you have PR status. The reason the guy sent you off to talk to his "friends" is because he became aware of the fact that you have been making multiple entries into Canada because of your relationship and so now, basically, they have a reason to harass you. If you're driving in and out, it might be a good idea to stop on each trip back, right after you re-enter the States, and buy something on your credit or debit card. You can then carry the receipt, and a copy of the statement, with you on your next entry to Canada (and repeat this each trip) to prove that you actually left Canada after only a few weeks/months (whatever's applicable) after entry . . . especially now, with that stamp in the passport. If you can demonstrate that, even though you're coming to Canada frequently, you're consistently leaving again within a reasonable amount of time, they might be less likely to put you through a lengthy interrogation every time you try to come up. If you decide you want to stay together and wait out the PR process once you're married, either don't go back between now and when you marry - and apply to extend that passport stamp BEFORE it's due to expire (you can still apply outland for PR) . . . or leave and then have your spouse accompany you back into Canada when it's time.

 

[Inlandappl]

Dont worry, pharoh I have been enetering Canada many times and sometimes they interview you sometimes not, and the first time i entered they gave me only 1 month(actually i only needed 1 month), the second time, 6 months without even asking 1 question, the 3 rd time lots of questions and 6 months etc etc thats your permit to stay legally until april 2011, you can renew that status before it expires from within Canada if you want

 

[BeShoo]

First of all, don't be traumatized. You should get used to them asking lots of questions because it will happen often in your situation.

Secondly, I'll repeat what others have said just to summarize. That's not a visa, because U.S. citizens are visa-exempt. It only authorizes you to stay for 6 months on this trip. If you stay less than 6 months, you'll start a whole new 6 month period on the next trip, unless for some reason they want to give you less. As a U.S. citizen, you're always allowed to stay for up to 6 months on each visit unless they say otherwise, stamp or no stamp.

 

[Patricksgirls]

I am going through the same issue here! The first time I went through I was waived through, spent three months but left out of Winnepeg for a family emergency. My van was in Edmonton so two weeks later I went up to Winnipeg and got hassled and stamped the blue stamp and the big sheet stating that I was not to work or go to school and could only stay until Sept. 15th. Exactly two weeks. So not even enough time to appeal should I have wanted to stay. He even threatened that if I did not come back in my van there would be more ramifications. The guy freaked me out. He was even asking inappropriate questions like if I slept with my fiance when I was in Canada. Me being the smart ass American started spouting out graffic sexual detail.
The guy called my fiance, my parents and my fiance's sister for crying out loud.

 

[Baloo]

Just so you know a Visitor Record looks like, it says "Visitor Record" at the top and spells out all the conditions and terms of your stay, it also specifies an expiration date.

Here is a sanitized scan of a Visitor record.