Hello,
I haven't looked through the topics here yet to see if my case is unique or complicated or even worth consideration, but figure I'll give it a try.
I live in Minnesota (born US citizen) have several friends in Canada and have been visiting there for years without any trouble. Back in 2000 I was "turned back" for a then decade old midemeanor in California (where I was born and raised) I got the court record regarding the matter and carried it with me for years. I crossed in Canada at least 5 times after that, was asked everytime if I've ever been turned back, I said yes and told them what for along with the court record. This last summer I was headed to Newfoundland to visit friends, attempted to cross in at Sault Ste Marie, was directed into the parking area and office where this same misdemeanor popped up again. I pulled out my now 15+year old notorized record showing it has been resolved, and even removed from my record...not good enough. I was thoroughly searched, all but accussed of trying to "pull something" I told the border guards I've been to Canada a dozen times at least since 2000 and never turned back...even 6 weeks before I went to Northern Saskatchewan for the Ness Creek Festival! I was given some paperwork explaining the ARC (and the 6 month processing time!) and that I need that record AGAIN from California...oh, and there's now another minor offense which I need record for (a driving misdemeanor in Wisconsin...16 years old! And no, it's not a DUI. It was speeding in a construction zone, which apparently is more serious in Canada? Or at least serious enough to shut off 60% of the North American continent to those that commit it. I've obtained these records again (trip to California and Wisconsin) I'm ready to download this ARC form online, but truthfully a little disheartened about it all. I know two people who have sent in this form or one like it, ben asked for more information along with processing fees, to then still be denied re-entry. I'm I being cynical to believe that unless the bureaucrats in Canada see some good reason (to them) to allow average joes back into the country for vacations and visits, it's easy enough to just say "nope". I've also heard a rumor that there is a faster way to apply for this? A guy I know works on the ships in the Great Lakes, his past record suddenly became an issue enough to keep him out (after years of no troubles) with his job at stake, he went somewhere on the border of North Dakota to a ref? This is hear-say since a co-worker of a friend that I no longer see enough to get the full story. This all seems so petty to me...who doesn't have a few minor brushes with the law in the US. It's almost impossible NOT to anymore. Any advice appreciated. I really like visiting Canada, almost unimaginable to think I couldn't anymore. Thanks, Brett in Minnesota.
I haven't looked through the topics here yet to see if my case is unique or complicated or even worth consideration, but figure I'll give it a try.
I live in Minnesota (born US citizen) have several friends in Canada and have been visiting there for years without any trouble. Back in 2000 I was "turned back" for a then decade old midemeanor in California (where I was born and raised) I got the court record regarding the matter and carried it with me for years. I crossed in Canada at least 5 times after that, was asked everytime if I've ever been turned back, I said yes and told them what for along with the court record. This last summer I was headed to Newfoundland to visit friends, attempted to cross in at Sault Ste Marie, was directed into the parking area and office where this same misdemeanor popped up again. I pulled out my now 15+year old notorized record showing it has been resolved, and even removed from my record...not good enough. I was thoroughly searched, all but accussed of trying to "pull something" I told the border guards I've been to Canada a dozen times at least since 2000 and never turned back...even 6 weeks before I went to Northern Saskatchewan for the Ness Creek Festival! I was given some paperwork explaining the ARC (and the 6 month processing time!) and that I need that record AGAIN from California...oh, and there's now another minor offense which I need record for (a driving misdemeanor in Wisconsin...16 years old! And no, it's not a DUI. It was speeding in a construction zone, which apparently is more serious in Canada? Or at least serious enough to shut off 60% of the North American continent to those that commit it. I've obtained these records again (trip to California and Wisconsin) I'm ready to download this ARC form online, but truthfully a little disheartened about it all. I know two people who have sent in this form or one like it, ben asked for more information along with processing fees, to then still be denied re-entry. I'm I being cynical to believe that unless the bureaucrats in Canada see some good reason (to them) to allow average joes back into the country for vacations and visits, it's easy enough to just say "nope". I've also heard a rumor that there is a faster way to apply for this? A guy I know works on the ships in the Great Lakes, his past record suddenly became an issue enough to keep him out (after years of no troubles) with his job at stake, he went somewhere on the border of North Dakota to a ref? This is hear-say since a co-worker of a friend that I no longer see enough to get the full story. This all seems so petty to me...who doesn't have a few minor brushes with the law in the US. It's almost impossible NOT to anymore. Any advice appreciated. I really like visiting Canada, almost unimaginable to think I couldn't anymore. Thanks, Brett in Minnesota.
