Urgent - Need Help Crossing Border

[epmarshall]

I'm getting the letters and documentation that I can get. I met some really helpful and nice police officers at the greyhound station the border agents forced me to go to. I asked for their advice and a lot of what they said reminded me of rhcohen2014's comments and others here. Basically they all agreed that mentioning the words "permanent resident" really set the agents off more than anything. And that I could return tomorrow with evidence.

They also said that because I don't have a job, I need something else to show US ties. So they told me to say I planned on going back to school. I did one and a half years of college and still have my ID on me. I also added that I could say I help my mom take care of my nieces and nephews (this is true, we have a huge family and some of the children are special needs) and she needs me for that.

All I was trying to do was be perfectly clear but I guess I shouldn't offer up any unnecessary info.

Do people think it's better to let them mention the red flags first or go ahead and mention the elephant in the room tomorrow? Maybe I should just let them say something first since they already know, then just follow it up by saying, "I was unprepared, but brought documents this time." So I will have letters from my boyfriend and his family, their contact info and everything as well as stating financial support (visiting for free basically), my return trip tickets, and info about my ties home taking care of the family if they ask. Does this seem like an adequate enough change?

Also yes I know it really depends on the agent there at the time unfortunately, but just wondering opinions I guess.

 

[impatienthope]

um, in my experience this is not true. As a US citizen, i was issued an exclusion order when i was dating my now husband. i have been pulled into secondary every time i've crossed since it lifted, and i can tell you from experience as a US visa exempt citizen, it is far easier to cross when you are MARRIED and have a PR application in the system. All they do is confirm the application, and they let you in. When they see there is an application submitted, they are less concern with seeing proof of ties, though it's always recommended to have them just in case.

Kindly share your specific experience as a US visa exempt OUTLAND applicant where your border crossing was WORSE than when you were dating your spouse.

I was referring to being married without an application in the system- when you are deciding what to do or compiling the application. The transition stage is very difficult.

 

[Ponga]

Sounds like you've done all that you can do under the circumstances.

Good luck tomorrow! Please let us know how `Round 2' goes.

 

[epmarshall]

Thanks for the well wishes. Not looking forward to tomorrow, but yes I appreciate all the comments and I'll let everyone know how it goes.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Do people think it's better to let them mention the red flags first or go ahead and mention the elephant in the room tomorrow? Maybe I should just let them say something first since they already know, then just follow it up by saying, "I was unprepared, but brought documents this time." So I will have letters from my boyfriend and his family, their contact info and everything as well as stating financial support (visiting for free basically), my return trip tickets, and info about my ties home taking care of the family if they ask. Does this seem like an adequate enough change?

Also yes I know it really depends on the agent there at the time unfortunately, but just wondering opinions I guess.

yes, exactly. let them ask the questions, then you respond. there is no need for elaboration. keep your answers short. most likely they will know the other officer gave you the list, so they probably will mention it. that's when you say, "yes, i have brought the documentation listed. here you go." let them look at whatever they want, and just answer questions that are asked. take deep breathes and good luck!

 

[epmarshall]

Is it wise to show a screenshot or message from my sister as well? She offered to lend me funds for the trip and I could show that in my bank with her description. It just struck me as being helpful as extra financial support, but it might be weird.

Include it or leave it alone? Thanks.

 

[epmarshall]

Another question and thanks again all for continuing to follow. The officers I talked to said that to help with the lack of a job and show evidence of family ties home that I should get my mom to write that letter talking about how I help her out and she needs me to help manage the kids she takes care of daily, sometimes more. Is it okay to just give them the letter showing that I asked my mom to write it for me? I don't know how to approach it. Do I just wait to offer it up? And say, "here I went back and got prepared, I got my mother to write a letter saying she expects and needs me back?"

 

[Caroline T.]

I hope everything goes ok with you! Sorry, I don't really have advice, but I completely understand about being nervous and fidgety and feeling like you've done something wrong when you haven't. I'm your age and I almost got denied entry at a border once for something stupid, and the officer I was with was being sarcastic with me and wouldn't believe me when I told him true things, and I felt it was partly because of my young age, I tried to be normal and honest while I was with him, he did let me in eventually, but was giving me a really hard time for something small, and I totally cried and was upset afterwards, so don't be feel bad about being scared and emotional! I also know, like most people here too, it's really hard to be away from your partner all the time and I'd go crazy if I were you and got denied entry (and I'm a relatively calm person normally). Good luck with it!

 

[rhcohen2014]

Is it wise to show a screenshot or message from my sister as well? She offered to lend me funds for the trip and I could show that in my bank with her description. It just struck me as being helpful as extra financial support, but it might be weird.

Include it or leave it alone? Thanks.

i'd say leave it alone, and only use it if they question your financial support. in my experience at the border, they don't care about bank accounts, cars, belongings or family back in the us. in cic's eyes, these don't help prove ties to the us, because they assume people are willing to leave all that behind to be with their significant other. again, generally the biggest ties are going to be employment and housing.

Another question and thanks again all for continuing to follow. The officers I talked to said that to help with the lack of a job and show evidence of family ties home that I should get my mom to write that letter talking about how I help her out and she needs me to help manage the kids she takes care of daily, sometimes more. Is it okay to just give them the letter showing that I asked my mom to write it for me? I don't know how to approach it. Do I just wait to offer it up? And say, "here I went back and got prepared, I got my mother to write a letter saying she expects and needs me back?"

yes, that may be helpful in proving your ties, because it shows "work" you are commited to. she can even write that you live with her, and you will be returning home by x date. When it comes to your "proof" it's a good idea to just leave the pile alone until they ask for it. make sure to always have it with you, and then when they start questioning you, pull it out and say "here you go. this is this, this is that...". Again, it's not wise to offer up anything until it is specifically asked for.

 

[scylla]

Did it work? Were you able to successfully enter Canada today? (Hope so.)

 

[epmarshall]

Hi everyone, sorry for the late response. I got in, which was awesome and have been getting set up for a nice visit. Border day 2 was much better than day one. The officer I got was totally reasonable and didn't even ask me that much and wasn't grilling me like the first one. Thanks to all for the support, it helped keep me sane being able to check here and stuff.

He did ask about my previous denial and I just explained I lacked documentation but that I brought it today. He briefly looked at the things I brought and seemed satisfied. Also, he did ask about PR, to which I tried to give just a straightforward answer as honest as possible without dwelling too much on it. I said something like I had thought about it, but at the moment it wasn't really on the table, which is true. I'm just visiting for the week right now.

Basically, a few things I've learned from this ordeal. Never ever say the words "permanent resident." Also, try to remain as calm as possible because that's the reason I was flagged mainly I think. I seemed suspicious because my nerves were flaring up. I was able to be more calm with evidence in hand.

One other thing I would like to mention. I received a lot of help from the transit police group at the Buffalo Greyhound station. They did so much for me and helped me feel prepared going back. The main police guy kind of filled me in on things and said your goal is to just get in. Don't mention PR or visitor visa or anything. They try and stop people from getting in by creating extra rules and saying things are illegal when they aren't just because they can't really stop you from doing these things like getting PR once you are in. But they were extremely helpful and if you're ever stranded in the Buffalo Greyhound station, get help from them. They went way out of their way to help out and I appreciated it greatly.

 

[epmarshall]

Another useful piece of advice that a lot of people have given me in this thread was echoed by the transit policeman. He said basically let them do the talking and give short answers to their questions. Just tell them what you need to and stay calm. I didn't bring up the denial until the border officer asked me about it. They can already see anyway, so I figured it was just best to let them ask.

Also when the border officer asked why they denied me, I said lack of documentation and that I was nervous. Bringing up the nervous aspect seemed to help, I think. Anyway, thanks again everyone for the comments and advice. I definitely learned a lot from this ordeal and feel more informed for th next border crossing.

 

[Kayaker]

Congratulations!!!

I'm so glad you were able to be reunited with your boyfriend. And thanks for updating us all! I'm sure your thread will be very useful to someone in the future who is in a similar situation!

Good luck!

 

[epmarshall]

When it comes to your "proof" it's a good idea to just leave the pile alone until they ask for it. make sure to always have it with you, and then when they start questioning you, pull it out and say "here you go. this is this, this is that...". Again, it's not wise to offer up anything until it is specifically asked for.

And yes, this. The police transit guy said this as well and helped me organize my evidence accordingly.

 

[scylla]

Glad it worked out!

Note that if you end up wanting you extend your visit from within Canada - you'll need to have a US passport. You may want to start the process of applying for one now. To the best of my knowledge you should be able to do this from within Canada.