Visiting Canada from US after being denied entry

[cameraguy]

Hello,

I am a US national and would like to visit Canada for a few days. I've visited in the distant past without issues.

Two years ago a client in the US asked me to come up to Canada to work for about a week. I told the CBSA my plans, but lacking a LMO and work permit, they refused to let me enter Canada.

My question is, will all my future visits be suspect because I was denied entry? Do I need to disclose this event every time I visit? How long does the CBSA keep denied entry records?

Thanks for your advice,
Cameraguy

 

[job_seeker]

Hello,

I am a US national and would like to visit Canada for a few days. I've visited in the distant past without issues.

Two years ago a client in the US asked me to come up to Canada to work for about a week. I told the CBSA my plans, but lacking a LMO and work permit, they refused to let me enter Canada.

My question is, will all my future visits be suspect because I was denied entry? Do I need to disclose this event every time I visit? How long does the CBSA keep denied entry records?

Thanks for your advice,
Cameraguy

You don't have to disclose what happened when you were not allowed entry; in all probability you had been "flagged" and it is on record. Being a US national, you don't need a visa to enter Canada as a visitor but you must be able to show proof of ties with the US - job, family, residence. You may be allowed to enter without incident but we don't know how the officers at the POE think so you must come prepared.

 

[cameraguy]

Thanks for that. I can prove residence and job ties to the US with a utility bill and bank statement.

Proving family ties might be a little tricky because they don't send me periodic financial statements.

Will this be on my record forever or does it fall off after a while?

 

[job_seeker]

Thanks for that. I can prove residence and job ties to the US with a utility bill and bank statement.

Proving family ties might be a little tricky because they don't send me periodic financial statements.

Will this be on my record forever or does it fall off after a while?

If you've been "flagged" in the system, it will show each time. But normally, Americans are just waved in.

 

[cameraguy]

Thanks, its a little nerve wracking since I won't know if there's a problem until I'm at a POE.

I appreciate your help and ideas with bringing some bills just in case.

I sure do miss the days of oral declarations.

 

[cameraguy]

No problems crossing the border. The issue did come up but the border guy didn't seem to care.

I had a great time in BC.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[steaky]

congratulation

 

[job_seeker]

No problems crossing the border. The issue did come up but the border guy didn't seem to care.

I had a great time in BC.

Thanks for your advice!

Congratulations!