Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 14-11-08 10:18:38
Quote:
Originally posted by icecube
Thanks Dimple,TK and all those who answered my query.
I spoke to the US Immigration officials and they said that if I don't have the right documents to enter US, there is an official turnaround process which takes 4hrs to complete and they will make me return to Canada for insufficient docs.
I didn't tell in the query, actually my mother is taking Greyhound to travel to Detroit from Toronto. I thought of not going with her since I won't be of any help, instead I am writing a letter to the Immigration Officials to issue her a visa. Also, I wrote all the details of I-94 Card which they need to fill before entering US, I will talk to the Greyhound co-passengers or the driver to fill the I94 card on her behalf.
Any more tips to make her journey comfortable and hassle free. Appreciate your response.
Thanks Again...Dimple,TK...please respond
You are welcome !
I noticed you said you will request officials to issue her a visa. I am not sure what you meant, but, a stamped visa can only be obtained at a US consulate and will not be issued at the port of entry.
This is how it works for bus passengers. The bus pulls over near the door of the secondary inspection area. No questions are asked at the immigration booth (i.e., primary inspection area). All the passengers get off the bus and enter the secondary area and line up. The bus driver walks in and reports to the immigration officer the total number of passengers in the bus. The passengers are asked to walk over to the officer's desk one at a time who then inspects the documents and asks as many questions as he/she deems fit.
For a person with a stamped visa in the passport, an I-94 needs to be filled out followed by the person getting fingerprinted and photographed. It is very highly unlikely that the driver would fill out I-94 details for someone. Your mom might be able to request assistance from other passengers, but the passengers get on the bus as soon as they are done with the immigration officer.
If for any reason, your mom is unable to process her entry within a reasonable time or requires to wait for additional processing, the bus WILL NOT WAIT and will leave. So, please ensure she is provided with everything that would expedite her entry.
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Dimple2001
Thanks again,
Actually I mean to say the “Entry” on the passport as she already has 10yr visa on her passport. Do they usually give the I94 card in the bus or one has to fill out after getting out from the bus?
In case she has to wait for additional processing and say the bus leaves, is there any other means of transportation (Cab or Shuttle buses) for her to go the Greyhound station in Detroit. Actually my sister is going to pick her up from the Greyhound Detroit. Is it a good idea to her my cell phone, and if they mail my cell phone back from US, would they also have to pay customs on the phone. I know, just a bit too many questions….but appreciate your response.
Do they have the biometric finger printing facility at the Detroit-Windsor border? She returned the I94 when she was coming to Canada. My mother stayed with me in Canada for more than six months, in fact she applied for extension here in Canada but she is leaving before any decision is made. Would this have any bearing on the entry to US? Appreciate your responses. Thanks Dimple …once more…
hi Icecube,
The rules have changed now , you dont fill I- 94 urself. The border agents gives you a computrized I-94 and they charge you $6 US dollars.
Make sure she has $ 6 US dollar handy, as they dont accept canadian dollar.Other Option is Credit card.
I hope this will help.
Location: God's own country
Posted on: 14-11-08 12:37:26
Ice cube,
As you know, entry to the USA is a privilage and not a right. I hope you have the correct documentation that your sister in USA will take care of your mother. By what you are saying, it looks like your mother is holding an Indian passport with a visa to Canada and USA. If it were me, I would assume that she has just 50% chance of entering the USA b'cos she has to back up her reason for entry to the USA and exit from the USA with solid facts. Now she canot reenter Canada (even if entry to USA is rejected) and once the visa officer comes to know of this, I am sure that he will demand the flight ticket to be shown/details of where and with whom she will stay in ISA which will reinforce that she will exit from USA.
If your sister is a green card holder in USA, Can she come to the port of entry for USA (by crossing into Canada and going back) and then help your mother (or even come to Toronto to take her back).
Based on what you have mentioned right now, I think it will need a lot more attention to be paid rather than assuming that she will be admitted into the USA.
In extreme cases (where the US officials want to ask more questions and she is not able to understand and reply), they will get an interpreter over the phone and do a conference call.
With the cellphone, try to be a bit careful as once you are in the immigration area, US networks take over and It charged me like $2 a min on my prepaid fido card and I lost $20 in just 10 minutes.
Other CD's can help you on other points as well as can refute my points if it wrong as per my understanding.
Peace by TK
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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.
Thanks TK and TigerCanada….
TK, you really scared me man, I was sure that she wouldn’t be having any problem at the Port of entry as she has her return ticket to India. My sister who is in the US is currently on H4 (Dependant on H1B). She cannot come to Canada as she has no visa, but she is planning to come to Detroit to pick her up from Greyhound. I think I mentioned this before my mother cannot speak English, having translators would greatly help.
But TK, do you think she will really have some problem entering the US. Thanks TigerCanada for the info about I-94, I will make sure she has that six dollar handy. Please guys …any other info would be great help….She is leaving tomorrow.
Thanks,
Ice Cube
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 14-11-08 14:43:59
Quote:
Originally posted by tigercanada
hi Icecube,
The rules have changed now , you dont fill I- 94 urself. The border agents gives you a computrized I-94 and they charge you $6 US dollars.
Make sure she has $ 6 US dollar handy, as they dont accept canadian dollar.Other Option is Credit card.
I hope this will help.
Hey thanks. This fact completely slipped my mind.
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Dimple2001
