Location: Brampton, ON - Canada
Posted on: 21-12-08 14:06:36
Hi Friends,
Can any Canadian Citizen please help me by giving advise regarding crossing the border going to USA for xmas holidays, I have never crossed the border since I became a Citizen and would like to know the procedure and documents needed to cross the border also which way is easier to cross the border - is it by train, driving or by flying - your help and advise would be greatly appreciated, kindly please help me ASAP, I can also be reached at
647-839-0038.
Thank you very much in advance,
Parag
Location: God's own country
Posted on: 21-12-08 17:59:04
Parag,
It is no big deal. As long as you are a Citizen of Canada, it is just like you are crossing provinces (as long as you donot have a criminal record).
You will either need your passport (cdn.) or Citizenship card + Drivers licence to cross the border. the border guard will ask for the things mentioned above and will ask you the reason. Tell him the exact reason (anything. As you are cdn. citizen, it does not matter whatever be the reason) and he will ask you some questions (if at all) and then you are free to go. No stamping in the passport or anything.
For eg. if you say that you will be going to Raleigh, NC to stay with your friend, the max. he may ask you is the address and phone number (that is only at the extreme case) and not even proof to show that this is true. He will ask you for sure when you plan to return and you must tell a date within 6 months.
It is actually a piece of cake and hence no big deal. Try to take some American dollars for the toll/ fee that may be asked. It is just a couple of dollars.
I hope you know that you can use your Credit cards that you use in Canada also in USA and just like in Canada, almost every store in USA accept credit cards (even though issued in Canada). Try to take your driver's licence/ passport with you as they might ask for photo Id. while using your credit card.
All the best
Peace by TK
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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.
Location: Brampton, ON - Canada
Posted on: 21-12-08 18:13:49
Thank you very much for the detailed reply, please tell me is it easy to cross border via train, plane or driving, i heard its very easy via train, also the main concern i am asking is that i was rejected entry once when i was a canaidan PR and indian passport holder they thought i might stay there and not come back so they didnt let me got when i was on indian passport but ever since i got canadian passport i have never tried going accross, so what are my chances please give me some suggestion.
thank you very much,
parag
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 21-12-08 19:48:45
Regardless of mode of transportation, if they swipe your passport and something comes up, they might ask you further questions. Being rejected once does not mean rejection again (since it is not for criminal reasons). Since the previous rejection was based on the suspicion you may not return, you could take few supporting documents that demonstrate your ties to Canada and show them if they start digging for more info. You need not volunteer info other than what they ask for.
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Dimple2001
Location: Brampton, ON - Canada
Posted on: 21-12-08 20:39:55
thank you very much for the information, how was your experience so far? please advise, if they scan the passport how can they get previous details about my indian passport as i was rejected on indian passport and now i have canadian passport please suggest.
thanks a lot.
parag
Location: Western Hemisphere
Posted on: 21-12-08 20:57:44
My best guess is the records are kept against your name, date of birth and not necessarily your nationality. Again, you weren't turned around due to criminal reasons, rather due to "officers' discretion" based on your situation at that time. It's like visa rejection at the consulate. People can and do apply multiple times and the situation is assessed as is, at the present time. I haven't been turned around, so I don't have any personal experience.
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Dimple2001
Location: Brampton, ON - Canada
Posted on: 21-12-08 21:00:24
so which way do u normally travel? I have heard that if we travel by train they come inside and check the passports thats all only if they have any doubts they take u to the office is that true? do they scan the passport all the time while driving or flying i am just too nervous and scared. please advise.
thanks a lot,
parag
